Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to natural gas home appliances may be a way to lower expenditures while experiencing higher levels of performance and productivity.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and shale gas is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, thus, it can be viewed as the least environmentally damaging option.

If you already have gas installed in your house, or are completing a new home you may wish to look at the likely gains of switching to gas and natural gas appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from Long Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas device makes use of gas as the dominant power source. Natural gas goods are a practicable alternative to electrical home appliances.

In most situations natural gas devices nonetheless will need an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the main fuel. The amount of electric needed depends on how the appliance works. For example, a gas boiler will produce hot water even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas tumble dryer still needs electrical components to make the drum turn.

Different Gas Appliances

Gas is not just for cooking.

Proving Heat

Keeping yourself warm with gas is generally less expensive than providing heat with electricity. Your outgoings could be cut in half depending on your fuel tariffs and efficiency.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.

An Indoor Fire

Aside from heating natural gas is ideal for having a fire in your home. With a gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and plenty of warmth without the fuss.

Keeping Cool

Natural gas can offer an efficient means to keep your home cool.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is better value to run and maintain meaning savings in the long term. Superior efficiency has the added upside of lowering your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are faster and more productive than their electric substitutes. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally hidden and sheltered from the elements means you will still have hot water even if there’s a power outage.

Cooking

Everyone has come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great advertising line created to link natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the saying is used today because it is valid. A great many chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can control the heat, and natural gas stoves are also a less wasteful way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You may not immediately think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, gas clothes dryers have many advantages. They work at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a popular choice for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

Impress friends before they even get out of the car with driveway lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature falls and get the food cooking outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And gas patio heaters offer atmosphere as well as offering comfort for luxurious outside entertaining.

Benefits of Gas Home Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to natural gas appliances. Here are some of the advantages.

Choosing gas will reduce your energy bills.
Natural gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them better for your wallet and for the planet.
Gas is an ecologically sound option as it is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still heat your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Natural gas Appliances

Gas appliances usually require a higher initial outlay. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be higher.
Having a natural gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your energy company before making a final decision.
Moving or extending a gas line can also require a big outlay so this should be added to any cost benefit analysis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

Making the choice between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the best choice for you may not be the right decision for everyone.

If your main driver is cost natural gas is for the time being the lower priced fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose gas is stability of supply. If power outages are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can be a huge benefit.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas home appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be more cost-effective and more sustainable options in the long run.