Thinking about gas devices may be a good option to save money while experiencing increases in comfort and efficiency.
Shale gas abundant in the United States resulting in low, stable equivalent prices, and shale gas is viewed as the least polluting fossil fuel, thus, it can be regarded as the greener option.
If you already have natural gas installed at home, or are completing a new dwelling you might consider the likely benefits of natural gas devices and natural gas household appliances. Read more about gas appliances here from Westminster Appliance Repair:
What is a Gas Home Appliance?
A natural gas device makes use of gas as the main power source. These home appliances are a workable alternative to electrical home appliances.
In many situations gas appliances nevertheless require an electricity supply but use gas as the major fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas boiler will work even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas tumble dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.
A List of Home Appliances That Operate Using Gas
Gas has any number of uses in your home.
Proving Heat
Keeping yourself warm with gas is usually less expensive than keeping warm with electricity. Savings can be as high as 50% subject to your fuel costs and relative efficiency gains.
Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is a big plus if you for winter power outages
Fireplaces
Aside from keeping your home warm gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the fuss.
Cooling Your Home
Natural gas air conditioners can be an effective method to keep your home cool.
Gas air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Higher effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Hot Water
There are two styles of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more productive than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand.
The fact that gas lines are usually underground and protected from the weather means you will still have the ability to wash even when there’s a power outage.
Preparing Food
Most people have encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing strategy conceived to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the origin the phrase has stuck around because it is valid. A great many chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ability to control the heat, and natural gas hobs provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.
Dryers
You may not instantly think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers heat the air at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time.
Outdoor Living
Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, gas is a popular choice for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your spa.
Impress guests before they even get out of the car with outdoor lighting, keep them toasty even when the temperature falls and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas patio heaters give atmosphere as well as offering warmth for luxurious outside living.
Pros of Gas Appliances
With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. Here are some of the advantages of choosing Natural Gas.
- Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
- Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them better for your wallet and for the planet.
- Natural gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
- Gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to cook even if you get a power outage.
Negatives of Natural gas Appliances
- Natural gas devices generally require a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater for a gas appliance when comparing to electrical appliances.
- Having a natural gas line installed can be expensive. The amount will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
- Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive so this should be added to any cost benefit analysis.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas home appliances are not installed correctly or regularly maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.
Is a Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?
Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the right choice for you probably won’t be the optimal decision for everyone.
If your main driver is cost natural gas is at the moment the least expensive option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, switching to gas comes at a cost. Thus, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.
Another reason to choose gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can be a huge benefit.
Finally, the eco-friendly credentials of natural gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Opting for renewable energy may turn out to be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.