Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to natural gas appliances may be a good option to save money while experiencing gains in ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a abundant supply of gas in the US meaning that prices per unit are low and stable, and shale gas is relatively the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the environmentally responsible alternative.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are completing a new house you may wish to think about the possible benefits of choosing gas and natural gas appliances. Read more about gas appliances here from Livermore Appliance Repair Pros:

What are Natural Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas appliance runs on gas as the main power source. Natural gas appliances present a viable substitute for electrical goods for heating your house, heating water, heating your food and even air conditioning and tumble drying.

In most instances gas home appliances nevertheless will need an electrical outlet but use gas as the main fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas boiler will produce hot water even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.

A List of Devices That use Gas.

Gas can be used for more than cooking.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with gas typically costs less than heating your home with electricity. Your costs could be cut in half subject to your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas heats the air in less time and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.

A Fireplace

Apart from keeping your home warm gas is great for a fireplace.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a gas fireplace, you still get that open fire feeling and a warm home without the hassle.

Cooling

Gas air conditioners can be an effective means to keep cool, even if there is a power cut.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning could be a higher price to install but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Natural gas water boilers come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more fuel efficient than their electric counterparts. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand. Invaluable if you have a big family that indulges in long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually dug into the ground and guarded from the elements ensures you will still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

We’ve all encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great marketing line conceived to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the saying has stuck around because it is valid. Most chefs and home cooks choose gas for the fact that they can control the size of the flame, and natural gas stoves also offer a much more efficient way of converting energy into heat.

Dryers

You might not instantly think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas clothes dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers heat the air at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in less time.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is often used for patio lights and cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.

delight friends before they even reach the front door with driveway lighting, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get dinner ready outside, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric heater. And gas patio heaters set the mood as well as giving comfort for luxurious outside living.

Advantages of Natural Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas home appliances. First up the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing natural gas will save you money on your energy bills.
Natural gas appliances tend to use less energy making them more sustainable for your wallet and for the planet.
Natural gas is an environmentally responsible option as it is the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Natural gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can still heat water even if there’s no electricity supply.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Natural Gas Appliances

Gas devices usually require a higher initial cost. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater for a natural gas appliance when comparing to electrical alternatives.
Having a gas line installed can be expensive. The price will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your energy company before deciding.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive so this should always be added to any cost comparisons.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal choice for you may not be the best choice for everyone.

If your main driver is cost natural gas is at the moment the lower priced fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, retrospectively installing gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a 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 in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power cuts can be a big plus.

Finally, in environmental terms, while natural gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.