Gas Appliances

Thinking about gas home appliances could be a good option to save money at the same time as seeing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the US meaning that costs are low and stable, and gas is considered to be the cleanest non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be viewed as the most eco-friendly alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are completing a new home you may wish to think about the likely gains of using more gas and natural gas appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances below from Like-New Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas device makes use of gas as the primary power source. These devices are a workable substitute to electrical home appliances.

Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The quantity electricity used depends on the type of appliance. For example, a gas stove can still be used even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas tumble dryer still requires electrical components.

Examples of Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas can have any number of purposes in your house.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with gas is typically less expensive than providing heat using electricity. Savings can be as high as 50% depending on your energy costs and relative efficiency gains.

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

Fireplaces

Aside from general heating natural gas is ideal for having a fire in your home. With a gas fire, you still get real flames and a focal point without the mess.

Keeping Cool

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

Gas powered air conditioning are often a higher price to install but is better value to run and maintain meaning cost savings in the long term. Better performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of natural gas water heaters, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand. Which is useful if you have a big family that indulges in long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually underground and guarded from the weather means you still have the ability to shower even if you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

Everyone has encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line designed to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying has stuck around because it is valid. The majority of chefs choose natural gas for the ease with which you can vary the heat, and natural gas ranges are also a much more efficient way of converting fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

Gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to drying clothes, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. They dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time.

Outdoor Entertaining

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor living, gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your pool.

Impress your guests before they even get out of the car with path lights, keep them cosy on cool evenings and get the food cooking outside at the perfect temperature, 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 fast as an electric equivalent. And natural gas fire pits provide ambiance as well as giving warmth for luxurious indoor-outdoor living.

Pros of Gas Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to gas home appliances. Here are some of the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing gas will save you money on your power bills.
Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them better for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly option as it is viewed as the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of 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 continue to heat your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Cons of Gas Appliances

Natural gas devices tend to are subject to a higher initial investment. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Having a gas line installed can be costly. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your energy company before making a final decision.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the right choice for you may not be the right choice 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 gas, switching to natural gas comes at a cost. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another key advantage of gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in 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, the sustainability credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.