Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to gas home appliances may be a way to reduce your bills at the same time as experiencing gains in performance and productivity.

There is a plentiful supply of shale gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and gas is looked upon as the cleanest fossil fuel, thus, it can be regarded as the greener choice.

If you already have a natural gas line at home, or are buying a new house you should think about the potential gains of natural gas appliances and gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Elroy Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Home Appliance?

A gas appliance uses natural gas as the primary power source. These goods are a practicable substitute for electrically powered devices for heating your living space, heating water, heating food and even cooling your home and laundry.

In many instances gas devices still require an electricity supply but use gas as the major source of power. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas cooker will still operate even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas tumble dryer still relies upon electrical components.

A List of Home Appliances That Operate Using Gas

Natural gas isn’t just for cooking.

Proving Heat

Providing heat with gas is generally less expensive than heating your home using electricity. Your expenditure could be cut in half depending on your energy prices and efficiency.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is a huge benefit if you for winter power outages

An Indoor Fire

Aside from heating natural gas is great for having a fire in your home.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a natural gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and plenty of warmth without the hassle.

Air Conditioning

Natural gas can offer an adept means to keep cool.

Gas fueled air conditioning may be more costly to begin with but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Superior efficiency has the added benefit of lowering your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

There are two styles of gas water boilers, non-tank and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more productive than electric water heaters. On-demand heaters also provide a continuous supply.

The fact that gas lines are generally dug into the ground and guarded from the elements means you will still have the ability to shower even when you don’t have electricity.

Cooking

Most people have heard the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great marketing strategy created to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying stuck because it is valid. Most chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ability to vary the temperature, and natural gas stoves provide a less wasteful way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas tumble dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is a great power source for patio lights and cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.

Impress friends as soon as they arrive with outdoor lights, keep them cosy on cool evenings and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas fire pits set the mood as well as providing comfort for the best outside living.

Pros of Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it’s best weight up the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.

Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual energy bills.
Natural gas devices tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Natural gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to heat your home even if you get a power outage.

Cons of Natural gas Appliances

Natural gas home appliances tend to are subject to a higher initial investment. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a natural gas appliance when comparing to electrical alternatives.
Having a natural gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be costly. The cost will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your provider before making a final decision.
Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas appliances are not installed correctly or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you might not be the optimal 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 gas, retrospectively installing natural gas is expensive. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

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

Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.