Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to natural gas home appliances might be a way to save money while seeing higher levels of performance and productivity.

Shale gas is in plentiful supply in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and natural gas is looked upon as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the environmentally responsible option.

If you already have a natural gas line in your house, or are buying a new home you should look at the probable gains of switching to natural gas and natural gas appliances. Find more information about gas appliances below from Apex Joliet Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Home Appliances?

A gas device uses natural gas as the primary fuel source. Natural gas appliances present a great substitute for electrical goods.

In most cases natural gas devices still require an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the major fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas range will still work even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas dryer still needs electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Devices That use Natural Gas.

Natural gas can have many uses in your home.

Proving Heat

Providing heat with natural gas is generally less expensive than providing heat using electricity. Your expenditure could be cut in half subject to your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas heats the air faster and offers better reliability.

Fireplaces

As well as keeping your home warm natural gas is great for a log fire with real flames. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the mess.

Keeping Cool

Gas can be an effective means to keep cool.

Natural gas powered air conditioning can be more costly to begin with but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Superior effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

There are two styles of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are more rapid and more efficient than their electric counterparts. On-demand water heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big family that appreciates long showers.

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

Cooking Food

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

Regardless of the origin the saying is still around because it is accurate. Most chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can vary the size of the flame, and gas ranges also offer a much more efficient way of converting fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to drying clothes, however, natural gas tumble dryers have many advantages. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Entertaining

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

delight guests as soon as they arrive with path lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature falls and get the food cooking outside, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And natural gas fire pits set the mood as well as providing warmth for perfect outside entertaining.

Pros of Gas Appliances

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

Gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual power bills.
Natural gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an environmentally responsible selection as it is viewed as the least polluting of the fossil fuels, contributing 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 the power goes out.

Disadvantages of Gas Home Appliances

Gas home appliances usually require a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be higher.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also be expensive.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas devices are not properly installed or regularly maintained. making sure you have 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 best choice for you probably won’t be the optimal choice for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the cost is your main motivation this can be a big part of the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, converting to gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

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

Lastly, in environmental terms, while natural gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.