Looking at natural gas devices might be a way to reduce your bills while experiencing gains in performance and productivity.
Natural gas abundant in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and shale gas is viewed as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be viewed as the greener choice.
If you already have natural gas installed at home, or are completing a new house you may wish to think about the potential advantages of gas home appliances and natural gas appliances. Find more information about gas appliances below from College Station Appliance Repair:
What are Gas Home Appliances?
A gas appliance employs natural gas as the main power source. These devices afford a workable alternative to electrically powered goods.
In general you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The amount of electricity used depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a gas cooker will still operate even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas clothes dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.
A List of Appliances That Operate Using Natural Gas
Natural gas has a great many purposes in your home.
Proving Heat
Providing heat with gas is typically less expensive than keeping warm with electricity. Your outgoings could be cut in half depending on your energy costs and efficiency.
Natural gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.
Fireplaces
Aside from keeping your home warm gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the hassle.
Keeping Cool
Gas can offer an efficient method to keep cool, even if there is a power cut.
Natural gas air conditioning could be a higher price to install but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Better efficiency has the added upside of lowering your C02 emissions.
Heating Water
Gas water heaters come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more efficient than electric water boilers. On-demand water heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big household that indulges in long showers.
The fact that natural gas lines are generally underground and sheltered from the weather ensures you still have heating even if there’s a power outage.
Preparing Food
Most people have come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line conceived to link the use of natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.
Clever marketing or not the phrase is used today because it is valid. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose gas for the ability to vary the temperature, and gas stoves provide a much more efficient way of converting fuel into heat.
Tumble Dryers
Gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to drying clothes, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers dry clothes at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in less time.
Outdoor Entertaining
Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? Outside the home, gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your pool.
Wow friends as soon as they arrive with driveway lights, keep them warm 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 water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters give ambiance as well as providing heat for the best indoor-outdoor entertaining.
Pros of Gas Home Appliances
With any decision you make it’s best investigate the pros and the cons. First up the benefits.
- Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual energy costs.
- Natural gas devices tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an eco-friendly option as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide 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 heat water even if the power goes out.
Disadvantages of Gas Appliances
- Natural gas home appliances usually have a higher initial outlay. Both the price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be higher.
- Having a gas line installed can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before deciding.
- Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive so this should always be included in any price analysis.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas devices are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use gas in your home.
Should You Choose Gas?
Making the choice between gas and electricity is not easy and the right choice for you might not be the right choice for everyone.
Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the price is your main motivation this can be a major factor in the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t already have one is a good first step.
Another reason to choose natural gas is reliability of supply. If power cuts happen often in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can count for a lot.
Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Installing renewable energy could be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.