Gas Appliances

Looking at natural gas devices might be an option to save money while seeing increases in comfort and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable prices, and natural gas is viewed as the least polluting fossil fuel, therefore, it can be seen as the least environmentally damaging alternative.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are completing a new house you should consider the possible gains of using more natural gas and natural gas home appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances here from Hoboken Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Appliances?

A gas home appliance employs natural gas as the primary fuel source. Natural gas devices present a practicable alternative to electrically powered home appliances.

Usually you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The quantity electric used depends on how the appliance works. E.g, a natural gas water heater will provide hot water even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a gas dryer still needs electricity.

Types of Natural Gas Home Appliances

Gas is about more than heating.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas is usually less expensive than heating using electrical appliances. The difference can be as much as 50% subject to your energy costs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.This is a big plus if you for winter power outages

An Indoor Fire

Aside from keeping your home warm natural gas is perfect for having a fire in your home. With a natural gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a warm home without the fuss.

Air Conditioning

Gas can offer an effective means to cool your home.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is cheaper to run and maintain meaning cost savings in the long term. Superior efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Gas water heaters come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are more rapid and more efficient than their electric alternatives. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big family that appreciates long showers.

The fact that gas lines are almost always underground and protected from the elements means you will still have heating even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

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

Regardless of the origin the phrase is still around because it is valid. The majority of chefs choose natural gas for the ability to vary the size of the flame, and natural gas ranges provide a much more efficient way of turning energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You might not instantly think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, gas dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers operate at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time.

Using Gas Outside

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. Outside the home, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and outdoor cooking and even to heat your pool.

Wow your guests before they even get out of the car with driveway lights, keep them warm on cool evenings and get food cooked outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And gas patio heaters set the mood as well as providing comfort for luxurious indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Pros of Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. First up the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

  • Choosing gas will cut your energy bills.
  • Natural gas devices tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
  • Gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is considered the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
  • Natural gas lines are generally run underground making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can continue to heat water even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Disadvantages of Natural Gas Appliances

  • Gas home appliances tend to have a higher initial investment. Both the price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
  • Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The price will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your supplier before deciding.
  • Having a gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount so this should be added to any price analysis.
  • Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas devices are not properly installed or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the decision between gas and electricity is not easy and the optimal choice for you probably won’t be the best choice for everyone.

Currently gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the cost 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 gas, switching to gas comes at a cost. Therefore, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another key advantage of gas is reliability of supply. If power failures are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can be a big plus.

Finally, in environmental terms, while natural gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy could be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances