Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to gas home appliances could be a good option to reduce your bills while experiencing gains in performance and productivity.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the US meaning that costs are low and stable, and shale gas is relatively the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the least environmentally damaging option.

If you already have a gas line at home, or are building a new home you might think about the likely benefits of switching to gas and gas household appliances.

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

What are Natural Gas Appliances?

A gas device runs on gas as the dominant fuel source. Natural gas home appliances afford a great alternative for electrically powered goods for heating your living space, providing hot water, heating food and even cooling your home and tumble drying.

Usually you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas water heater will still work even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas tumble dryer still relies upon electrical components to make the drum turn.

Types of Natural Gas Appliances

Gas can be used for more than heating.

Keeping You Warm

Providing heat with gas usually costs less than providing heat using electrical heaters. Your outgoings could halve depending on your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is a big plus if you if you get power cuts

Fireplaces

As well as heating 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 fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and a focal point without the fuss.

Air Conditioning

Gas can offer an adept way to cool your home, even if there is a power outage.

Natural gas powered air conditioning can be more costly to install but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning lower prices in the long term. Superior efficiency has the added upside of reducing your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Natural gas water boilers come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than their electric substitutes. Tankless heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually dug into the ground and guarded from the weather means you can still have heating even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

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

Clever marketing or not the saying stuck because it is accurate. A great many chefs and amature cooks choose gas for the ability to control the heat, and gas ranges also offer a much more efficient way of turning fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, natural gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in a shorter time.

Outdoor Entertaining

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.

Wow guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lights, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the worry of remembering 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 equivalent. And natural gas patio heaters offer atmosphere as well as offering comfort for the best indoor-outdoor living.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

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

Choosing natural gas will reduce your energy bills.
Gas devices tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to cook even if the power goes out.

Cons of Gas Home Appliances

Gas devices generally are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a gas appliance when comparing to electrical goods.
Having a natural gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The price 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.
Moving or extending a gas line can also be expensive.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the best choice for you may not be the best decision for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is currently the cheaper option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, converting 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 benefit of natural gas is reliability of supply. If power outages happen often in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can count for a lot.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical goods. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.