Gas Appliances

Looking at gas appliances might be a good option to lower expenditures at the same time as seeing increases in comfort and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and gas is looked upon as the cleanest fossil fuel, therefore, it can be regarded as the least environmentally damaging option.

If you already have a natural gas line at home, or are completing a new dwelling you might think about the probable gains of using more gas and natural gas home appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Fox Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Appliances?

A natural gas appliance makes use of natural gas as the main fuel source. These home appliances are a practicable alternative to electrically powered goods.

Generally you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The quantity electric used depends on the type of appliance. For example, a gas water heater will produce hot water even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a gas dryer still requires electricity to make the drum turn.

Examples of Natural Gas Appliances

Gas is not just for heating.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with natural gas is typically less expensive than providing heat with electricity. Your expenditure could be cut in half depending on your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is a huge benefit if you if you get power cuts

A Fireplace

Aside from general heating gas is ideal for a fireplace.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 a warm home without the mess.

Cooling Your Home

Natural gas air conditioners can be an adept method to keep your home cool, even if there is a power cut.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning can be more costly to begin with but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning savings in the long term. Higher performance has the added positive impact of reducing your C02 emissions.

Hot Water

There are two types of gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are faster and more productive than their electric counterparts. On-demand water heaters also give a continuous supply.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally dug into the ground and guarded from the weather ensures you can still have hot water even when you don’t have electricity.

Cooking

Most people have encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great advertising line designed to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the phrase is still around because it is accurate. Most chefs choose natural gas for the ability to control the temperature, and natural gas hobs are also a much more efficient way of turning fuel into heat.

Dryers

Gas might not be the immediate place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas dryers have many advantages. They heat the air at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Natural Gas Outside

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

delight friends before they even get out of the car with path lights, keep them toasty even when the temperature drops and get dinner ready outside, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember 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 equivalent. And gas patio heaters set the mood as well as giving heat for perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Pros of Natural Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it’s best weight up the pros and the cons. First up the advantages of choosing Natural Gas.

Gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual power bills.
Natural gas devices tend to be more efficient making them more sustainable for your wallet and for the environment.
Gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Natural gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to cook even if you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

Natural gas home appliances generally are subject to a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your energy company before deciding.
Moving or extending a gas line can also be expensive.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance Right for You?

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

Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the price 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 natural gas, switching to gas is expensive. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures are common where you live then having appliances that continue to work during outages can count for a lot.

Lastly, the sustainability credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.