Gas Appliances

Considering switching to gas appliances could be a good option to reduce your bills while experiencing gains in ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a abundant supply of natural gas in the US resulting in low, stable prices, and natural gas is considered to be the cleanest non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be regarded as the environmentally responsible choice.

If you already have natural gas installed at home, or are building a new home you might look at the likely advantages of gas home appliances and gas household appliances.

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

What are Natural Gas Appliances?

A gas appliance uses gas as the main fuel source. These appliances offer a practicable substitute for electrical goods for heating your home, providing hot water, heating your food and even air conditioning and tumble drying.

In the majority of instances gas devices nevertheless will need an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the major source of power. The quantity electric needed depends on how the appliance works. For example, a gas boiler will produce hot water even if the power goes out, whereas a gas clothes dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.

Types of Natural Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas is not just for heating.

Proving Heat

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas is typically less expensive than providing heat using electricity. The reduction can be up to 50% depending on your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and is more reliable.

A Fireplace

Apart from heating natural gas is ideal for having a fire in your home. With a gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a warm home without the hassle.

Air Conditioning

Natural gas air conditioning can offer an efficient way to cool your home.

Gas air conditioning are often more costly to begin with but is better value to run and maintain meaning cost savings in the long term. Superior efficiency has the added positive impact of cutting your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than their electric counterparts. On-demand water heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand. Which is useful if you have a big household that enjoys long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally hidden and protected from the elements ensures you can still have heating even when you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

Everyone has come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing line conceived to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the saying is used today because it is valid. Most chefs choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the heat, and natural gas hobs also offer a much more efficient way of turning energy into heat.

Dryers

You might not immediately think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, natural gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is often used for patio lights and cooking and even to heat your pool.

Wow your guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lights, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get the food cooking outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as fast as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters give atmosphere as well as providing warmth for perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Benefits of Gas Home Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to gas devices. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing gas will reduce your utility bills.
Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound option as it is considered the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can still cook even if there’s no electricity supply.

Cons of Natural gas Appliances

Natural gas appliances usually are subject to a higher initial outlay. Both the price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater.
Installing a new gas line can be costly. The price will vary depending on a number of factors.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas home appliances are not installed correctly 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 decision between natural gas and electricity is not straightforward and the right choice for you might not be the right decision for everyone.

Currently 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 comes at a cost. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another benefit of natural gas is stability of supply. If power failures are common where you live then having appliances that continue to work during power cuts can be a huge benefit.

Finally, the eco-friendly credentials of natural gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.