Gas Appliances

Considering natural gas devices might be a good option to lower expenditures while seeing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the US meaning that prices per unit are low and stable, and natural gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the greener alternative.

If you already have a gas line in your home, or are buying a new home you should think about the potential benefits of choosing natural gas and gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Guthrie Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas appliance employs natural gas as the primary power source. Gas appliances present a workable substitute for electrical appliances.

Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The quantity electric needed depends on how the appliance works. E.g, a gas furnace will still operate even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electrical components.

Types of Gas Appliances

Gas is about more than cooking.

Proving Heat

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas typically costs less than heating your home using electrical appliances. Your costs could be cut in half subject to your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.

A Fireplace

Aside from heating gas is ideal for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the hassle.

Air Conditioning

Gas can offer an efficient method to cool your home, even if there is a power failure.

Gas powered air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is cheaper to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Superior performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heaters

Natural gas water boilers come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are faster and more productive than their electric alternatives. On-demand heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand. Invaluable if you have a big household that indulges in long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually underground and guarded from the weather ensures you still have the ability to wash even when you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

Most people have heard the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line conceived to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying is used today because it is accurate. The majority of chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can vary the heat, and gas ranges also offer a more cost effective way of turning energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to drying clothes, however, natural gas clothes dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time.

Outdoor Entertaining

Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? Outside, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and outdoor cooking and even to heat your spa.

Impress your guests before they even reach the front door with path lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature falls and get dinner ready outside, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric heater. And gas fire pits set the mood as well as giving warmth for the best indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Advantages of Natural Gas Appliances

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

Choosing natural gas will reduce your utility bills.
Gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them a more sustainable choice for your wallet and for the planet.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound option as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Natural gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can still cool your home even if there’s no electricity supply.At worst you might need to find a match.

Disadvantages of Gas Home Appliances

Gas devices usually have a higher initial cost. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical appliances.
Having a natural gas line installed 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 supplier before making a final decision.
Moving or extending a gas line can also cost a considerable amount so this should always be included in any cost benefit analysis.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance Right for You?

Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal 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 driver 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, retrospectively installing 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 place to start.

Another benefit of gas is reliability of supply. If power outages happen often where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can count for a lot.

Lastly, the environmental credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be a better investment and more eco-friendly options in the long run.