Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to gas devices could be a good option to lower expenditures at the same time as seeing gains in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a high supply of gas in the United States resulting in low, stable prices, and shale gas is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, thus, it can be seen as the most eco-friendly alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed at home, or are buying a new home you should think about the probable advantages of using more natural gas and natural gas appliances.

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

What is a Natural Gas Home Appliance?

A gas device runs on gas as the dominant fuel source. Gas devices afford a workable substitute to electrical appliances.

In most situations gas appliances still require an electricity supply but use natural gas as the main fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a natural gas stove can still be used even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Home Appliances That Run On Natural Gas.

Natural gas isn’t just for heating.

Heating

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas is generally less expensive than heating using electrical appliances. Your expenditure could be cut in half subject to your fuel tariffs and efficiency.

Gas heats the air in less time and offers better reliability.

A Fireplace

As well as general heating gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a natural gas fire, you still get real flames and plenty of warmth without the fuss.

Cooling Your Home

Gas can offer an effective means to keep your home cool, even if there is a power cut.

Natural gas air conditioning may be more expensive to begin with but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Superior effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heaters

Natural gas water heaters come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than their electric substitutes. Tankless heaters also give a continuous supply. Which is useful if you have a big household that enjoys long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally underground and guarded from the elements means you will still have hot water even if there’s a power outage.

Preparing Food

Most people have come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great marketing strategy designed to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the phrase is used today because it is valid. A great many chefs choose natural gas for the ease with which you can vary the heat, and natural gas hobs provide a much more efficient way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You may not instantly think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, gas dryers have many advantages. They heat the air at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? Outside, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your spa.

Impress guests before they even reach the front door with path lighting, keep them warm on cool evenings and get food cooked outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas fire pits offer ambiance as well as giving heat for the best outside living.

Pros of Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to look at the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing gas will reduce your utility bills.
Gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them a more sustainable choice for your wallet and for the planet.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is considered 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 supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to heat water even if there’s no electricity supply.

Cons of Gas Appliances

Gas home appliances tend to have a higher initial outlay. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be higher for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Installing a new gas line can be costly. The price will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your supplier before making a final decision.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also cost a considerable amount so this should be added to any price analysis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

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

Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the cost 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 gas, switching to gas comes at a cost. Thus, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another benefit of natural gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power outages are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during outages can count for a lot.

Lastly, in environmental terms, while gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical goods. Choosing renewable energy could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.