Gas Appliances

Looking at natural gas appliances might be an option to save money while seeing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a abundant supply of shale gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and gas is considered to be the least polluting fossil fuel, consequently, it can be seen as the most eco-friendly choice.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are building a new home you should consider the potential gains of switching to natural gas and natural gas household appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances below from Duncan Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas device employs natural gas as the dominant power source. Gas goods offer a practicable alternative for electrical home appliances for heating your home, heating water, cooking your food and even cooling your home and clothes drying.

In many situations gas devices nevertheless will need an electrical outlet but use gas as the major source of power. The amount of electricity needed depends on how the appliance works. For example, a natural gas water heater will produce hot water even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Appliances That Operate Using Natural Gas.

Gas is about more than cooking.

Heating

Providing heat with natural gas typically costs less than keeping warm with electricity. The reduction can be as high as 50% depending on your fuel costs and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas heats the air more quickly and is more reliable.

A Fireplace

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

Cooling

Gas air conditioners can offer an efficient way to cool your home.

Gas fueled air conditioning are often a higher price to install but is cheaper to run and maintain meaning lower prices in the long term. Superior effectiveness 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. Gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than electric water heaters. On-demand heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big household that enjoys long showers.

The fact that gas lines are usually dug into the ground and protected from the elements ensures you still have hot water even when there’s a power outage.

Preparing Food

We’ve all encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line designed to link the use of natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the saying is used today because it is accurate. Most chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ability to control the size of the flame, and natural gas ranges provide a more cost effective way of turning fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You might not instantly think of using gas in your laundry room, however, gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. They operate a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your spa.

delight your guests before they even reach the front door with outdoor lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric heater. And natural gas fire pits offer atmosphere as well as giving comfort for perfect outside entertaining.

Advantages of Gas Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to gas appliances. First up the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing gas will cut your energy bills.
Natural gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly option as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 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 still heat water even if the power goes out.

Negatives of Gas Home Appliances

Gas devices usually have a higher initial cost. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also be expensive.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is a must 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 probably won’t be the best decision for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is currently the lower priced fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, retrospectively installing natural gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another benefit of natural gas is reliability of supply. If power cuts happen often where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, in environmental terms, while gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Choosing renewable energy could be more cost-effective and more sustainable options in the long run.