Gas Appliances

Considering switching to gas devices may be an option to lower expenditures at the same time as experiencing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.

Natural gas is in plentiful supply in the US meaning that equivalent prices are low and stable, and gas is considered to be the cleanest fossil fuel, consequently, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are building a new home you should look at the possible advantages of using more gas and natural gas household appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from Onward Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Appliances?

A natural gas home appliance runs on gas as the primary fuel source. These home appliances present a viable substitute for electrically powered goods for heating your living space, heating water, heating your food and even cooling your home and drying your clothes.

Generally you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The quantity electricity needed depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a natural gas boiler will produce hot water even during a power cut, whereas a gas tumble dryer still needs electrical components.

Examples of Gas Appliances

Gas isn’t just for heating.

Heating

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas generally costs less than heating using electrical appliances. The difference can be up to 50% depending on your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and is more reliable.This is very handy if you for winter power outages

Fireplaces

Aside from keeping your home warm natural gas is perfect for a fireplace. With a gas fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the hassle.

Cooling

Gas air conditioning can be an adept way to keep cool.

Gas air conditioning can be a higher price initially but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better performance has the added upside of reducing your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

There are two types of natural gas water heaters, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are quicker and more productive than their electric substitutes. Tankless heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually dug into the ground and protected from the weather ensures you still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

Everyone has encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line created to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the phrase is still around because it is accurate. Most chefs choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the size of the flame, and gas stoves provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You may not instantly think of using gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. They work at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a great power source for patio lights and cooking and even to heat your pool.

Impress your guests before they even reach the front door with driveway lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric heater. And natural gas patio heaters give atmosphere as well as giving comfort for the best indoor-outdoor living.

Pros of Natural Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas home appliances. First up the pros.

Gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual energy bills.
Gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly choice as it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, emitting 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 cool your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Cons of Natural Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas home appliances usually are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the value of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The price will vary depending on a number of factors.
Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount so this should always be added to any cost comparisons.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the decision between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you may not be the optimal choice for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is at the moment the least expensive fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to natural gas is expensive. Thus, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another reason to choose gas is reliability of supply. If power cuts are common where you live then having appliances that continue to work during outages can be a big plus.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.