Gas Appliances

Considering switching to natural gas home appliances might be an option to reduce your bills at the same time as experiencing increases in comfort and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and natural gas is considered the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the least environmentally damaging alternative.

If you already have a gas line at home, or are completing a new home you might think about the probable gains of choosing natural gas and natural gas appliances.

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

What is a Gas Home Appliance?

A natural gas device runs on gas as the dominant fuel source. These goods afford a practicable substitute for electrically powered goods for heating your home, providing hot water, heating food and even cooling your home and tumble drying.

Usually you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas range will still operate even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.

Different Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas is about more than heating.

Heating

Heating your home with natural gas is generally less expensive than heating using electricity. The reduction can be up to 50% subject to your energy prices and efficiency.

Gas heats the air faster and offers better reliability.

A Fireplace

Apart from heating gas is great for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the mess.

Air Conditioning

Gas air conditioning can offer an effective means to cool your home, even if there is a power failure.

Gas fueled air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning lower prices in the long term. Better performance has the added upside of reducing your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Natural gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than their electric counterparts. On-demand water heaters also give a continuous supply.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally underground and protected from the elements ensures you still have the ability to heat your home even if there’s a power outage.

Cooking

We’ve all encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy conceived to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying stuck because it is valid. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose natural gas for the ability to vary the heat, and natural gas ranges provide a more cost effective way of turning fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You might not instantly think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, natural gas tumble dryers have many advantages. They operate at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Gas Outside

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. Outside the home, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and cooking and even to heat your spa.

Wow your guests before they even get out of the car with driveway lights, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get food cooked outside, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as offering warmth for the best indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Pros of Natural Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to weight up the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits.

Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual energy costs.
Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to heat water even if you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.

Cons of Natural gas Appliances

Natural gas home appliances tend to require a higher initial investment. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Having a gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be costly. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay so this should always be added to any price analysis.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas home appliances are not installed correctly or regularly maintained. Installing 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 always simple and the optimal choice for you probably won’t be the best decision for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the cost is your main motivation this can be a major factor in the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, retrospectively installing natural gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another key advantage of natural gas is stability of supply. If power cuts are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a big plus.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.