Gas Appliances

Considering gas appliances might be a good option to save money while experiencing gains in comfort and efficiency.

Natural gas abundant in the US resulting in low, stable equivalent prices, and gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the greener option.

If you already have a natural gas line in your house, or are building a new house you might look at the likely advantages of switching to natural gas and natural gas home appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Sullivan’s Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas device makes use of gas as the dominant fuel source. These home appliances afford a viable substitute to electrically powered devices.

Usually you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electric used depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a natural gas water heater will work even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.

Examples of Natural Gas Appliances

Gas isn’t just for cooking.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas usually costs less than keeping warm with electricity. Your expenditure could halve subject to your energy tariffs and efficiency.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is a huge benefit if you for winter power outages

A Fireplace

As well as keeping your home warm gas is perfect for having a fire in your home. With a natural gas fire, you still get real flames and plenty of warmth without the hassle.

Cooling

Natural gas air conditioners can be an effective means to keep your home cool, even if there is a power outage.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning are often a higher price initially but is better value to run and maintain meaning lower prices in the long term. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heaters

Gas water heaters come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are quicker and more fuel efficient than electric water heaters. On-demand heaters also offer a continuous supply. Which is useful if you have a big family that indulges in long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally underground and guarded from the weather ensures you will still have heating even if there’s a power outage.

Cooking

We’ve all encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great advertising strategy created to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the saying is still around because it is true. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose natural gas for the ability to vary the size of the flame, and gas hobs provide a less wasteful way of turning energy into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas dryers have many advantages. They heat the air at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Entertaining

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, gas is often used for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

Wow your guests before they even reach the front door with path lighting, keep them toasty even when the temperature falls and get dinner ready 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 heat the water twice as fast as an electric equivalent. And gas patio heaters set the mood as well as offering comfort for the best outside living.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to natural gas devices. First up the advantages.

Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual utility bills.
Gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them a better choice for your wallet and for the planet.
Gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 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 you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Natural gas Home Appliances

Gas devices generally require a higher initial investment. Both the price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical appliances.
Having a gas line installed can be costly. The cost 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 gas line can also require a big outlay so this should be added to any price analysis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the choice between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the best choice for you probably won’t 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 major factor in the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, converting to gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power cuts happen often in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, the sustainability credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Opting for renewable energy could be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.