Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to gas devices might be a good option to save money at the same time as seeing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of shale gas in the United States resulting in low, stable costs, and gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the least environmentally damaging choice.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are completing a new home you may wish to think about the potential advantages of choosing gas and gas appliances. Read more about gas appliances here from EZ Boise Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Appliances?

A natural gas device uses natural gas as the primary fuel source. These goods afford a practicable alternative to electrically powered devices for heating your home, providing hot water, heating your food and even cooling your home and clothes drying.

In the majority of cases gas devices still require an electricity supply but use gas as the primary source of power. The amount of electric needed depends on how the appliance works. E.g, a gas water heater will work even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas tumble dryer still relies upon electricity.

A List of Devices That Run On Natural Gas

Natural gas isn’t just for heating.

Proving Heat

Keeping yourself warm with gas typically costs less than keeping warm with electricity. Your costs could halve depending on your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas heats the air faster and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.

Fireplaces

As well as heating natural gas is perfect for a log fire with real flames.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a natural gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the hassle.

Keeping Cool

Natural gas can offer an adept way to cool your home.

Natural gas powered air conditioning are often more costly initially but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning lower prices in the long term. Better efficiency has the added upside of cutting your C02 emissions.

Water Heating

There are two types of natural gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Gas heaters are quicker and more fuel efficient than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big family that enjoys long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are almost always dug into the ground and protected from the elements ensures you can still have hot water even when you don’t have electricity.

Cooking Food

We’ve all come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy conceived to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the saying is still around because it is accurate. Most chefs and amateur cooks choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the size of the flame, and natural gas ranges also offer a less wasteful way of converting fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

Gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to drying clothes, however, gas clothes dryers are a great choice. They dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Using Gas Outside

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, natural gas is a great power source for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

delight guests as soon as they arrive with driveway lights, keep them cosy even when the temperature falls and get the food cooking outside, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as fast as an electric equivalent. And gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as providing warmth for the best outside entertaining.

Pros of Natural Gas Appliances

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

Natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity thus lowering your annual power bills.
Gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly option as it is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to cook even if you get a power outage.

Disadvantages of Gas Home Appliances

Gas devices tend to require 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 can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your energy company before deciding.
Moving or extending a gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas devices are not properly installed or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the decision between gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal choice for you may not be the right decision for everyone.

Currently gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the cost 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, retrospectively installing gas is expensive. Therefore, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good first step.

Another reason to choose gas is stability of supply. If power failures are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can count for a lot.

Finally, the eco-friendly credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy could be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.