Looking at gas appliances may be a way to lower expenditures while experiencing gains in comfort and efficiency.
Gas is in plentiful supply in the US resulting in low, stable prices per unit, and gas is viewed as the cleanest non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be viewed as the most eco-friendly option.
If you already have gas installed at home, or are building a new home you may wish to look at the possible benefits of switching to natural gas and gas appliances. Learn more about gas appliances below from Five Star Yakima Appliance Repair:
What is a Gas Appliance?
A natural gas device makes use of natural gas as the main fuel source. Natural gas home appliances offer a viable substitute to electrically powered goods for heating your house, providing hot water, heating food and even cooling your home and laundry.
In most cases gas devices nevertheless will need an electricity supply but use natural gas as the major fuel. The quantity electricity needed depends on how the appliance works. For example, a gas water heater will produce hot water even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.
Types of Natural Gas Home Appliances
Natural gas is not just for heating.
Heating
Heating your home with natural gas usually costs less than providing heat using electrical appliances. Savings can be up to 50% depending on your fuel tariffs and relative efficiency gains.
Natural gas heats the air faster and offers better reliability.
An Indoor Fire
Aside from general heating gas is great for having a fire in your home. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the hassle.
Air Conditioning
Gas can offer an adept way to keep cool, even if there is a power outage.
Natural gas air conditioning can be a higher price initially but is better value to run and maintain meaning savings in the long term. Better performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Hot Water
There are two types of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are faster and more productive than electric water heaters. Tankless heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big household that appreciates long showers.
The fact that gas lines are generally underground and sheltered from the weather ensures you still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.
Preparing Food
Everyone has come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing line designed to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.
Clever marketing or not the phrase stuck because it is accurate. A great many chefs and home cooks choose gas for the ability to control the size of the flame, and natural gas hobs are also a more cost effective way of turning energy into heat.
Clothes Dryers
You may not immediately think of using gas in your laundry room, however, gas tumble dryers have many advantages. They heat the air at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time.
Outdoor Entertaining
Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? Outside, gas is a great power source for lighting and food prep and even to heat your spa.
delight friends as soon as they arrive with outdoor lighting, keep them warm on cool evenings and get food cooked outside at the perfect temperature, 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 get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas patio heaters provide atmosphere as well as offering warmth for the best indoor-outdoor living.
Pros of Natural Gas Home Appliances
As in all things there are pros and cons to gas home appliances. Here are some of the advantages of choosing Natural Gas.
- Natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity thus lowering your annual energy bills.
- Natural gas devices tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an ecologically sound option as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
- Gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can continue to heat water even if the power goes out.
Disadvantages of Natural gas Home Appliances
- Gas appliances usually have a higher initial cost. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
- Having a gas line installed can be costly. The cost 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 included in any cost benefit analysis.
- Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue 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 Gas Appliance Right for You?
Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the best choice for you might not be the right decision for everyone.
If your main driver is cost gas is currently the least expensive option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have 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 key advantage of natural gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power outages are common where you live then having appliances that continue to work during power cuts can be a big plus.
Finally, in environmental terms, while gas home appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical devices. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.