Gas Appliances

Thinking about gas appliances may be a way to reduce your bills at the same time as seeing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable equivalent prices, and natural gas is considered the least polluting fossil fuel, thus, it can be regarded as the greener alternative.

If you already have a gas line in your home, or are building a new dwelling you should consider the probable benefits of choosing natural gas and gas household appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances below from E&L Coral Gables Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas appliance employs natural gas as the dominant fuel source. Gas goods are a workable alternative for electrical appliances for heating your house, heating water, heating your food and even cooling your home and tumble drying.

In most cases gas home appliances still require an electricity supply but use gas as the main fuel. The amount of electric used depends on how the appliance works. E.g, a natural gas range will still work even if the power goes out, whereas a gas clothes dryer still needs electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Devices That Operate Using Gas.

Natural gas isn’t just for cooking.

Heating

Providing heat with natural gas typically costs less than heating using electricity. Your expenditure could halve subject to your fuel prices and efficiency.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.

Fireplaces

As well as general heating natural gas is perfect for a fireplace. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the fuss.

Keeping Cool

Gas can be an effective means to keep your home cool.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning may be a higher price to begin with but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heaters

Natural gas water heaters come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply. Which is useful if you have a big household that enjoys long showers.

The fact that gas lines are usually hidden and sheltered from the elements ensures you still have heating even when there’s a power outage.

Preparing Food

Everyone has encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line conceived to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying has stuck around because it is valid. The majority of chefs choose gas for the fact that they can control the size of the flame, and natural gas stoves provide a less wasteful way of converting energy into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers work at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Gas Outside

Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? Outside the home, natural gas is often used for patio lights and outdoor cooking and can even be used to heat your spa.

Wow friends as soon as they arrive with driveway lights, keep them cosy on cool evenings and get the food cooking outside, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric equivalent. And gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as providing warmth for the best outside entertaining.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to natural gas home appliances. First up the pros.

Gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual utility costs.
Gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide 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 continue to heat your home even if you get a power outage.

Negatives of Natural Gas Appliances

Gas home appliances tend to have a higher initial investment. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher.
Installing a new gas line can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your supplier before deciding.
Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay so this should be included in any cost benefit analysis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas devices are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance Right for You?

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

Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the cost is your main motivation this can be a big part of 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. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another benefit of gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in 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 be a big plus.

Finally, the environmental credentials of natural gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical goods. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.