Gas Appliances

Considering switching to natural gas appliances could be a way to save money while experiencing higher levels of comfort and efficiency.

There is a abundant supply of natural gas in the United States resulting in low, stable equivalent prices, and shale gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the greener alternative.

If you already have a gas line at home, or are completing a new house you might think about the possible benefits of switching to gas and gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from B&G Round Rock Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Home Appliances?

A gas device employs natural gas as the main power source. Natural gas goods are a great substitute to electrically powered devices.

Generally 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 boiler will work even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a gas tumble dryer still needs electricity.

A List of Devices That Run On Natural Gas

Gas is not just for heating.

Keeping You Warm

Providing heat with gas generally costs less than providing heat using electricity. Savings can be as high as 50% subject to your energy costs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is a big plus if you for winter power outages

A Fireplace

Aside from general heating gas is ideal for having a fire in your home.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a warm home without the fuss.

Keeping Cool

Natural gas air conditioning can be an effective way to cool your home, even if there is a power failure.

Natural gas powered air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Higher performance has the added positive impact of cutting your C02 emissions.

Water Heaters

Gas water boilers come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are faster and more fuel efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally hidden and protected from the elements ensures you will still have the ability to shower even when you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

Most people have encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy created to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the saying is used today because it is valid. A great many chefs choose natural gas for the ability to control the size of the flame, and gas stoves are also a more cost effective way of converting fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas tumble dryers are a great choice. They operate a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Outdoor Living

Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside the home, gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your pool.

delight your guests before they even get out of the car with path lights, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters provide atmosphere as well as providing heat for the best indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Advantages of Natural Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. First up the benefits.

Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
Gas devices tend to be more efficient making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Natural gas lines are generally run underground making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can continue to heat water even if there’s no electricity supply.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

Natural gas appliances usually require a higher initial cost. Both the value of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when comparing to electrical goods.
Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas home appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the right choice for you might not be the right decision for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the price is your main driver 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 natural gas, retrospectively installing gas is expensive. Thus, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

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

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be more cost-effective and more sustainable options in the long run.