Gas Appliances

Considering switching to gas devices could be a good option to save money at the same time as seeing increases in performance and productivity.

Gas abundant in the United States meaning that costs are low and stable, and natural gas is looked upon as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be regarded as the most eco-friendly choice.

If you already have a gas line at home, or are building a new dwelling you may wish to look at the possible benefits of choosing natural gas and natural gas appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from A+ Aurora Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Appliance?

A gas home appliance runs on gas as the primary fuel source. These appliances afford a practicable alternative to electrical devices for heating your home, providing hot water, cooking your food and even air conditioning and clothes drying.

Generally you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas boiler will work even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas clothes dryer still requires electricity.

Examples of Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas can be used for more than heating.

Keeping You Warm

Providing heat with natural gas is usually less expensive than keeping warm with electricity. Your costs could halve subject to your energy costs and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas heats the air more efficiently and offers better reliability.

An Indoor Fire

Aside from keeping your home warm gas is great for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fireplace, you still get real flames and plenty of warmth without the fuss.

Keeping Cool

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

Natural gas air conditioning are often a higher price to install but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

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

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

Cooking Food

Everyone has encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line created to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the phrase is used today because it is valid. A great many chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ease with which you can vary the heat, and natural gas hobs are also a more cost effective way of converting energy into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You may not immediately think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. They operate at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Entertaining

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, gas is often used for lighting and food prep and even to heat your pool.

Impress guests before they even reach the front door with driveway lights, keep them toasty even when the temperature falls and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as giving warmth for luxurious outside entertaining.

Pros of Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas appliances. Here are some of the pros.

Choosing natural gas will reduce your utility bills.
Gas appliances tend to use less energy making them a more sustainable choice for your wallet and for the planet.
Gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Natural gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to cool your home even if you get a power outage.

Disadvantages of Natural gas Appliances

Natural gas appliances usually require a higher initial cost. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more.
Having a gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be costly. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your supplier before making any decisions.
Moving or extending a gas line can also require a big outlay so this should always be added to any price analysis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

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

Currently gas is almost always cheaper 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, converting to gas comes at a cost. Therefore, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another benefit of natural gas is reliability of supply. If power failures are common where you live then having appliances that continue to work during power failures can be a big plus.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.