Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to natural gas devices might be an option to lower expenditures at the same time as experiencing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

Shale gas is in plentiful supply in the US resulting in low, stable prices per unit, and natural gas is viewed as the cleanest non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the greener choice.

If you already have natural gas installed at home, or are building a new house you might think about the possible advantages of gas appliances and natural gas appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances here from Sterling Heights Appliance Repair HQ:

What are Gas Appliances?

A natural gas device uses gas as the dominant power source. These goods offer a workable alternative to electrical goods.

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 water heater will provide hot water even during a power cut, whereas a gas clothes dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Appliances That Use Gas.

Natural gas has many purposes in your home.

Heating

Heating your home with natural gas is usually less expensive than heating your home using electricity. Your expenditure could halve subject to your fuel tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.This is a huge benefit if you for winter power outages

An Indoor Fire

Aside from general heating natural gas is great 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 all the ambiance and a warm home without the fuss.

Air Conditioning

Gas can offer an adept method to keep your home cool.

Gas powered air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning lower prices in the long term. Superior performance has the added positive impact of reducing your C02 emissions.

Water Heating

Gas water boilers come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are quicker and more productive than electric water boilers. On-demand water heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that natural gas lines are generally dug into the ground and sheltered from the weather means you still have hot water even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

Most people have come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line conceived to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the phrase 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 much more efficient way of turning energy into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You might not immediately think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers heat the air a few degrees hotter 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 patio lights and outdoor cooking and even to heat your spa.

Impress guests before they even get out of the car with driveway lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature falls and get food cooked outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And gas patio heaters set the mood as well as giving heat for perfect outside living.

Benefits of Gas Home Appliances

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

Choosing gas will save you money on your energy bills.
Gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can still cook even if you get a power outage.

Disadvantages of Gas Appliances

Gas home appliances generally require a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical appliances.
Having a gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before making any decisions.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also require a big outlay.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance Right for You?

Making the decision between gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal choice for you probably won’t be the right decision for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is at the moment the cheaper option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another key advantage of natural gas is stability of supply. If power cuts happen often where you live then having appliances that continue to work during power failures can be a big plus.

Finally, in environmental terms, while natural gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical goods. Choosing solar panels or a heat pump could be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.