Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to gas home appliances might be a good option to lower expenditures at the same time as experiencing higher levels of comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a high supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and gas is relatively the least polluting fossil fuel, therefore, it can be viewed as the most eco-friendly alternative.

If you already have gas installed in your home, or are completing a new home you may wish to consider the probable gains of switching to gas and natural gas home appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances below from Webb Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Appliances?

A natural gas appliance runs on gas as the main fuel source. These home appliances present a workable substitute for electrical devices for heating your house, heating water, cooking food and even cooling your home and tumble drying.

Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electric needed depends on the type of appliance. For example, a gas heater will still operate even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas tumble dryer still requires electricity.

Different Natural Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas is not just for heating.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with gas is generally less expensive than heating your home using electricity. The difference can be as high as 50% depending on your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.

A Fireplace

Aside from general heating gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the mess.

Cooling

Gas air conditioning can offer an adept means to keep your home cool, even if there is a power cut.

Natural gas air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning savings in the long term. Superior effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

Gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more fuel efficient than their electric substitutes. Tankless heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that gas lines are usually dug into the ground and protected from the weather means you still have heating even if there’s a power outage.

Preparing Food

Everyone has come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line designed to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying is still around because it is true. A great many chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ability to control the temperature, and gas ranges are also a more cost effective way of converting fuel into heat.

Dryers

You may not immediately think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas tumble dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? Outside the home, gas is often used for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your spa.

delight friends before they even reach the front door with path lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get food cooked outside, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas fire pits provide atmosphere as well as giving heat for perfect indoor-outdoor living.

Advantages of Natural Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to gas appliances. First up the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

  • Gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
  • Natural gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
  • Natural gas is an eco-friendly option as it is viewed as the cleanest 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 still cook even if there’s no electricity supply.

Disadvantages of Gas Home Appliances

  • Natural gas appliances usually require a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher.
  • Installing a new gas line 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 deciding.
  • Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not straightforward and the optimal choice for you probably won’t be the best decision for everyone.

Currently 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 gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. Thus, getting a quote for installing a natural 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 outages are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can be a huge benefit.

Finally, in environmental terms, while natural gas devices 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 may turn out to be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances