Gas Appliances

Considering natural gas devices might be a good option to save money while experiencing increases in comfort and efficiency.

There is a abundant supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable prices, and natural gas is relatively the cleanest non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed at home, or are building a new dwelling you should think about the probable advantages of switching to gas and natural gas household appliances.

Read more about gas appliances below from Hayward Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Appliance?

A gas device employs natural gas as the primary power source. Gas appliances are a viable alternative to electrical goods.

In the majority of situations gas appliances still will need an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the main source of power. The amount of electricity needed depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a natural gas water heater will produce hot water even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas dryer still needs electricity.

Different Gas Home Appliances

Gas has a great many uses in your house.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with gas usually costs less than heating your home using electrical appliances. Your costs could be cut in half subject to your fuel 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

Fireplaces

As well as keeping your home warm natural gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the fuss.

Air Conditioning

Natural gas can be an adept method to keep your home cool, even if there is a power outage.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning requires a greater initial investment but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning savings in the long term. Better efficiency has the added benefit of cutting your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of natural gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Natural gas heaters are faster and more efficient than their electric substitutes. On-demand heaters also provide a continuous supply. Which is useful if you have a big family that enjoys long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually dug into the ground and guarded from the weather ensures you still have the ability to heat your home even if you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

We’ve all come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line created to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying is used today because it is accurate. Most chefs and home cooks choose gas for the ability to control the temperature, and natural gas ranges provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You might not immediately think of using gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. They dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in a shorter time.

Using Gas Outside

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor living, gas is a great power source for lighting and outdoor cooking and can even be used to heat your spa.

delight friends before they even reach the front door with driveway lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get the food cooking outside, when you like, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric equivalent. And gas fire pits set the mood as well as providing warmth for luxurious outside living.

Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits.

Gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual utility bills.
Gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is considered the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can still cook even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas appliances generally have a higher initial outlay. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical alternatives.
Having a natural gas line installed can be expensive. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your energy company before deciding.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

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

If your main driver is cost gas is currently the cheaper option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, retrospectively installing 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 first step.

Another benefit of gas is reliability of 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 count for a lot.

Finally, the sustainability credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical devices. Choosing solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.