Gas Appliances

Considering switching to gas appliances might be a way to save money while seeing gains in comfort and efficiency.

Natural gas is in plentiful supply in the United States resulting in low, stable equivalent prices, and shale gas is relatively the least polluting non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the least environmentally damaging option.

If you already have a natural gas line in your house, or are completing a new house you should consider the probable benefits of using more gas and natural gas household appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from Direct Oceanside Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Appliances?

A gas device uses natural gas as the main fuel source. These appliances are a workable alternative to electrically powered devices for heating your house, providing hot water, cooking food and even air conditioning and drying your clothes.

Generally you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a gas heater can still be used even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.

A List of Devices That use Natural Gas.

Gas isn’t just for cooking.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with gas typically costs less than keeping warm with electricity. Your costs could be cut in half subject to your fuel tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.

A Fireplace

As well as heating natural gas is great for having a fire in your home. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get real flames and a warm home without the hassle.

Air Conditioning

Natural gas can be an efficient method to cool your home, even if there is a power failure.

Gas fueled air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Higher efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

Natural gas water boilers come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more productive than their electric counterparts. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply. Invaluable if you have a big family that indulges in long showers.

The fact that gas lines are usually dug into the ground and sheltered from the weather ensures you still have the ability to wash even when you don’t have electricity.

Cooking

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

Clever marketing or not the phrase has stuck around because it is true. A great many chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ability to vary the size of the flame, and natural gas stoves provide a much more efficient way of turning energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas clothes dryers are a great choice. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Entertaining

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? Outside the home, gas is a great power source for lighting and food prep and even to heat your pool.

Wow your guests before they even reach the front door with path lighting, keep them cosy on cool evenings and get a meal prepared outside, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas patio heaters offer ambiance as well as giving comfort for the best outside living.

Benefits of Natural Gas Home Appliances

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

  • Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual energy bills.
  • Natural gas devices tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
  • Natural gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
  • Natural gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can still cook even if the power goes out.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

  • Natural gas devices generally require a higher initial outlay. Both the cost of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be greater.
  • Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
  • Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount so this should be included in any cost benefit analysis.
  • Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas devices are not properly installed or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal choice for you might not be the optimal choice for everyone.

Currently natural 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 natural gas is expensive. Thus, getting a quote for installing a gas line 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 failures are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can count for a lot.

Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances