Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to gas devices might be a good option to save money at the same time as seeing gains in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of shale gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and gas is looked upon as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the greener option.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are building a new home you might look at the possible gains of using more natural gas and natural gas household appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from Prime Provo Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Appliances?

A gas home appliance runs on natural gas as the dominant power source. Gas appliances are a practicable substitute to electrically powered appliances.

In many situations natural gas appliances nonetheless will need an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the main fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a natural gas stove will still operate even if the power goes out, whereas a gas dryer still needs electrical components.

Different Gas Appliances

Gas is not just for cooking.

Proving Heat

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas is generally less expensive than providing heat using electricity. The difference can be as high as 50% subject to your fuel tariffs and efficiency.

Natural gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and is more reliable.This is a big plus if you experience regular power outages in the winter

Fireplaces

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

Cooling

Natural gas can offer an adept means to keep cool, even if there is a power cut.

Gas powered air conditioning requires a bigger initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Superior efficiency has the added upside of reducing your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless heaters also give a continuous supply. Invaluable if you have a big household that indulges in long showers.

The fact that gas lines are usually underground and guarded from the elements ensures you will still have the ability to shower even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

Everyone has heard 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. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose gas for the ability to control the size of the flame, and natural gas stoves also offer a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers dry clothes at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Outdoor Entertaining

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside the home, gas is a great power source for patio lights and outdoor cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.

delight guests before they even get out of the car with outdoor lighting, keep them warm on cool evenings and get dinner ready outside, 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 get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as providing comfort for the best indoor-outdoor living.

Advantages of Gas Appliances

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

Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual energy costs.
Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an ecologically sound option as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Natural gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can still cool your home even if you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

Gas home appliances usually have a higher initial investment. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher.
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 energy company before making a final decision.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also cost a considerable amount so this should be included in any cost comparisons.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas home appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

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

If your main driver is cost gas is for the time being the least expensive fuel. 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, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another key advantage of natural gas is stability of supply. If power failures are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power failures can count for a lot.

Lastly, the environmental credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.