Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to gas home appliances might be a good option to lower expenditures at the same time as seeing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a high supply of natural gas in the US resulting in low, stable costs, and gas is relatively the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be viewed as the greener alternative.

If you already have gas installed at home, or are buying a new house you should look at the potential benefits of gas home appliances and gas household appliances.

Read more about gas appliances below from Morris Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas device uses natural gas as the primary fuel source. These devices offer a great alternative for electrically powered home appliances.

In general you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed depends on the type of appliance. For example, a gas furnace will still operate even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a gas dryer still relies upon electrical components.

A List of Appliances That Use Gas

Natural gas can be used for more than heating.

Proving Heat

Providing heat with gas generally costs less than heating using electricity. The reduction can be up to 50% subject to your energy costs and efficiency.

Natural gas heats the air faster and is more reliable.This is a huge benefit if you experience regular power outages in the winter

A Fireplace

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

Cooling Your Home

Natural gas can offer an efficient method to cool your home.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning can be a higher price to install but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Superior efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more productive than electric water boilers. Tankless heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that gas lines are generally hidden and protected from the weather means you can still have heating even if there’s a power outage.

Preparing Food

Most people have encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line designed to link gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the phrase has stuck around because it is accurate. Most chefs and amateur cooks choose natural gas for the ease with which you can control the size of the flame, and natural gas ranges provide a more cost effective way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You may not immediately think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. They operate at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Natural Gas Outside

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

delight friends before they even reach the front door with path lights, keep them warm even when the temperature falls and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor water 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 offering warmth for the best outside living.

Pros of Natural Gas Home Appliances

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

Natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity thus lowering your annual utility costs.
Natural gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is considered the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, contributing 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 continue to cool your home even if there’s no electricity supply.

Cons of Natural gas Appliances

Gas devices usually are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical appliances.
Installing a new gas line can be expensive. 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 deciding.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the best choice for you may not be the best choice for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the price is your main motivation 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 natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose 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 outages 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 home appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.