Looking at gas devices may be an option to reduce your bills while experiencing gains in comfort, convenience and efficiency.
There is a abundant supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable prices, and gas is viewed as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be viewed as the most eco-friendly choice.
If you already have a natural gas line in your house, or are completing a new house you may wish to consider the probable gains of gas home appliances and natural gas appliances. Find more information about gas appliances below from Direct Denver Appliance Repair:
What is a Gas Appliance?
A gas device uses natural gas as the primary fuel source. These goods are a viable alternative to electrical appliances.
Generally you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The amount of electricity used depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a gas heater can still be used even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.
A List of Appliances That Use Gas.
Gas isn’t just for cooking.
Keeping You Warm
Keeping yourself warm with gas is usually less expensive than heating your home with electricity. Savings can be as high as 50% depending on your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.
Gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.
A Fireplace
As well as general heating gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fireplace, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the hassle.
Keeping Cool
Gas can be an effective means to keep your home cool, even if there is a power outage.
Natural gas powered air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Better efficiency has the added positive impact of reducing your carbon footprint.
Water Heaters
Natural gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more efficient than their electric substitutes. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply.
The fact that natural gas lines are almost always underground and sheltered from the weather ensures you still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.
Cooking Food
We’ve all come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line created to link gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Clever marketing or not the saying is used today because it is valid. Most chefs choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the heat, and gas stoves also offer a much more efficient way of turning fuel into heat.
Clothes Dryers
Gas might not be the immediate place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, natural gas clothes dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers heat the air at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Outdoor Living
Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your spa.
Wow friends as soon as they arrive with path lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.
Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And gas patio heaters give ambiance as well as providing heat for luxurious indoor-outdoor entertaining.
Advantages of Natural Gas Appliances
With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. Here are some of the pros of choosing Natural Gas.
- Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual energy costs.
- Natural gas devices tend to be more efficient making them a better choice for your wallet and for the planet.
- Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
- Natural gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can still cool your home even if you get a power outage.
Disadvantages of Natural gas Appliances
- Natural gas devices usually are subject to a higher initial investment. Both the value of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be higher for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical alternatives.
- Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before making a final decision.
- Moving or extending a natural gas line can also require a big outlay so this should always be included in any cost benefit analysis.
- Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas devices are not properly installed or regularly maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.
Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?
Making the change between gas and electricity is not easy and the right choice for you might not be the right decision for everyone.
Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the price 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 natural gas, converting to natural gas comes at a cost. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.
Another reason to choose gas is reliability 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.
Finally, in environmental terms, while natural gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical goods. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.