Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to gas devices could be a good option to lower expenditures while experiencing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a high supply of natural gas in the United States meaning that prices are low and stable, and shale gas is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, therefore, it can be seen as the most eco-friendly choice.

If you already have gas installed in your home, or are buying a new home you might consider the likely advantages of choosing gas and gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Carrollton Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas device employs gas as the primary fuel source. These goods are a great alternative to electrical goods for heating your house, heating water, cooking your food and even air conditioning and tumble drying.

In general you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The quantity electric needed depends on how the appliance works. For example, a gas boiler will still work even if the power goes out, whereas a gas tumble dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.

Different Natural Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas is not just for cooking.

Heating

Keeping yourself warm with gas is usually less expensive than heating your home using electricity. Your expenditure could be cut in half depending on your fuel costs and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.

A Fireplace

Aside from keeping your home warm gas is ideal for a fireplace.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a gas fireplace, you still get real flames and a warm home without the hassle.

Keeping Cool

Gas air conditioning can be an effective way to keep your home cool, even if there is a power failure.

Gas fueled air conditioning may be more costly initially but is better value to run and maintain meaning savings in the long term. Higher efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of gas water boilers, non-tank and tank. Gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters also offer a continuous supply.

The fact that gas lines are usually underground and protected from the weather ensures you can still have heating even when you don’t have electricity.

Preparing Food

Everyone has encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy created to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the phrase is still around because it is valid. Most chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the fact that they can control the size of the flame, and gas hobs also offer a less wasteful way of converting fuel into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to drying clothes, however, gas dryers have many advantages. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Gas Outside

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? Outside, gas is a popular choice for lighting and food prep and even to heat your spa.

Wow guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lighting, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get the food cooking outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as providing heat for perfect indoor-outdoor living.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

As with anything there are pros and cons to natural gas home appliances. Here are some of the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

  • Gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual utility costs.
  • Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them a more sustainable choice for your wallet and for the planet.
  • Natural gas is an eco-friendly option as it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 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 cook even if you get a power outage.

Cons of Gas Home Appliances

  • Gas appliances generally require a higher initial investment. Both the value of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be higher.
  • Having a natural gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before making a final decision.
  • Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay.
  • Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance Right for You?

Making the choice between gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you might not be the optimal 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 gas, switching to 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 key advantage of gas is stability of supply. If power cuts happen often where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can count for a lot.

Finally, the eco-friendly credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical goods. Opting for renewable energy could be less expensive and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances