Gas Appliances

Considering gas devices could be a way to save money while experiencing increases in comfort and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the United States meaning that equivalent prices are low and stable, and gas is viewed as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be seen as the most eco-friendly alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are buying a new home you might think about the potential benefits of choosing natural gas and gas household appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from Champion Appliance Repair in Pittsburgh:

What is a Gas Appliance?

A natural gas home appliance uses gas as the primary fuel source. Gas home appliances afford a viable alternative to electrical appliances for heating your home, providing hot water, cooking food and even cooling your home and tumble drying.

Usually you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas range can still be used even during a power cut, whereas a gas tumble dryer still requires electrical components.

A List of Home Appliances That Operate Using Gas.

Gas can be used for more than cooking.

Proving Heat

Keeping yourself warm with gas typically costs less than keeping warm using electricity. The difference can be up to 50% subject to your fuel prices and efficiency.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.

A Fireplace

Aside from general heating gas is perfect for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the mess.

Air Conditioning

Gas air conditioners can offer an efficient way to cool your home.

Gas fueled air conditioning may be a higher price initially but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness has the added positive impact of lowering your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more fuel efficient than electric water boilers. On-demand heaters also provide a continuous supply.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually dug into the ground and sheltered from the weather means you still have hot water even if there’s a power outage.

Preparing Food

We’ve all come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great advertising line conceived to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying is used today because it is accurate. Most chefs and amature cooks choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the temperature, and natural gas ranges also offer a much more efficient way of converting fuel into heat.

Dryers

Gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to drying clothes, however, natural gas dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers work at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside the home, natural gas is a popular choice for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

delight guests before they even get out of the car with path 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 domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And natural gas patio heaters set the mood as well as offering comfort for the best indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Benefits of Gas Appliances

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

Gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual power bills.
Gas devices tend to use less energy making them more sustainable for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an environmentally responsible option as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to heat your home even if the power goes out.

Negatives of Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas appliances generally are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more.
Having a gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The cost 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 be expensive so this should be added to any cost comparisons.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas home appliances are not properly installed or regularly 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 easy and the optimal choice for you probably won’t be the right decision for everyone.

Currently gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the price is your main driver 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 natural gas is expensive. Therefore, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good first step.

Another benefit 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 failures can be a big plus.

Finally, the eco-friendly credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.