Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to natural gas appliances could be a way to save money at the same time as experiencing higher levels of comfort and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and gas is viewed as the cleanest fossil fuel, consequently, it can be viewed as the greener alternative.

If you already have gas installed in your house, or are building a new dwelling you should think about the probable gains of switching to gas and natural gas household appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances here from United Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Home Appliance?

A gas device makes use of gas as the primary power source. These goods offer a viable substitute for electrical appliances for heating your living space, providing hot water, heating food and even cooling your home and laundry.

In general you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas water heater will work even if the power goes out, whereas a gas dryer still relies upon electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Appliances That use Gas.

Gas isn’t just for heating.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with natural gas usually costs less than keeping warm with electricity. The difference can be as high as 50% depending on your energy costs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas heats the air faster and is more reliable.

An Indoor Fire

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

Cooling Your Home

Gas can offer an efficient means to keep cool.

Gas powered air conditioning may be a higher price initially but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning cost savings in the long term. Superior efficiency has the added benefit of reducing your C02 emissions.

Heating Water

Gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are more rapid and more productive than their electric counterparts. On-demand water heaters also give a continuous supply. Handy if you have a big family that indulges in long showers.

The fact that gas lines are usually dug into the ground and guarded from the elements means you still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking Food

Most people have heard the saying “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy designed to link the use of natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the saying is used today because it is valid. Most chefs choose natural gas for the ease with which you can control the size of the flame, and gas hobs provide a more cost effective way of converting energy into heat.

Dryers

Gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. They dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a popular choice for lighting and cooking and even to heat your spa.

delight your guests as soon as they arrive with driveway lights, keep them cosy on cool evenings and get the food cooking outside, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And gas fire pits give ambiance as well as giving comfort for perfect indoor-outdoor living.

Advantages of Natural Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it’s best look at the pros and the cons. Here are some of the pros.

Choosing gas will save you money on your utility bills.
Gas devices tend to be more efficient making them a better choice for your wallet and for the planet.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still cook even if you get a power outage.

Disadvantages of Gas Appliances

Natural gas home appliances generally are subject to a higher initial investment. Both the price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The amount will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
Moving or extending a gas line can also require a big outlay.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

Making the decision between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the best choice for you may not be the optimal choice for everyone.

If your main driver is cost natural gas is at the moment the lower priced option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, retrospectively installing gas is expensive. Therefore, 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 outages happen often in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can be a huge benefit.

Finally, the sustainability 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. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.