Gas Appliances

Thinking about gas devices may be a way to save money while experiencing gains in comfort and efficiency.

Shale gas is in plentiful supply in the US resulting in low, stable prices, and natural gas is considered the cleanest non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the least environmentally damaging alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are completing a new home you should think about the probable advantages of natural gas appliances and gas household appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from Integrity Augusta Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Appliances?

A natural gas home appliance uses natural gas as the dominant fuel source. These appliances afford a viable substitute for electrical home appliances.

Usually 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 natural gas cooker can still be used even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas tumble dryer still needs electrical components to make the drum turn.

Different Gas Appliances

Natural gas can have any number of uses in your house.

Keeping You Warm

Heating your home with gas is generally less expensive than heating your home with electricity. Your expenditure could halve depending on your energy prices and efficiency.

Gas heats the air more efficiently and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.

A Fireplace

Apart from heating natural gas is ideal for a fireplace.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and plenty of warmth without the hassle.

Cooling Your Home

Natural gas air conditioning can offer an adept method to keep your home cool.

Gas powered air conditioning could be a higher price initially but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Superior effectiveness has the added upside of lowering your C02 emissions.

Hot Water

There are two types of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are faster and more efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters also offer a continuous supply. Handy if you have a big family that appreciates long showers.

The fact that gas lines are generally dug into the ground and sheltered from the weather ensures you still have the ability to wash even when you don’t have electricity.

Cooking Food

Most people have come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line conceived to link natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the phrase is still around because it is accurate. Most chefs choose gas for the fact that they can control the temperature, and natural gas stoves also offer a less wasteful way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You might not immediately think of using natural gas to dry your clothes, however, gas dryers are a great choice. They operate at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, natural gas is a great power source for lighting and outdoor cooking and even to heat your spa.

delight your guests before they even get out of the car with outdoor lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature falls and get food cooked outside, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters provide ambiance as well as giving heat for luxurious outside entertaining.

Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to gas home appliances. Here are some of the advantages.

Choosing gas will save you money on your utility bills.
Natural gas devices tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an environmentally responsible option 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 less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can still heat water even if you get a power outage.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

Natural gas home appliances generally require a higher initial outlay. Both the cost of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be greater.
Installing a new gas line can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay so this should be included in any price analysis.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not always simple and the right choice for you probably won’t be the optimal decision for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper 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 comes at a cost. With this in mind, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another benefit of gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power cuts can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Choosing solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.