Gas Appliances

Considering switching to gas devices might be a way to save money while seeing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and natural gas is considered the cleanest non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible alternative.

If you already have gas installed in your home, or are completing a new dwelling you might consider the likely gains of switching to natural gas and natural gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from Shoreline Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Appliance?

A gas appliance runs on gas as the dominant fuel source. These goods afford a viable substitute for electrically powered home appliances for heating your living space, providing hot water, cooking your food and even air conditioning and clothes drying.

In many cases gas home appliances nonetheless require an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the major fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas range will still work even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas tumble dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.

A List of Appliances That Run On Natural Gas.

Gas can be used for more than heating.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas usually costs less than heating with electricity. Your costs could halve depending on your fuel tariffs and efficiency.

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

An Indoor Fire

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

Cooling Your Home

Gas can offer an adept method to keep your home cool, even if there is a power cut.

Gas powered air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning savings in the long term. Higher effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Natural gas water boilers come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are faster and more productive than their electric substitutes. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply.

The fact that gas lines are almost always hidden and sheltered from the weather means you can still have the ability to shower even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

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

Regardless of the etiology the phrase is still around because it is valid. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose gas for the ease with which you can control the size of the flame, and natural gas hobs provide a less wasteful way of converting energy into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers dry clothes a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Using Natural Gas Outside

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, gas is often used for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

delight guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lights, keep them warm on cool evenings and get a meal prepared outside, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters offer atmosphere as well as providing heat for luxurious outside entertaining.

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 natural gas will save you money on your utility bills.
Gas devices tend to use less energy making them better for your wallet and for the environment.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Natural gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still heat water even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Cons of Gas Appliances

Gas appliances generally have a higher initial investment. Both the cost of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be costly. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your supplier before making a final decision.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas devices are not installed correctly 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 choice between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal choice for you might not be the best decision for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the cost 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, switching to gas is expensive. Therefore, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose natural gas is reliability of supply. If power cuts happen often in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a big plus.

Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical goods. Opting for renewable energy may turn out to be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.