Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to natural gas appliances could be an option to reduce your bills while experiencing higher levels of ease, efficiency and performance.

Natural gas is in plentiful supply in the United States meaning that prices per unit are low and stable, and natural gas is relatively the cleanest fossil fuel, therefore, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible option.

If you already have gas installed in your house, or are building a new dwelling you may wish to look at the possible benefits of using more natural gas and natural gas household appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from Rapid Riverside Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas home appliance uses gas as the primary fuel source. Gas home appliances are a great alternative to electrical goods.

In many cases gas devices still require an electricity supply but use natural gas as the major source of power. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas water heater will provide hot water even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas tumble dryer still requires electricity.

A List of Devices That Run On Gas

Natural gas is not just for heating.

Heating

Providing heat with natural gas is typically less expensive than heating your home using electrical heaters. The difference can be as high as 50% depending on your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.

An Indoor Fire

Aside from heating natural gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get real flames and a focal point without the hassle.

Cooling

Gas can offer an efficient means to cool your home.

Natural gas powered air conditioning requires a greater initial investment but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two styles of natural gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water boilers. On-demand heaters also give a continuous supply.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually hidden and sheltered from the weather ensures you can still have the ability to wash 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 natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying has stuck around because it is accurate. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose natural gas for the fact that they can control the temperature, and natural gas stoves are also a less wasteful way of turning energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

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

Using Natural Gas Outside

You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, natural gas is a popular choice 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 cosy even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as giving heat for the best indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Advantages of Natural Gas Home Appliances

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

  • Choosing gas will save you money on your energy bills.
  • Natural gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
  • Natural gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
  • Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still heat water even if there’s no electricity supply.

Disadvantages of Natural gas Home Appliances

  • Gas devices usually have a higher initial investment. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater.
  • 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.
  • Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount so this should be included in any price analysis.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas devices 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 decision between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you probably won’t be the optimal choice for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper 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, converting to natural gas is expensive. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose natural gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power cuts happen often where you live then having appliances that continue to work during power failures can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, in environmental terms, while natural gas home appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Opting for renewable energy could be more cost-effective and more sustainable options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances