Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to gas devices may be a way to lower expenditures at the same time as experiencing increases in performance and productivity.

There is a high supply of gas in the US meaning that equivalent prices are low and stable, and natural gas is relatively the cleanest non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be regarded as the greener option.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are buying a new house you should look at the possible advantages of using more natural gas and gas household appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Hi-Tech Midlothian Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Home Appliance?

A natural gas appliance uses gas as the main fuel source. These devices present a practicable alternative for electrically powered home appliances for heating your home, providing hot water, cooking food and even cooling your home and laundry.

In most situations gas home appliances nonetheless will need an electricity supply but use gas as the main fuel. The quantity electric needed depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a natural gas stove will still operate even during a power cut, whereas a gas tumble dryer still relies upon electrical components to make the drum turn.

Different Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas isn’t just for heating.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with natural gas usually costs less than providing heat with electricity. Savings can be as much as 50% subject to your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.

An Indoor Fire

Apart from general heating natural gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames.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 fuss.

Cooling

Gas air conditioning can offer an adept way to keep your home cool, even if there is a power outage.

Natural gas fueled air conditioning requires a bigger initial investment but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

Natural gas water heaters come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more fuel efficient than their electric alternatives. Tankless heaters also provide a continuous supply. Handy if you have a big household that enjoys long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually underground and sheltered from the weather means you can still have hot water even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking Food

We’ve all heard the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line created to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the phrase stuck because it is accurate. A great many chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can vary the temperature, and gas stoves also offer a much more efficient way of turning fuel into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to drying clothes, however, gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. They operate at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor entertaining, gas is often used for patio lights and outdoor cooking and even to heat your pool.

Impress friends as soon as they arrive with outdoor lights, keep them toasty even when the temperature falls and get the food cooking outside, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as rapidly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas fire pits set the mood as well as offering comfort for perfect outside living.

Advantages of Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. Here are some of the advantages of choosing Natural Gas.

  • Choosing gas will save you money on your utility bills.
  • Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
  • Natural gas is an eco-friendly choice as it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
  • Natural gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to cook even if the power goes out.

Negatives of Natural gas Home Appliances

  • Natural gas appliances usually have a higher initial cost. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher.
  • Having a natural gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be costly. The price will vary depending on a number of factors.
  • Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

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

If your main driver is cost natural gas is for the time being the lower priced fuel. 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 already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose gas is stability of supply. If power cuts are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can count for a lot.

Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical goods. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be more cost-effective and more eco-friendly options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances

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