Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to gas home appliances could be a good option to reduce your bills at the same time as seeing higher levels of ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a abundant supply of shale gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and natural gas is viewed as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be seen as the least environmentally damaging option.

If you already have gas installed in your house, or are building a new home you might consider the likely benefits of using more natural gas and gas home appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances below from Five Star Yucaipa Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Appliances?

A natural gas home appliance makes use of gas as the main power source. These appliances offer a practicable alternative for electrically powered appliances.

In most cases natural gas home appliances nevertheless require an electricity supply but use gas as the main source of power. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas range can still be used even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a gas dryer still relies upon electrical components.

Examples of Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas isn’t just for heating.

Keeping You Warm

Heating your home with natural gas usually costs less than heating your home using electrical heaters. Your costs could be cut in half subject to your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

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

A Fireplace

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

Cooling Your Home

Gas air conditioners can offer an adept method to cool your home.

Natural gas air conditioning requires a greater initial investment but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning lower prices in the long term. Superior efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

Natural gas water heaters come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are faster and more fuel efficient than their electric counterparts. On-demand heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that gas lines are almost always hidden and sheltered from the elements ensures you will still have heating even if there’s a power outage.

Cooking

Most people have come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great advertising strategy created to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the phrase is used today because it is true. The majority of chefs and home cooks choose gas for the fact that they can vary the heat, and gas hobs also offer a more cost effective way of converting energy into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers dry clothes at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Using Gas Outside

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside the home, gas is often used for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

Wow your guests before they even get out of the car with driveway lights, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside, when you like, and without the having to go 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 equivalent. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as giving warmth for the best indoor-outdoor living.

Pros of Natural Gas Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to weight up the pros and the cons. First up the pros.

  • Gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual energy costs.
  • Gas devices tend to be more efficient making them a more sustainable choice for your wallet and for the environment.
  • Gas is an eco-friendly option as it is viewed as the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
  • Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to heat your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

  • Natural gas devices generally are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more.
  • Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The price will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your supplier before making a final decision.
  • Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas devices are not properly installed or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the choice between gas and electricity is not always simple and the best choice for you might not be the right 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 major factor in the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, switching to natural gas comes at a cost. With this in mind, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good first step.

Another key advantage of gas is reliability of supply. If power outages are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power cuts can be a big plus.

Lastly, in environmental terms, while gas home appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Opting for renewable energy may turn out to be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.

Additional Types of Appliances