Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to gas home appliances could be a good option to save money while seeing increases in performance and productivity.

There is a abundant supply of gas in the US resulting in low, stable prices per unit, and shale gas is viewed as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the least environmentally damaging option.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are buying a new house you should consider the potential gains of gas appliances and gas household appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Enhance New Brunswick Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Appliance?

A gas home appliance runs on natural gas as the main fuel source. These appliances offer a great alternative to electrically powered goods for heating your home, providing hot water, cooking food and even cooling your home and clothes drying.

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 gas cooker will still operate even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas dryer still relies upon electricity.

A List of Home Appliances That Operate Using Natural Gas.

Gas can be used for more than heating.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas is generally less expensive than keeping warm using electricity. Savings can be as much as 50% depending on your fuel prices and efficiency.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.This is a big plus if you if you get power cuts

A Fireplace

As well as general heating natural gas is great for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and plenty of warmth without the mess.

Cooling

Natural gas air conditioners can be an effective method to cool your home.

Gas powered air conditioning requires a bigger initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning lower prices in the long term. Higher effectiveness has the added positive impact of reducing your carbon footprint.

Hot Water

There are two types of gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Gas heaters are more rapid and more efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply. Invaluable if you have a big family that indulges in long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are almost always underground and protected from the elements means you can still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking Food

Everyone has encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing strategy created to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the phrase stuck because it is accurate. A great many chefs choose natural gas for the ability to control the temperature, and natural gas hobs are also a more cost effective way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas clothes dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Outdoor Entertaining

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, natural gas is often used for lighting and food prep and even to heat your spa.

Wow your guests before they even reach the front door with outdoor lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature falls and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as offering comfort for luxurious outside living.

Advantages of Natural Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to look at the pros and the cons. First up the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.

Gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
Natural gas devices tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging 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.

Disadvantages of Natural gas Appliances

Gas home appliances usually are subject to a higher initial investment. Both the value of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical alternatives.
Having a natural gas line installed can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your energy company before deciding.
Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay so this should be added to any price analysis.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas home appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

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

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the cost is your main motivation 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, retrospectively installing natural gas comes at a cost. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another key advantage of gas is reliability of supply. If power failures are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during outages can count for a lot.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas home appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be a better investment and more eco-friendly options in the long run.