Gas Appliances

Thinking about gas devices may be a way to lower expenditures while seeing higher levels of comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a abundant supply of shale gas in the US meaning that costs are low and stable, and gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be regarded as the greener option.

If you already have gas installed in your home, or are completing a new dwelling you should look at the possible benefits of switching to gas and natural gas household appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from Lawson’s Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Home Appliance?

A gas appliance makes use of gas as the primary power source. These home appliances are a great alternative for electrically powered home appliances for heating your home, heating water, cooking food and even cooling your home and clothes drying.

Usually you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electric used depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a gas water heater will produce hot water even when there is a power outage, whereas a gas clothes dryer still relies upon electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Appliances That Operate Using Natural Gas.

Natural gas isn’t just for cooking.

Heating

Heating your home with gas usually costs less than providing heat using electricity. The difference can be up to 50% depending on your energy prices and efficiency.

Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.

Fireplaces

Aside from heating gas is great 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

Natural gas air conditioning can be an adept way to keep your home cool.

Gas powered air conditioning requires a bigger initial investment but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning savings in the long term. Higher effectiveness has the added benefit of cutting your C02 emissions.

Water Heating

There are two types of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that gas lines are almost always underground and protected from the weather ensures you can still have the ability to heat your home even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking Food

Everyone has come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy conceived to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the phrase is still around because it is valid. A great many chefs and home cooks choose gas for the ability to control the heat, and natural gas stoves provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, natural gas tumble dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers heat the air at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in less time.

Using Natural Gas Outside

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a great power source for lighting and food prep and even to heat your spa.

delight your guests before they even get out of the car with outdoor lights, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get food cooked outside, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

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

Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to gas home appliances. First up the advantages.

Choosing natural gas will reduce your utility bills.
Natural gas appliances tend to use less energy making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Gas is an eco-friendly option as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Natural gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still heat your home even if the power goes out.

Disadvantages of Natural gas Appliances

Gas devices usually have a higher initial cost. Both the price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Having a natural gas line installed can be costly. The price 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 always be added to any cost comparisons.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance Right for You?

Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the optimal choice for you might not be the right choice for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the price 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 gas, switching to gas comes at a cost. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power cuts are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can count for a lot.

Lastly, in environmental terms, while gas home appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical appliances. Installing renewable energy could be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.