Gas Appliances

Considering natural gas devices could be an option to save money at the same time as seeing gains in ease, efficiency and performance.

Shale gas abundant in the US resulting in low, stable prices per unit, and gas is viewed as the cleanest non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the environmentally responsible alternative.

If you already have a gas line in your home, or are building a new house you may wish to consider the potential benefits of using more gas and natural gas appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from Boyle Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas appliance uses gas as the primary fuel source. Gas appliances present a practicable substitute to electrically powered appliances.

In most situations natural gas devices nonetheless will need an electricity supply but use natural gas as the main source of power. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas heater will still operate even if the power goes out, whereas a gas tumble dryer still relies upon electricity.

A List of Devices That Run On Gas.

Gas can have a great many purposes in your house.

Proving Heat

Providing heat with natural gas usually costs less than keeping warm with electricity. Your expenditure could halve subject to your fuel tariffs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.

A Fireplace

As well as heating gas is ideal for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get real flames and a focal point without the mess.

Cooling

Gas air conditioners can offer an effective means to keep your home cool, even if there is a power outage.

Gas fueled air conditioning are often more costly to install but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

Natural gas water boilers come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Natural gas heaters are faster and more fuel efficient than their electric substitutes. On-demand heaters also offer a continuous supply. Handy if you have a big household that indulges in long showers.

The fact that gas lines are almost always dug into the ground and protected from the weather means you can still have the ability to shower even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking Food

Most people have come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great advertising strategy conceived to link natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the phrase is used today because it is valid. The majority of chefs choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the heat, and natural gas stoves provide a much more efficient way of converting energy into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You may not instantly think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, gas clothes dryers are a great choice. They work a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Outdoor Living

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.

Impress your guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas fire pits set the mood as well as providing comfort for luxurious indoor-outdoor living.

Benefits of Gas Home Appliances

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

Gas is generally cheaper than electricity thus lowering your annual power costs.
Gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide 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 your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Cons of Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas home appliances usually are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the cost of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be more.
Having a gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be costly. The price will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before making any decisions.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

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

If your main driver is cost natural gas is currently the least expensive fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to natural 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 benefit of natural gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, the eco-friendly credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical appliances. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be a better investment and more eco-friendly options in the long run.