Natural gas is dependable, clean, and efficient, three qualities that make it a great fuel source for appliances in your home, including heating systems, water heaters, cooktops, clothes dryers, and fireplaces.
Do you have appliances that aren’t fueled by natural gas? Let’s see how you could benefit from making the switch in your home.
Heating systems
Natural gas heaters are incredibly efficient and offer Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 78% or more.
A furnace with an AFUE rating of 78% will output 78 BTUs of heat for every 100 BTUs of natural gas put into the system. The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the efficiency. As you can see, natural gas furnaces are very efficient at keeping a home warm and cozy.
Water heaters
Natural gas water heaters are able to warm water much more quickly than electric models. In many homes, the water heater is the second biggest energy user after heating and cooling equipment. Be sure that the unit you have installed is efficient at heating water as quickly as possible.
Cooktops
Natural gas cooktops offer precise temperature controls. When you turn the temperature up or down, the change is nearly immediate. Many professional chefs choose natural gas ranges for their kitchens because the fuel evenly distributes heat during cooking.
In a hurry to get dinner ready for your hungry family? Natural gas ranges heat up more quickly than electric models. Also, they cool down quickly once your meal is prepared and you’ve shut off the gas, which is a great safety feature.
Clothes dryers
Natural gas dryers are able to dry clothes much faster than electric models. The cost of a natural gas dryer may be more expensive than an electric unit upfront, but your savings will add up over the unit’s lifetime, because gas dryers tend to be less expensive to run than electric units.
Natural gas units distribute heat evenly over your clothes during the drying process, so this means less wrinkles. They also don’t produce as much static cling as comparable electric models.
Fireplaces
Natural gas fireplaces are cleaner and safer than their alternatives. For example, with wood-burning fireplaces, there is soot and fly-away ash that needs to be carefully monitored and cleaned up so that it doesn’t spark a fire.
Also, natural gas fireplaces come with various venting options and may not require a chimney.
Ready to take the plunge and purchase a natural gas appliance?
There may be areas of your home where you could be getting more efficient use out of a natural gas appliance than an electric model. Weigh your options carefully and consider your budget and family’s needs before making a purchase.