Natural gas has become the heating and cooking fuel for many homeowners thanks to its cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and ease of use. Natural gas is so popular with significant savings over other options like fuel oil or electricity, lower emissions, and an extensive pipeline system for efficient installation and maintenance.
In this post, we’ll explore the key advantages that have helped establish natural gas as a preferred energy source, from financial savings to environmental sustainability to convenience.
Why Choose Natural Gas for Your Home
When choosing your home’s energy source, you want an option that will provide cost and environmental benefits without compromising reliability or convenience. Natural gas excels on all these fronts, so it has become the top choice for many homeowners. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits:
Cost Savings of Natural Gas Heating
Choosing natural gas systems provides substantial savings compared to alternative fuels. The cost to heat an average home with natural gas is around 30% less than with fuel oil. Modern condensing furnaces and boilers powered by natural gas have efficiency ratings over 90%, keeping heating bills low. Homeowners benefit from predictable long-term costs, with natural gas prices having remained stable or declined in recent years.
Environmental Friendliness of Natural Gas
Burning natural gas produces fewer natural emissions than fuel oil or kerosene heating. A natural gas furnace produces half the carbon dioxide and one-third less nitrogen oxide than oil heating. Choosing natural gas makes it a greener choice for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. There are also no fuel oil tanks on the property that could potentially leak into the groundwater.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
The infrastructure is readily available, with natural gas pipelines running to most neighbourhoods. Contractors can install a new high-efficiency gas furnace, boiler, or other appliances with minimal disruption. Maintenance is also simple, with annual professional tune-ups helping appliances run efficiently for many years—there are no fuel tanks to keep full or heavy bags of pellets to lug around.
Reliable Service
Natural gas utilities have an excellent record of delivering uninterrupted service through weather conditions or natural disasters. Storms like overhead power lines do not impact underground pipelines. Automatic shut-off valves also ensure safety.
Convenient Heating and Cooking Options
Natural gas furnaces, stoves, grills, fireplaces, and patio heaters provide heating and convenient home comforts. Gas appliances respond instantly without any warm-up periods needed. Homeowners enjoy the control and responsiveness natural gas delivers.
Comparing Natural Gas To Other Fuels
When natural gas is weighed against other common home heating and cooking options, its advantages become even clearer. While fuel oil does provide the backup of tank storage, it is significantly more expensive to use and produces higher emissions.
Electric heating or hot water tends to be the most expensive choice regarding operating costs. Heat pumps can offset some electricity usage but require a large initial investment and do not operate as efficiently in cold weather climates.
Propane gas is a decent alternative but needs the widespread distribution infrastructure that supports natural gas. On the whole, natural gas emerges as the optimal balance of cost, environmental sustainability, ease of use and reliability. For most homes, natural gas delivers the greatest long-term value and comfort as the primary energy source.
Make The Switch With Experts
.If you want to learn more about converting your home to natural gas or have any other plumbing or gas fitting questions, please contact the experts at The Brisbane Plumbers.
With many years in the industry, our team can assess your property, recommend the right system upgrades, and handle the entire installation process professionally and efficiently. Let us show you how natural gas can help lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon impact – contact us today for the best gas fitters in Brisbane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Natural Gas Use
Is my home suitable for conversion?
If a pipeline exists in your neighbourhood, most homes can be converted to natural gas. Your contractor can check feasibility based on the location of gas lines and meters and ventilation requirements. Homes further away may need additional conduits installed.
What upgrades are needed?
To convert to natural gas, you must install a new furnace, boiler, and water heater that operates on gas. Piping will also need to be run to carry the fuel. Your contractor will assess any needed ventilation or electrical work. Minor upgrades, like changing appliance locations, may be required. Permits are involved, but most projects are straightforward.
How do I sign up for service?
Contact your local natural gas provider to discuss available service plans and rates. You’ll need to apply with property and contact details. Once approved, they’ll arrange the installation of the gas meter and any internal piping work. Within 1-2 weeks of completion, your service will be activated. Set up recurring billing and be on your way to enjoying clean, affordable natural gas!
Is natural gas safe to use in my home?
Natural gas is a safe and reliable source of energy when used correctly. However, it is vital to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, as natural gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide if not functioning correctly. Regular maintenance by a professional can help ensure your appliances are operating safely.
Will converting to natural gas provide instant heat?
Yes, one of natural gas’s advantages is that it provides instant heat. This means you can enjoy the comfort of a warm home or hot water on demand without the wait time associated with other energy sources like electricity or oil.
How can converting to natural gas help me save money?
Converting to natural gas can help you save money on your energy bills. Natural gas is typically less expensive than electricity or oil and a more efficient way to heat your home and water. Additionally, natural gas appliances are often more cost-effective to operate and maintain.
What are the numerous benefits of converting to natural gas?
The numerous benefits of converting to natural gas include lower household energy costs, instant access to heating and cooking, a smaller carbon footprint due to cleaner burning compared to other fossil fuels, and potential increases in your home’s value due to the appeal of natural gas amenities.
What are the environmental benefits of natural gas?
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, burning more cleanly than other alternatives. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and your household’s carbon footprint. This is one of the many benefits of natural gas that make it an environmentally friendly choice for home energy.
How does natural gas contribute to home comfort?
Using natural gas in your home contributes to comfort in several ways. The ability to provide instant heat ensures that your living space can quickly reach a comfortable temperature. Moreover, natural gas appliances are reliable and require less maintenance, which means less hassle for homeowners.
What should I consider before converting to natural gas?
Before converting to natural gas, consider the location of your home, natural gas lines, the cost of installation and any necessary home upgrades, the potential savings on energy bills, and the benefits of having a more environmentally friendly fuel source. A qualified contractor can provide a feasibility assessment and address any safety concerns, including installing carbon monoxide detectors and proper ventilation systems.