Green Energy Is Beneficial to Homeowners and the Earth

Posted on: 28 June 2017

When buying or updating your home, you have a major choice to make: electric or gas? Many people prefer electricity because it is fast and easy. However, there are many benefits to natural gas that you should consider before you make your final decision.

Monthly Energy Savings

Appliances that use gas instead of electricity tend to cost less to run than those with electricity because gas costs less per kWh than electricity. So, even if you use the same amount of energy as someone with an electric heater, you'll still save money. On the downside, gas appliances usually cost more to purchase than electric appliances. For example, an electric water heater can cost between $250 and $500, and a gas one costs $300 to $600. Also, if you're home isn't already set up for gas appliances, you may need to spend extra money to have the appliances installed properly.

Excellent Reliability

One reason people love gas appliances so much is because they are not vulnerable to electrical outages. Losing the power in the dead of winter can be detrimental if you have an electric heater and can't keep your family warm. However, when you have gas appliances, you can continue to cook, use warm water and heat your home. Outages are still possible; however, they are less common. This is because the gas pipes are buried underground where they cannot be hit by cars or affected by some natural disasters.

Efficient Heating and Cooling

All your appliances are more efficient if they use gas instead of electricity. This is because they are able to use less energy to heat your home, water, stove, etc. Plus, it's common for appliances that use gas to work faster. Many natural gas dryers actually dry your clothes faster while still using less energy. Similarly, gas water heaters heat water in the tank faster too.

Environmentally Friendly

Everyone is becoming concerned with the environment and reducing carbon footprints. While gas isn't completely harmless, it is much cleaner than other power sources, including electricity. Homes that reply primarily on gas instead of electricity usually have less carbon emissions than those that rely on electricity. Natural gas is also a better option environmentally because it travels better than electricity. Most of the gas that leaves the source reaches your home, but much more electricity is lost as it travels to your home. While this may not affect your energy costs directly, it does mean wasted energy that is only harming the globe.

Safe for Your Family

Natural gas is a safe option for your family because you can always tell when there is a leak. Thanks to the additive in natural gas, you get a whiff of sulfur if there is a leak, alerting you to the problem, so you can leave immediately. With electrical appliances, sometimes you don't know there is a problem until it's too late. Someone may be shocked, or a faulty wire may catch fire.

Creates Jobs

Natural gas is an American product thanks to advancements in technology, which allow the US to access plenty of natural gas. In fact, most of the natural gas used in the US is produced in the US. So using it reduces the nation's dependence on oil from foreign countries. Similarly, unlike many other forms of energy, the majority of the work is handled in America, which creates jobs for Americans.

Don't just pick electricity because it's the easy option. While it may be more expensive at first, natural gas will reduce your energy spending. For more information, contact a heating and cooling specialist at businesses like Saddle Operating LLC in your area today.