Choosing the right appliances for your home means considering efficiency, comfort, and value. While natural gas is perhaps best known for winter heating, its versatility for fueling everyday appliances is often overlooked.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing unit or planning a new installation, here are some of the most common natural gas appliances that are available, as well as key shopping tips to help you make an informed decision.
As with any big purchase, a little research goes a long way toward finding the natural gas appliances that feel right for your home. Keep these tips in mind as you shop:
Efficiency Rating - Natural gas appliances are known for being energy-efficient, but exact consumption can vary from unit to unit. Looking for an ENERGY STAR label is a great place to start. To earn an ENERGY STAR certification, an appliance must meet strict energy-efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, making these appliances especially coveted for their energy-saving performance.
Size - The biggest and best appliance may seem like a no-brainer, but bigger isn’t necessarily better. Consider selecting an appliance that matches your needs, as choosing one that's more powerful than necessary may lead to higher operating costs over time
Price and Coverage - Make sure you’re getting the best value for your money by shopping around and comparing prices. Many appliances come with attractive rebates.
Furnaces
With heating often being one of the largest energy uses in many homes, ensuring your system operates efficiently can be especially beneficial during the cooler months. A natural gas furnace can be a good option to consider, particularly for larger homes where a faster heating rate and higher heat output may be needed. When evaluating specific units, it’s helpful to review their efficiency ratings. Furnace efficiency is typically measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which reflects the percentage of fuel converted into usable heat. Many gas furnaces today are designed with high efficiency in mind, with units featuring an AFUE rating of 90% or higher often being considered efficient.
In addition to potentially helping manage energy costs, a natural gas furnace is known for providing consistent heat and a cleaner burn, which can help keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
Water Heaters
A natural gas water heater is similar to its furnace counterpart in that it is highly effective at converting gas to heat. Water heater efficiency is measured by its Energy Factor (EF), or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) for tankless models. This rating reflects how much natural gas is required to heat a given amount of water, with higher EF or UEF values indicating greater efficiency and lower energy use.
You can choose between tank and tankless water heaters based on your preferences and intended use. Tank water heaters store a set amount of hot water and typically have a lower upfront installation cost. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, tend to offer higher efficiency, a longer lifespan, and the ability to deliver a continuous supply of hot water—ideal for families that use a lot of hot water simultaneously, such as in showers, laundry, and dishwashing.
Ranges & Ovens
When it comes to cooking, natural gas ranges and ovens offer numerous benefits that can make life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable. Even heat distribution helps you stick to your favorite recipes and get delicious results every time, while instant-on burners make short work of weeknight meals and big family gatherings.
One thing to keep in mind when selecting a natural gas oven is whether it has a self-cleaning option. Even if you decide not to use this feature, it’s important to recognize that self-cleaning ovens require additional insulation to retain the extra heat. The extra layer of insulation can help improve the unit’s efficiency, even during normal cooking.
Dryers
A natural gas dryer generates heat using gas, which works alongside an electric fan to circulate hot air over the clothes. This method is often recognized for its ability to produce heat quickly, which may contribute to shorter drying times and potentially more efficient energy use compared to some electric models. Plus, a natural gas dryer tends to be gentler on fabrics and leaves clean laundry with less static.
When shopping for dryers, it’s worth checking for a moisture sensor. These sensors know when your clothes are dry and can automatically turn off, helping you use less energy and keep your clothes looking their best.
Fireplaces
Installing a natural gas fireplace in a living space can be a great way to enhance your home's overall comfort. Energy-efficient models come in both vented and unvented varieties, with the former offering the benefit of using an existing chimney, if desired. The best part is that the heat comes on instantly with the flick of a switch, allowing you to enjoy a cozy night with family and friends without having to stock up on wood or work to keep a fire going.
Generators
A permanently installed natural gas generator offers peace of mind by providing uninterrupted power during electrical outages. Because it connects directly to your home’s natural gas supply, there’s no need to store gasoline or diesel—or venture out in severe weather to refuel. This makes natural gas generators a convenient and dependable solution for staying comfortable during winter storms and blackouts.
These appliances are just the beginning of what natural gas can offer in a home, year-round. The versatile energy source can also fuel an outdoor grill or fire pit, lighting for walkways and driveways, or even a pool heater.
Want to learn more about the advantages of natural gas?
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