Homebuyers are increasingly seeking energy-efficient properties, and incorporating natural gas appliances and systems can help satisfy this demand while also offering cost savings. The American Gas Association reports that households utilizing natural gas for heating, cooking, and clothes drying can save over $1,100 annually compared to those relying on electricity for these purposes. Let’s delve into the ways natural gas contributes to a more energy-efficient home.
Heating spaces
Natural gas furnaces are quick to warm up and can generate higher heat levels than electric alternatives. ENERGY STAR®-rated gas condensing furnaces boast efficiencies of 97% or higher, making them up to 15% more efficient than standard models.
ENERGY STAR-rated gas boilers can result in approximately $780 in lifetime savings due to their advanced combustion technologies, which maximize heat extraction from the same fuel amount.
Natural gas heat pumps often have efficiencies exceeding 100% and use a gas engine or gas-fueled premixing burner to transfer heat into or out of the home, providing efficient heating and cooling.
Cooking
Cooking with a natural gas range generally costs less than using an electric range, depending on rates. Additionally, gas ranges tend to last up to six years longer than electric versions, resulting in reduced replacement costs. Furthermore, gas ranges offer homeowners the following advantages:
- Quicker heat-up times, allowing for faster meal preparation and cost savings for other family expenses.
- Enhanced temperature control, enabling novice cooks to master searing, grilling, and simmering techniques due to immediate burner temperature adjustments, as opposed to the delayed heating and cooling of electric burners.
- Compatibility with all cookware types, eliminating the need for homebuyers to purchase new cooking utensils.
Be sure to consult local code authorities for specific kitchen cooktop ventilation requirements in your area.
Drying clothes
Generally, drying a standard laundry load with electricity is more expensive than using natural gas, which delivers immediate heat for faster drying times.
ENERGY STAR provides over 150 certified natural gas dryers at various price points. Some models can be paired with an ENERGY STAR clothes washer for additional savings. ENERGY STAR dryers usually consume 20% less energy than standard models.
Heating water
Natural gas is the preferred fuel source for water heating in numerous American households. Although electric water heaters are highly efficient, gas-powered units heat water more quickly and are typically more economical. Gas storage water heaters have long been a trusted source of hot water, and ENERGY STAR-certified models have been independently verified to use less energy than standard units while maintaining high-performance standards.
Gas tankless water heaters instantly supply hot water as needed, potentially conserving energy and water resources. ENERGY STAR-certified gas tankless water heaters are also more energy-efficient than their standard counterparts.
