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Are you wondering what the best source of power to utilise in your residence in Australia is? Well, there are different power sources safe for use in your house. You could opt to use solar energy, electricity, and liquefied natural gas, among other available options.
To determine the ideal choice, you should make a few important considerations, including efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and availability. Gas is one of the most commonly used energy sources in many homes in the country.
So, if you are unfamiliar with the many uses of gas in a house, read on to find out. You will also discover the benefits of using gas to power your home, which will help you decide whether it is the ideal option for you.
Benefits Of Using Gas In Your Home
Below you will find detailed benefits of using gas in your household:
Can power your home fully
Gas is an energy source that you could use to power your home entirely. Gas at home could be used to heat water, power all your electronic devices, and cook food. It’s an eco-friendly energy source as you can effectively use it as you do electricity to power your property, making it a diversified option.
Gas is more affordable
Gas is readily available compared to other energy sources. In the supply and demand market, gas is more affordable than other energy sources. It’s cheaper than electricity and could be used in areas not served by the electricity grid, making it a convenient, inexpensive option.
Clean energy source
Gas is a cleaner energy source than its counterparts, petroleum, and coal. It’s also more efficient; thus, it helps minimise waste. At least 95 percent of what is produced gets converted into valuable energy. Additionally, gas also has fewer impurities, leading to less pollution compared to that of fossil fuels.
It is an eco-friendly option as it significantly helps reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Gas emits less carbon dioxide when used in generating electricity to power buildings.
Good for appliances
Gas is a clean energy source. This feature means less maintenance for your appliances, which, in turn, boosts their lifespan and does away with unnecessary repair costs.
Reliable energy source
Gas is a more reliable energy source than electricity. All gas pipelines are found underground, making them more secure than power lines running above the ground. As a result, they are safe from severe weather conditions, such as storms, that would negatively impact the gas supply to your household. With gas in your home, you don’t have to worry about power disruption, as with electricity blackouts.
Uses Of Gas In Your House
Gas is a great energy source to keep your home cosy and warm during the colder months. Because it is cheaper than other energy sources, it is an excellent option for your home’s multiple needs. Here are some different ways you can use gas in your house.
Heating water
One of the most widespread ways to use gas in your house is to heat water. You could install a gas water heater if your home is connected to gas. A gas water heater is more cost-effective and heats water faster than electric heaters.
Additionally, it is reliable; depending on your needs, you could get a gas hot water system with a capacity of around twenty to a hundred gallons. Gas also allows you to add a tankless heater that enables you to heat water as you need it.
Cooking
You can utilise a gas-powered cooker and an oven to cook. Gas ovens provide better temperature control; thus, it is possible to cook different dishes simultaneously. They allow for better accuracy in the kitchen and use less energy than electric cookers. This, in turn, means you save on your energy bills. Gas also causes less wear and tear on your cooking appliances compared to its counterparts.
Lighting a fire
A gas fireplace is highly efficient and requires less maintenance. Unlike firewood, you don’t have to worry about soot, ashes, splinters, and other mess created by wood-burning fireplaces. They are also more convenient because you can control them with the flip of a switch. When you leave the house, you could flip the switch off to kill a fire and flip it back when you come back.
Outdoor grilling
Gas is also a smart choice for convenient and affordable backyard grilling. Additionally, you could use your gas grill for cooking even during a power outage. With a gas-powered grill, you no longer have to worry about purchasing charcoal or any other fuel for the same. These appliances are eco-friendly, with no fuel odours and fewer emissions than charcoal grills.
Drying clothes
Gas dryers are more cost-effective than electric options. With gas dryers, you save up to around 50 percent of your energy costs compared to electric dryers. Additionally, they dry clothes faster because the air they use is drier and more absorbent. They also have an automatic shut-off feature and a lifetime burner, making them the perfect option to meet your needs if you reside in a busy household.
Common Gas-Powered Household Appliances
The cost of gas is lower than electricity. However, the cost of purchasing gas appliances tends to be higher than that of electric appliances. However, you will save more in the long run because of the lower operating costs, making it a worthwhile investment. Here are some of the appliances that can be powered by gas:
Ranges, cooktops, grills, stoves, and ovens
Though you plug your kitchen gas appliances into electric power sources, they use gas as the energy source to operate and generate the heat needed to cook. Gas cooktops, stoves, ranges, and ovens are better options than electric stoves.
This is because they offer several benefits when compared to their electric counterparts. These benefits include reduced energy costs, temperature control, and heat distribution. Gas grills are costlier than charcoal options, but the benefits outweigh the high upfront costs.
Gas grills are more energy efficient, saving a lot of money in the long run. You also don’t have to stock up on charcoal, leading to more savings. They are also an excellent option for your home since they don’t emit greenhouse gases.
Air conditioning
Using a gas air conditioner is a great way to conserve energy and save money. Some models are more energy efficient to the extent of using up to 50 per cent less energy than electric options.
It’s also good to note that water is usually recycled as it is consumed when running a gas air conditioner. Gas air conditioners are efficient even in extreme temperatures. Most models can also be powered using a generator, making them an excellent option for emergencies.
Clothes dryers
Cloth dryers powered by gas operate at a higher temperature than electric dryers; thus, they dry clothes faster. Since they dry clothes more quickly, less tumbling means less friction on your clothes, which slows down wear and tear. The shorter cycles also help save on energy costs.
Freezers and refrigerators
You could use gas-powered refrigerators and freezers to preserve food. These appliances utilise gas to make the unit cold by use of ammonia as the coolant in a process known as absorption cooling. The process doesn’t involve moving mechanical parts.
As a result, these refrigerators and freezers are more long-lasting and reliable since there are no parts to wear out in the cooling process. Additionally, you don't have to worry about your food getting spoiled in case of a power outage, as the gas supply is not affected.
Tips For Using Gas In Your Home
Here are a few helpful tips to help you use gas to power your home safely and ensure that your household’s gas consumption isn’t too much.
Check warning signs
Knowing the warning signs of gas faults and leaks is essential to ensure that you turn off all your gas appliances and gas supply and fix any issues immediately. These signs include soot stains, condensation in the room, or orange flames. A rotten egg smell signifies a gas leak that requires immediate fixing to prevent fires and other related accidents.
Maintain your gas system and appliances
Keep your gas system and appliances in top condition. To do this, be sure to follow the energy information administration guidelines on operating, maintaining, and using the appliances and system.
Install an audible gas alarm
Ensure you install and keep your gas alarm in good condition. Audible gas alarms are devices that detect gas leaks, allowing you to take the right action in the event of one. Other safety and preventive measures to take while using gas in your household include:
- Keep children and pets away from all gas appliances
- Ensure your space is well-ventilated
- Stay safe when using gas grills
- Check your gas meter regularly to ensure it is in good condition
Need Help With Your Gas System Or Appliances?
If you need help with your gas system or appliances, you should work with the best gas fitters near you for reliable results. Expert gas fitters and plumbers have the knowledge and skills required to undertake gas installations and gas appliance repairs and maintenance. They are well-versed with all the necessary energy information and can also advise you on how to use gas more efficiently in your home.
