Posted in Heating, Natural Gas
Homeowners often choose to heat their residences with natural gas heating systems. Natural gas is highly effective at heating air and water. If it’s time to replace your old furnace or you’re weighing alternative options, here’s a look at the pros of using natural gas heating equipment.
Energy Efficiency
Modern gas furnaces can achieve efficiencies of up to 98%. With the cost of energy, that level of efficiency can substantially lower your heating bills. It’s a fact natural gas furnaces heat rooms faster than electric ones, which contain resistance coils that take a while to heat up. Therefore, gas heaters use fewer resources in the process of heating your home. Also, less heat escapes via the chimney or flue pipe compared to other fossil fuels.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Depending on the efficiency of your heater, you can potentially reduce heating costs by 50% to 70%. Fuel prices are expected to remain low compared to other types of fuel. This is an important consideration knowing that energy costs, particularly electricity, are likely to continue rising.
Natural Gas Heating Systems Are More Reliable
A natural gas furnace will keep your home warm even if there’s a power outage. However, an electric furnace would be unable to. That’s a downside because this tends to happen when you need it most, like when a storm brings cold but also causes an electrical failure. Even if you don’t have lights, a gas furnace will still keep you warm. A warmer home is also less susceptible to frozen pipes and other plumbing problems.
Natural Gas Is Accessible
Your furnace is always connected to the underground pipeline that delivers the natural gas. The gas line is not affected by inclement weather or above-ground accidents, as power lines often are. You also don’t have to wait for propane or oil to be delivered to your home.
Natural Gas Is Clean
Natural gas has less of an environmental impact than other fossil fuels. It produces more heat too. But think about when you use electricity; it’s often produced by burning as many fossil fuels as are needed to heat your home directly. When using a natural gas heating system, fewer carbon and greenhouse gases are produced per household.
Natural Gas Is Safer
Many fossil fuels produce vapors and airborne particles that can be harmful. The carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates, and dissolved solids produced by natural gas are minimal. Therefore, it is less likely to contribute to health and safety issues for you, your family, and your pets.
Gas Furnaces Are Easy to Maintain and Repair
Today’s natural gas furnaces are built to strict quality standards. Breakdowns are rare and gas units don’t often need to be repaired. Maintenance is also easier; changing the air filter will prevent issues and help the furnace last longer. You won’t need a technician to deal with an electrical problem, but the furnace and gas connections will need to be inspected periodically.
If properly cared for, a gas furnace can supply heat to your central HVAC system, water heater, and any other appliance that requires heat for up to 20 years.
Heating with Natural Gas Can Increase Home Value
Home buyers typically look for any opportunity to save money. Lower heating bills, convenience, and comfort are incentives to purchase a home. Therefore, converting to gas now can result in a higher selling price for your home in the future.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
If the pros of a natural gas heating system are appealing to you, we can help find a replacement for your existing unit. Our team can match a high-efficiency furnace with the needs of your home and your budget. Financing options are available for heater replacements. If you need us to address an urgent issue with your current system, we provide 24/7 emergency repairs. To request furnace repair or replacement in Portland, call Sky at (503) 563-2698 today.
