The age old question of gas appliances versus electric appliances has been revived yet again and whether or not you are considering remodeling your kitchen, replacing your furnace or trying to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, there has never been a better time to really think this issue through. Each person may have their own personal beliefs on the matter, but there are a few standard downsides and plusses to both types of power. Let’s look at a couple and see which type may be best for your own needs.
Natural Gas / Propane – Plusses
This is considered to be a clean burning fuel by many and although prices are nearing $3.00 a gallon in many parts of the country, it is still cheaper than home heating oil, which is now closer to $6. With the right furnace or appliance, propane and natural gas can be very efficient.
In areas of the country where power outages are frequent, having a gas appliance or furnace may mean the difference between staying warm and having food to eat, or freezing in the depths of winter. For those that are out in the country or in areas where these power outages do occur on a frequent basis, this is a very sound solution.
Natural Gas / Propane – Downsides
The main downside at this point is of course the overall cost. If you have older appliances or an old furnace, it may not be very efficient and you can easily spend thousands just trying to keep your house warm. The other major downside is the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you do have natural gas or propane appliances or a furnace, it is vital to keep them serviced, check the pilot lights and take precautions to keep everything running smoothly.
Electric – Plusses
When it comes to convenience, electricity is usually the best. You don’t have to wait for it to be delivered, and if you keep paying your bill, it’s always on. Many consider electric appliances to be safer, and they are also generally a little bit cheaper to purchase upfront.
Depending on the part of the country where you live, the cost for electricity is generally much less than it is for natural gas and propane. The western states may be an exception to this, but generally, you can count on the price per kilowatt to be much lower and more affordable than gas.
Electric – Downsides
When the power goes out, so does your furnace and appliances. This can be a major problem, especially in winter. If you do have an electric furnace, consider getting a generator if you do have problems with outages. It may mean the difference between staying cozy and risking freezing to death.
Inefficient electric appliances however can end up costing you quite a bit more, and it definitely pays to upgrade older models to Energy Star models. Many of these appliances can be run for an entire year on less than $50.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2008-10-29 05:19:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Tips for Small Appliance Repair The modern home is just packed with appliances, big and small. From toasters to hairdryers to more esoteric appliances, it seems like there’s a gizmo for every task. The problem is that like any sort of technology, small appliances are prone to breaking for a variety of reasons. Most people...... -
6 Great Home Uses for Power Pressure Washers Power pressure washers are handy pieces of equipment for home use, and some models are made for commercial use, as well. Unless you plan on running a pressure washing business, however, you can get away with a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment that can you use to do a large...... -
The Hidden Danger Lurking Under Your Bed and Over Your Head When it comes to looking for trouble spots in our homes, we are generally drawn to the obvious. Plumbing systems, heating systems and the things that we see every day will get the most attention when it comes to spotting early warning signs and taking care of problems before they...... -
Benefits of Home Warranty Policies Homeowners typically want to protect all that they own and this usually means purchasing an insurance policy for their home and valuables. However, this will not provide any assistance if something just stops working or if something in the home is damaged as a result of typical use. In this...... -
How to Replace Electric Outlets Replacing electric outlets is probably the easily electric-related task for a do-it-yourselfer to accomplish. That's in part to the very simple and straightforward design of wall plugs and outlets. From testing to complete replacement, handling outlets is inexpensive and quick. To test electric outlets, first turn off the power. Get......
Related Websites -
The Difference Between SEO Writers and Content Providers Even though they may sound similar, SEO content providers and SEO writers are actually quite different in practice when it comes to search engine optimization. While it's true that they both provide valuable services to website owners or similar, there's actually one main area where the two are entirely different...... -
Money Saving Tips: 122 Ways To Trim Your Budget A while back All You Magazine offered to give away a few subscriptions to Frugal Dad readers. The rules for entering the contest were simple--leave a money saving tip in the comments. What happened next was one of those magical moments you can only get from blogs, and the sense...... -
How To Make Your Household Appliances Last Longer Your major household appliances can be some of the more expensive items you'll buy in your lifetime. Protect your investment by keeping on top of the necessary cleaning and maintenance. Not only will this help you make your appliances last longer, but when operating efficiently, you'll also save money on...... -
Obama Grants INTERPOL Diplomatic Immunity WASHINGTON: Diplomatic Immunity is that cloak and dagger privilege granted to a certain few foreign government officials, the gift to do as they please within a foreign country. The purpose of the immunity is to protect the channels of diplomatic communication between nations, allowing diplomats to perform their duties with...... -
Green Electric Hybrid Car There is a revolution going on right now that has many consumers purchasing electric cars, hybrid cars and other green vehicles and cars as a means of increasing the efficiency of their vehicles while decreasing the emissions that their cars create while they are on the road. While one way......
- Electric Dryers Washers Dryers Major Appliances
- Nail and Staple Guns-Electric Power Tools Tools Home Improvement
- Electric Ranges Stoves Ranges Cooking Appliances Major Appliances
- Electric Fans Furniture, Appliances Fans Collectibles
- Cross Country Skiing Winter Sports
Categories:
Air Conditioning, Energy, Heating
Tags:
0 comments ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment