Top Benefits of Natural Gas Heating for Your Home

The debate about which type of heating is better — gas or electric — has been going on for years. While electric heating may have been more popular in the past, gas heating is quickly gaining ground as the preferred option for many homeowners. Here are just a few of the top benefits of natural gas heating.

Natural Gas Is Safe for Your Home

Heating with natural gas is one of the safest ways to heat your home. Natural gas is a naturally occurring fossil fuel found all over the world. It is composed mostly of methane, with small amounts of other hydrocarbons, like ethane and propane. Natural gas is transported to homes and businesses through an underground pipeline system. 

Once it reaches your home, it goes into a gas meter, where it's regulated before entering your heating system. One of the great things about natural gas is that it produces minimal sulfur dioxide, airborne particulates, and dissolved solids when burned. Additionally, with a well-maintained heating system, natural gas generates nearly no carbon monoxide. 

Natural Gas Is Reliable

When it comes to heating your home, you want a system you can rely on. After all, there's nothing worse than being left in the cold during a winter storm. Natural gas heating is one of the most reliable options on the market. Thanks to an extensive distribution network, natural gas is available throughout and unlikely to be affected by severe weather conditions, unlike power lines. 

If you opt for other fuel sources, such as propane and oil, you would have to rely on delivery trucks, and they may not be able to deliver on time during winter, especially with heavy snow. You and your family may be vulnerable at the worst possible time. 

Natural gas, however, will continue heating your home. Even when there's a power outage, you'll be toasty warm in your home as you wait for it. Given that natural gas is also produced domestically, you don't have to worry about supply disruptions due to international events. 

Natural Gas Is Affordable and Cost Effective

Natural gas is a very efficient fuel source. It produces a lot of heat without using much fuel, so you can save money on your energy bills. Natural gas furnaces typically have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of around 80%, meaning that 80% of the fuel is converted into heat.

Another benefit is that natural gas heats up a room much faster than electric furnaces. The resistance coils in electric furnaces take a long time to heat up. Natural gas furnaces, on the other hand, use a flame to heat the air, so they can warm up a room very quickly. This speed can be a big advantage when you need to heat up a large space in a hurry.

Gas heat disperses evenly throughout a room, providing consistent warmth even in the coldest weather. Modern gas furnaces are also very quiet, and you'll have a relaxed environment while it runs. 

Natural Gas Furnaces Increase Home Value

When potential buyers are looking at homes, they often take into account the type of heating system in place. Homes heated with natural gas have become attractive to new home buyers because natural gas is less expensive to operate. As a result, if you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to get a higher price for it if it has a natural gas heating system. 

If you need more information or professional gas furnace installation, contact us. We'd be happy to answer any of your questions and help you choose the best heating solution for your home. We also offer natural gas furnace repair, replacement and installation services.