Indoor Comfort

Here’s a quick rundown of all the reliable, economical and environmentally smart natural gas appliances that can make your home a more comfortable place for your family.

Natural gas furnaces get your home warmer faster. Air from a natural gas furnace is up to 25 degrees warmer when it comes through the vent than air from an electric heat pump.

That efficiency not only makes you warmer, but it also saves you money. Most new high-efficiency furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90 percent or higher. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the unit and the more money you can save. High-efficiency furnaces tend to be slightly more expensive than the standard type, but the increased energy savings offset the extra cost. New residential furnaces will display an EnergyGuide label comparing the annual fuel costs of similar-sized units.

Look for these high-tech features that improve furnace efficiency:

• Electronic spark ignitions or "hot surface" ignitions eliminate the need for continuously burning pilot lights that waste fuel and increase operating costs.
• Condensing furnaces recapture some of the heat from condensing water vapor, which is wasted by traditional furnaces. And the exhaust gases from a condensing furnace are cool enough that they can be vented through a wall with plastic piping.
• Pulse furnaces burn gases in small explosive pulses, much like a car engine, allowing maximum heat to be extracted from the burning fuel. These furnaces can achieve AFUE ratings as high as 97 percent.
• Automatic vent dampers close the flue pipe when the burners are off and reduce the amount of inside air drawn up the chimney.

Natural gas water heaters can heat up to twice the amount of water in the same amount of time as an electric model – which means you’re less likely to run out of hot water when you need it. Natural gas water heaters come in tank and tankless models – both have significant advantages over electric and propane models:And that’s not the only advantage:

• With fewer parts to wear out, natural gas water heaters can beare generally considered more durable than electric models.
• With superior heat distribution and retention, they can cost less to operate than electric models.
• And even if the power goes out, most gas water heaters continue to deliver plenty of hot water.

Thinking of going tankless?

• Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning you’ll almost never run out of hot water and won’t pay to keep a large tank of water continuously heated.
• Multiple size and venting options mean there’s the perfect tankless model for your needs
• Reduced water heating time, energy expenses and greenhouse gas emissions all make tankless a great choice

Gas Logs and Fireplaces
Natural gas logs and fireplaces provide the warmth and charm of a glowing fire, without the need to haul wood or clean up ashes. More and more homeowners are discovering the lasting benefits of gas logs:

• Operate without electricity
• Enhance room decor
• Produce no odors or ashes
• Provide space heating
• Are environmentally friendly

To put gas logs in an existing fireplace, you’ll need a gas line installed. If there is no gas line running to your fireplace, a qualified gas contractor should install one. Call our Natural Gas Advantage Line at 1-800-427-5463 choose option 5.

Home chefs agree with the pros: Natural gas ranges cook best. Patterned after professional models, today’s gas ranges offer even cooking, high-output burners, and super-low simmer temperatures. Other cook-friendly features include self-cleaning ovens and vented grills. Another plus: Even if the power goes out, you can still cook for your family.

Natural Gas Dryers
A natural gas dryer can dry two loads of towels in the same time as one load in an electric dryer. And superior moisture and temperature controls mean that natural gas dryers are gentle on your clothes.

Gas Space Heaters
Energy-efficient gas space heaters are growing in popularity – and for good reason. They can keep your home heated, even during electricity outages. And they’re great solutions for heating small rooms – or whenever you need "just enough" warmth.

There are two basic types of gas space heaters: vent-free and vented. Vent-free models are virtually 100 percent fuel-efficient and require no electricity. You can control them manually or with thermostats, and they can be mounted on walls or floors. Vented models are thermostatically controlled and rest on the floor.