Five Good Reasons To Switch To Natural Gas
If you're in the market for a new furnace, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to switch your heating system (as well as your water heater and cooking appliances) from an electric or fuel oil-powered unit to one that runs on natural gas. There are many reasons to make the switch, not the least of which are to save energy and money on your monthly heating bills.
Benefits of switching to natural gas
1. It's less expensive to use. Because natural gas is plentiful in North America and because it is mined, not manufactured, natural gas is less expensive to use than other types of heating fuel. According to the American Gas Association, the average household could save nearly $700 by making the switch to natural gas from electric-powered appliances.
2. Using natural gas saves energy. Since natural gas is taken directly from the earth and piped to your supplier and then your home, it takes fewer resources to produce, unlike electricity, which has to be created or fuel oil which has to be refined.
3. Natural gas burns cleanly. Unlike using fuel oil for your heat, natural gas doesn't create any soot, smoke or unpleasant odors. With natural gas appliances, all of the combustion byproducts are funneled to the exterior of your home via a vent or a chimney.
4. There are very few natural gas outages. In most parts of the country, it's not unusual for the electricity to go out in a storm, during high winds or as the result of a traffic accident. Conversely, there are very few natural gas outages. That means you'll still have hot water, cooking facilities and at least a little heat when your neighbors with electric-powered appliances do not.
5. Tax rebates and incentives. While the federal tax incentives for installing high-efficiency furnaces have expired, there are still quite a few local tax incentives to make the switch to cleaner-burning natural gas. In addition, some natural gas providers offer cash rebates for purchasing and installing natural gas-powered appliances. A good HVAC contractor can help you find the equipment and savings program that's right fro you.
While a natural gas furnace and/or water heating system may not be the right choice for every family, making the switch to natural gas can save your family money, reduce your household's carbon footprint and keep you in heat and hot water even when the electricity is out. Talk to a professional like Scott's Heating & Air Conditioning Services for more information.
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