Benefits of Switching from Electric to Gas

At Excalibur Plumbing we know If you’re a homeowner, you want to save money in every way that you can. One of the best ways to cut energy bills is to switch from an electric appliance to an energy-efficient, natural gas appliance instead.

These days, consumers have options between electric and natural gas appliances. While the market for gas-powered water heaters and dryers declined since 2003, according to 2013 figures from the American Gas Association, gas ranges maintained their ground in the marketplace.

But, experts and millions of homeowners believe that all that can change in the upcoming years. CNBC reported that over one-third of consumers in the United States are interested in switching their electric appliances to gas, according to research from Accenture, a consulting firm.

The study found that 38 percent of Americans were considering switching to a gas water heater or range, and 30 percent were thinking of switching to a gas clothes dryer.

“Depending on the market, natural gas prices can be substantially less than other fuels,” said Greg Guthridge, who headed Accenture’s Energy Consumer Services group.

According to Wisconsin Public service, a utility company that offers gas and electric services, a homeowner could save nearly $1,700 a year if they switched to a gas furnace, and another $297 a year if they switch to a gas water heater. Switching to a gas clothes dryer and a gas range can save consumers even more.

As professional plumbers, we can say that when it comes to kitchen appliances, making the switch to gas isn’t always cost-related. We’ve seen more gas conversions as homeowners remodel their chef-worthy kitchens and we see the same thing with new and custom-built homes.

Just ask any professional or self-taught chef and they’ll admit that gas is the preferred cooking method because it allows cooks the finest degree of control.

Are You Considering Converting to Gas?

If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, you may need a gas line installed because a lot of older homes do not have one. If you have a newer home, it may have a gas line in the laundry room, but not in the kitchen.

The costs of adding a gas line depend on the distance of the gas meter and where the appliance will be installed. For example, if you’re close to the gas meter or an existing line that can be tapped into, it can be less expensive. Your utility company may also offer a rebate to help offset the costs of converting from electric to gas.

If you’re interested in converting from electric to gas or installing a new gas appliance, such as a gas water heater, or a gas clothes dryer, contact our Leander plumbers at Excalibur Plumbing to schedule a service call!