The post What You Need to Know About Gas and Gas Appliances appeared first on UK Construction Blog.

Gas is an essential energy form needed for many households and commercial properties, such as businesses across many industries. Whether those businesses are restaurants and hotels that need gas to cook and keep guests warm or industries that use gas to power their production process.

The world relies heavily on gas, and after all, there are entire planets made out of gases, so you know it must be an important and powerful energy source.

This article is all about gas and gas appliances, covering topics such as safety –“what do I do if I can smell gas near me?� and other aspects. Read on to learn more…

Popular Gas Appliances

A staple in many modern households and properties, gas appliances offer convenience for basic needs such as cooking and heating, to name a few. They are generally efficient and perform well.

Appliances you can expect to find include:

Gas Ovens and Stove Tops

Gas cooking appliances provide quick heating and the ability to easily and precisely control temperature levels.

Water Heaters and Boilers

Like many gas appliances, there are electric options if you prefer. Water heaters can provide continuous hot water, whilst boilers vary depending on the type of boiler you have. Different boiler types are suitable for different needs and household sizes.

Fireplaces

If you have or want a fireplace, they can add a cosy atmosphere to your living room. Great if you need a bit of extra heat, a gas fireplace is cleaner and easier than an old fashioned wood-burning fireplace. But it’s all about the style you want to add to your home.

Gas Dryers

You can even get tumble dryers that use gas. The benefits of a gas dryer is that clothes will usually dry faster and you’ll have less static cling to deal with than if you were using an electric model.

Gas Appliances for Outdoors

If you like spending time relaxing and socialising in your garden, then there are several popular gas appliances that can enhance your comfort and overall experience, such as:

Gas BBQ Grills

As with gas stoves and ovens, gas barbecues are easier to use, heat up, cleaner, and allow precise heating control – especially versus a charcoal grill. Barbecuing purists may argue in favour of the flavour that charcoal adds, but you can always invest in a hybrid that combines the two best parts of each. Great to have in your garden.

Fire Pits and Patio Heaters

These heating solutions both add warmth, a little light, and some ambiance to your outdoor area. Perfect for when it starts to get dark and chilly but you still want to stay outside for as long as possible. Again, gas is cleaner than an appliance such as a fire pit that uses wood, meaning you won’t have to deal with smoke and ash.

What’s Better, Gas or Electric?

If you’re not sure whether to opt for a gas or an electric appliance, consider these various factors:

• Costs – gas appliances can have a higher upfront cost of both the appliance and the professional fitting of the appliance, however it will eventually even out and could even save money in the long run, as gas is generally cheaper than electricity. Good news for your energy bills, though be aware that this news can vary depending on usage and efficiency.

• Usage and Eco Friendliness – as mentioned previously, gas typically heats up faster and gives you more control, ideal for cooking and heating. Natural gas also burns cleaner than the coal that is sometimes used to generate electricity. This cleaner method is more environmentally friendly as it results in lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Safety, Maintenance, Energy Efficiency And When to Call a Pro

When dealing with gas and appliances, you’ll need to prioritise safety, maintenance and energy efficiency to get the most out of them. Many of these tips are linked, as maintenance can increase both safety and efficiency. Top tips include:

• Regular inspection and maintenance – keep an eye on things, both yourself and by scheduling professional servicing. You should do this yearly for boilers.

• Ventilation and Detecting Leaks – Make sure gas appliances have access to good ventilation to avoid build up of potentially deadly carbon monoxide. Install carbon monoxide detectors and if you smell gas and suspect a leak, call a professional immediately.

• Call a Professional – Another good time to call a professional is for when you need a new gas appliance installed, upgraded, or repaired. Make sure this expert is on the gas safe register. Professional work reduces the risk of later complications.

Get the Most from Your Gas 

To maximise efficiency is to save money and protect the environment, so try out some of these methods:

• Maintenance – cleaning and regular servicing can make sure your gas appliances are running at full efficiency. For example, make sure to keep your hob/gas burners clean from build up to cook faster.

• Insulation – seal gaps and insulate your home to prevent heat loss, this’ll keep heat in and even mean you can reduce your heating levels a little.

• Upgrades – invest in energy efficient models and consider using a smart thermostat system, so you can easily control your heating and reduce unnecessary use. This is also great for sustainability reasons.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to use and look after your gas appliances better will have many benefits for you – convenience, peace of mind, lower bills, to name a few.

Never hesitate to call a professional if you suspect any issues, as this could save you from both health risks and more expensive repairs later on.