How Do Your Home Appliances Stack Up in Energy Efficiency?

If you’re anything like us, you don’t think about your appliances on any sort of regular basis. It’s simple – you want them to function properly when you need use them. After that, they mostly blend into the background of our hustle-and-bustle lives.

But if you’re in the market for new home appliances, it’s important to understand that not all appliances are equal. Not only do you have to consider factors like cost, convenience, and energy efficiency, but you may want to note the differences between those that run on natural gas and those that run on electric. There are pros and cons to each energy source, so you should understand your options before you begin doing the fun stuff - like picking out your favorite color.

Cost Comparison

In most cases, natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity in terms of operating costs. Admittedly, the upfront costs of making a complete switch from electric appliances to gas appliances can be quite prohibitive to anyone not involved in a big renovation project. Between rerouting a gas line, installing the appliance, and the cost of the appliance itself, making the switch to gas can be expensive. But once the appliance is bought and installed, switching to gas will likely save you money on your utility bill in the long run.

Safety

The safety of your family should be your number one concern, which is why is why you should be aware of the potential safety risks that come with both electric and gas appliances.

Electric

As with anything that runs on electricity, there is a risk of fire and/or electrocution if the appliances are not installed and operated correctly. Keep your family safe by ensuring the wiring systems within your home are maintained properly, and that little hands are kept away when appliances are in use.

Gas

Carbon monoxide poisoning poses the greatest threat when using gas appliances. If you haven’t already, install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home and test it regularly. You should also make sure your home is properly ventilated.

Choosing Your Appliances

When selecting the appliances you want for your home, the decision really comes down to three final factors:

1. The features that atter most to you
2. What your home currently supports
3. Your willingness to invest in remodeling to switch

If remodeling is simply not a viable option, you might be stuck with the hookups already in your home. If you’re open to some remodeling or if you’re in the process of building a new house, you’ll have more choices.

Ovens & Stoves

When choosing between an electric or gas stove or oven, it really boils down to personal preference and convenience.

Electric

If you bake often, an electric oven may be the best way to go. Electric ovens tend to heat much more evenly than their gas counterparts. And as far as ease of use and cleanup goes, electric ovens and stoves take the cake.

Gas

Gas cooking appliances have fewer parts, so they’re easier to maintain and usually last longer than electric appliances. If you consider yourself an experienced home chef, you might prefer a gas stovetop, as they heat more quickly and more evenly than electric (the inverse of your oven).

Dryer

While gas-powered washing machines are no longer manufactured, you do still have the option of choosing between a gas or electric dryer.

Electric

You’ll most often find that electric dryers are cheaper than gas dryers upfront. If you’re on a budget, or if your laundry room setup doesn’t have an outdoor vent, you may have no choice but to opt for a vent-less electric dryer.

Gas

While more expensive upfront, a gas dryer is much more energy efficient than an electric dryer. Not only does it use less energy, which can help you save money, but it also dries clothes faster and more effectively.

The downside? Your home must be equipped with a vent to the outside, and installing such a vent can be cost-prohibitive.

Outdoor Grill

Choosing between an electric or gas grill really comes down to personal taste, how you plan on using your grill, and how often you use it.

Electric

One major plus of opting for an electric grill is that that they tend to be smaller and more portable – all you need is a standard electrical outlet. And Like an electric oven, electric grills also maintain heat more evenly, which makes barbecuing and grilling (nearly) foolproof.

Gas

Looking to recreate that smoky, flavorful taste you get from roasting your food over a campfire? A gas grill will give you just that, as it uses an open flame.

The chief downside of gas grilling is the gas itself. If you want your grill to stay in one place, you’ll have to install and connect it to a gas line, but if you prefer a portable grill, you’ll need to purchase propane tanks and ensure they’re kept filled.

Whatever appliances you select for your home, we always recommend doing thorough research and weighing your options carefully so you can make the choices that best suit the long-term needs of your home and family.