Who doesn’t want to save money? There are many ways to save money, and one of the ways is to use natural gas. Not everyone knows how natural gas may help them save money on their bills, let alone know what natural gas is. However, it is significant since, on average, households might save more than $800 annually. Try to think of all the things that you can do with $800!
What is Natural Gas?
Before getting to know how natural gas might benefit your household and help you save money, you have to understand what it is. A significant portion of the natural gas used today originated millions of years ago from tiny plants and animals. Those creatures have received energy from the sun. They then stored that energy as carbon molecules in their bodies. Later on, some of their remains transformed into natural gas due to natural processes. It consists of one carbon atom and four hydrocarbon atoms.
Being the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas is particularly interesting. Companies depend on modern technologies to extract it. Utilizing natural gas is fairly widespread today. Over half of households in America consume it.
How Is Natural Gas Measured?
Although this might seem a little technical, you will get some useful information on how natural gas can help you save money. The way to measure natural gas is similar to how other types of heat energy are measured. It is measured in British thermal units (Btu). In essence, one Btu is equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree (in Fahrenheit, not Celsius). Natural gas has 1,032 Btu per cubic foot.
On your power bill, however, it will probably seem somewhat different. This is because most natural gas bills measure in “therms.” The unit of measurement known as a therm has a Btu value of 103,200. To put it into perspective, two therms can sufficiently heat your house for a day. Another example would be the fact that 10 therms, which may be used for cooking, space heating, water heating, and other things, can power the typical home for five days.
Is It Safe to Use Natural Gas?
Some people might think that using gas is not safe. Fortunately, the natural gas sector is constantly working to improve safety for everyone involved—including the workers who handle the gas and the consumers who use it. For instance, official safety statistics demonstrate that employee safety has improved over the previous five years. Consumer awareness regarding the safety of natural gas is also crucial.
Furthermore, It is essential to be aware of natural gas warning indicators. It has no smell when in its natural state, but when it enters residences, it has an odd smell. Utilities make sure that gas smells awful on purpose. You will notice that natural gas has an odor that is similar to rotten eggs. This makes it easier for people to detect gas leaks in their homes. Make sure you know what to do after understanding the warning signs of a natural gas leak.
Additionally, you want to be careful not to make any sparks if you smell gas. This includes not smoking, starting a car, or lighting a match. It will be in your best interest to leave the house right away and take your family members with you. You must leave the area until the smell is gone, even if you can still smell it after going outside. Calling someone to report the gas leak as soon as you are in a safe area is necessary. You can contact your natural gas utility company or call 911. They will help you understand what to do next.
What You Should Know About Natural Gas Savings
Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals of natural gas, it is time to learn more about how it may help you. Since natural gas furnaces have a better annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, they may help their consumers to save more as a result. The annual operating cost of a 97% AFUE gas furnace is only $453. In comparison to the most efficient propane furnace, even an 80% AFUE gas furnace is less expensive to operate. The most energy-efficient furnaces, such as oil furnaces, electric resistance furnaces, and electronic heat pumps, are two to four times more expensive than natural gas furnaces.
Families can save an average of $879 annually by using natural gas in their homes instead of electricity for things like heating, drying laundry, cooking, etc. To put the countrywide savings into perspective, during the previous four years, customers who chose natural gas have saved close to $50 billion as a result of the cheap price of the gas. Since 2010, the price of natural gas has been less expensive than the prices of propane, fuel oil, and electricity. This cost is expected to remain that low until 2040, according to projections.
Bottom Line
In brief, people have a variety of options for powering their homes. Natural gas is one of the most cost-effective alternatives. Consumers will find natural gas affordable. It is also cleaner to burn than any other fossil fuel. If households choose to use natural gas instead of electricity, they can save $879 annually on average. It is crucial to be aware of how it can assist several households across the country in addition to being able to assist individual households in saving more money on their own.
Over the last four years, those who decided to replace electricity with natural gas have saved an overall $50 billion. In addition, since 2010, the price of natural gas has been less expensive than that of electricity, fuel oil, and propane. Moreover, predictions show that it will stay this way until 2040. So, if you need to get answers or more information on natural gas and how it can work for your household, you can get in touch with a local provider. They will be able to answer questions you have and help you get started!
