Whether you’re in the process of building a new home or moving, there is a list of things you should know about your new space. If you have gas lines in the home, add this to your list. Understanding what natural gas is, common gas appliances, and how to respond in case of a gas line leak are all important for homeowners to know.
Whether you’re living in an older home and noticing plumbing issues or in a newer home with plumbing concerns, you might need a whole house repipe.
Natural Gas Basics
Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel that is used in a variety of ways in our lives today. Since 1825, residents have relied on natural gas to warm their homes and power their appliances. In recent years gas consumption has increased rapidly in the United States, with our 2021 average reaching over 20 billion cubic feet per day.
Natural gas contains hydrocarbon-rich gasses. Methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are all atmospheric gasses. Natural gas reserves exist deep inside the earth, alongside other hydrocarbons such as coal and crude oil.
What Is Natural Gas Used For?
Natural gas is considered to be the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon, and we can utilize it for almost everything thanks to modern technology and the generally low cost of natural gas. In our homes, it is often used for the following purposes:
- Cooking – this includes our ovens and grills
- Drying our laundry
- Showers and bathtubs to provide hot water
- Hot water to sanitize our dishes, either in the sink or the dishwasher
- Generating power
- Staying warm with fireplaces, fire pits, patio heaters, and pool heaters
These are just a few of the common ways natural gas is used in our homes. With increased technology, more options are introduced all the time. One of the most common ways to use gas is listed first in our list. In fact, several people prefer to cook with gas over any other option.
Cooking With Gas
Gas appliances use natural gas as an energy source to generate heat, even if they are plugged into an electrical outlet. Professional cooks typically choose gas cooktops, ovens, ranges, and stoves to electric stoves. It makes sense, given the numerous advantages gas burners have over their electric counterparts. Instant temperature control, cheaper energy expenses, and equal heat dispersion are a few of these advantages.
Although gas grills may be slightly more expensive than charcoal or propane barbecues, many people think the advantages exceed the initial cost. Since gas grills are so energy-efficient, you’ll ultimately save money. Additional savings come from not having to often replenish your gas tank or stock up on charcoal and lighter fluid.
BBQ gas line installation and gas appliance hookups can be completed by reputable companies, which can also help you explain your appliance and natural gas benefits in more detail. With so many reasons to use natural gas in our homes, you might wonder how you’ll know if your gas line has a link. Luckily there are a few signs to watch for to help you with this.
Visit our trenchless sewer repair page to learn more about no-dig pipe repair.
Signs of a Possible Gas Line Leak
Natural gas is odorless and colorless. Gas companies will add odorants to make leaks smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. As the scent intensifies, a gas leak becomes more likely.
You may also notice that gas leaks in pipes or appliances hiss when there’s a problem. If you hear this noise, leave the space and shut off the gas. As you leave, make sure to open windows and doors. Once outside, it’s important to call 911.
Speaking of outside, underground gas pipes can leak. Natural gas may be escaping if bubbles form in puddles and mud. You might also notice that your plants, both inside and out, are struggling if there is a gas leak present.
If you have headaches, dizziness, or irregular breathing, it might be a sign that there is an issue. Talk with your physician if you’re concerned. Paying attention to your gas usage is also a way to notice a possible leak. Unexpected surges are a cause for questions.