Pros and Cons of Gas Heating Systems

Using natural gas to heat your home can be an excellent choice. However, gas heating is not the only option for people in most parts of Australia. Here are a few of the pros and cons of gas heating so you can decide if it is right for your family.

Pro: Gas Heating Is Affordable

The biggest benefit of a gas heating system is that it typically costs less to heat your home with gas than with electricity. Gas furnaces burn gas directly to heat water or air, which is then used to spread heat around your home. Compared to using electricity to heat air or water, this process is highly efficient. Consequently, heating costs are low.

Pro: Gas Heating Is Reliable

Unlike electric heating systems, gas heating can continue working during a power outage. Even in the unlikely event that the gas supply in your neighbourhood is disrupted, you can continue to fuel your gas heating system using a canister of natural gas. Gas heating systems that are well maintained experience few breakdowns, so you should not have to endure many days without heat while waiting for a fix.

Pro: Gas Furnaces Last a Long Time

Gas furnaces usually have longer lifespans than electric heaters. Although the upfront cost of installation can be high, a gas heating system could save you money over the long term.

Con: Gas Heating Requires Safety Checks

The biggest downside of gas heating is that it introduces a potential safety risk into your home. You will need to schedule regular maintenance for your gas furnace to prevent gas leaks and incomplete combustion, which can produce a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide. When you use gas heating, it is important to have a carbon monoxide monitor in your home and learn to recognise the signs of a gas leak.

Con: Gas Heating Can Have A Greater Environmental Impact

Natural gas is a non-renewable resource, which means that one day in the distant future it could run out. Burning gas also produces carbon monoxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. On the other hand, many homes use electricity that has also been produced by burning fossil fuels, so gas heating is not necessarily a worse option from an environmental standpoint. If protecting the environment is a high priority for your household, look into solar heating systems or switch your energy supplier so that your electricity comes from renewable sources.

To learn more about your options, contact a company that offers gas heating services.