The Benefits of Natural Gas
Homeowners are switching to natural gas for its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and added home value.
Value Added
How Natural Gas Adds Value to Your Home
Natural gas is a valuable resource for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency and overall value of their home.
On average, homes with natural gas have a 6% higher resale value than those without and have a 4% higher resale value than those with oil or propane, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The value may be perceived as even higher since neighborhoods that lack pre-existing natural gas pipelines have seen campaigns to bring gas pipelines into their areas.
Efficiency and durability
A Clean Burning Fuel Source
Natural gas appliances are known for their long-lasting durability, which is excellent news for homeowners looking to invest in energy-efficient appliances that will last for many years.
This durability comes from the simple chemical structure of natural gas (CH4). Methane’s higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratio means it produces more heat and fewer carbon atoms. As a result, natural gas is less likely to create soot and other particulate matter that can accumulate and cause corrosion within an appliance and damage components over time.
This is especially true when comparing it to the hydrocarbon chains found in oil and the byproducts of burning propane (C3H8).
When comparing different energy sources, natural gas is shown to be the most efficient, with 92% of the energy produced actually reaching the consumer (92MMBtu for every 100MMbtu delivered).
In contrast, electricity is less efficient, with only 38% (38MMBtu per 100MMbtu) of the produced energy being usable by the consumer due to losses in the energy generation and distribution process.
Oil and propane are more efficient than electricity but less so than natural gas, with 84% and 87% of the produced energy reaching the consumer, respectively.
Source to Home Energy Efficiencies
No Data Found
Source – American Gas Association
Cost Savings
Saving Money with Natural Gas
Natural gas helps homeowners save money by offering lower operational costs compared to electricity, propane, and heating oil. Its high efficiency in heating homes, water, and food means less energy is wasted, translating into lower utility bills. And the price of natural gas is projected to stay 30-50% lower than the price of other fuels through 2050, while electric and propane prices will continue to fluctuate.
Additionally, natural gas appliances have a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs, further contributing to savings over time. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the convenience and reliability of natural gas, makes it an economical choice for home energy needs.
Residential Savings in Heating with Natural Gas
The actual annual cost savings you’ll see from switching to natural gas heat from propane or electric heat will vary based on several factors. These factors include the cost of natural gas in your area, the efficiency of your heating system, the cost of propane or electricity in your area, and the size of your home. However, on average, homeowners can expect to save around 20-50% on their annual heating costs by switching to natural gas.
Residential Annual Heating Costs
Cost estimates based on annual use and average home size of 2,500 sq. ft
No Data Found
Residential Savings in Water Heating with Natural Gas
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas water heating is the most cost-effective option for homeowners. By switching from electric or propane to a natural gas water heater, homeowners could save an average of $400 annually.
One of the main reasons for this cost savings is because natural gas water heaters use less energy to heat the same amount of water as electric and propane water heaters.
Not only do they use less energy, but natural gas water heaters also have a longer lifespan than electric or propane models. This significantly reduces replacement costs, saving homeowners money over time.
Residential Annual Water Heating Costs
Cost estimates based on annual use and average home with two full baths
No Data Found
Check out our cost comparison tools to see how much you could save annually by switching from propane or electric to natural gas.
A Sustainable Energy Solution
The Reliability of Natural Gas
Natural gas is a dependable and safe energy source in the United States, with a lengthy track record of efficient production and distribution. The availability of domestic natural gas reserves, combined with advanced technologies for extraction and transportation, have made it a reliable option for powering homes, businesses, and industries.
One of the key factors contributing to the reliability of natural gas in the US is the vastness of its reserves. The U.S. has some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, with estimates of over 3,374 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas. This means there’s a significant amount of natural gas available to meet the energy needs of the country for many years to come.
Gas Reserves in the U.S.
In Trillion Cubic Feet (Tcf)
No Data Found
Data Source – U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA)
The Advancements and Infrastructure of Natural Gas in the U.S.
Technological Innovations in Natural Gas Extraction
Natural gas production in the U.S. has been steadily increasing in recent years, with the use of advanced technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling. These technologies have made it possible to extract natural gas from previously inaccessible reserves, further increasing the availability of this energy source.
Pipeline Infrastructure in Natural Gas Delivery
The transportation of natural gas is also a critical factor in its reliability. The US has an extensive network of pipelines that transport natural gas from production areas to consumption centers. This infrastructure ensures that natural gas can be delivered to where it is needed, even in remote areas.
Regulation and Safety in the Natural Gas Industry
The use of natural gas in the US is also highly regulated, ensuring that the production and distribution of natural gas is safe and efficient. The US Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy oversees the regulation of natural gas, ensuring that production and transportation activities are in compliance with federal laws and regulations.
With natural gas, the US has a dependable and cost-effective way to meet its energy needs, while also reducing its environmental impact. This makes natural gas a valuable asset for the country’s energy independence, economic growth and sustainability.