Why Natural Gas is a Great Source of Energy in the Home

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With more energy options than ever before, many homemakers opt for natural gas. Given a range of safety, environmental and budget-minded advantages, it should come as no small wonder that many families make it their primary energy source. For those selecting an energy source, it’s important to know some of the differences between natural gas and LPG or bottled gas, as well as the ways that natural gas stands out from other possible energy sources. Check out this informative post from Plusgas.

One advantage of natural gas over other alternatives is its relative safety. If natural gas accidentally leaks from its piping system, it is non-toxic to humans or pets when inhaled in small amounts. As a result, homeowners needn’t risk the potentially life-threatening effects associated with a gas leak. Natural gas is also typically sold with an odorant added to the solution. Therefore, any natural gas leak can quickly be detected and fixed. As it makes its way to your home, the natural gas pipeline is also more impervious to damages than other forms of energy. Whereas oil transport can cause devastating effects in unique natural settings, natural gas pipelines cannot be damaged or interrupted by weather conditions. Because natural gas produces less carbon dioxide than oil or coal, it does not aggravate the greenhouse effect as severely as the other two alternatives. In addition, it does not create sulfur dioxide, which tends to cause acid rain. Finally, burning natural gas does not produce particular matter, which can affect both individual health and overall visibility, when burned on a larger scale.

For those concerned about environmental effects, natural gas stands out among the fossil fuels as a relatively clean alternative. It primarily consists of methane, which is composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. After going through combustion, the only resulting products are carbon dioxide and water vapor. In addition, the relative cleanliness of natural gas means that it requires less costly or sophisticated quality control instrumentation than other forms of fossil fuel energy. Finally, the production of nitrogen oxide, which is targeted by the Clean Air Act, can be reduced on a major scale by the adoption of natural gas as a primary form of energy.

When it comes to cost, natural gas offers a relationship between value and cost that many homeowners find ideal. Depending on location, natural gas (such as CNG) often provides more energy for less money than petroleum-based LPG (also known as bottled gas). Because natural gas is more readily available, worldwide, than other fossil fuels, it is also more commercially viable and affordable to the individual. The costs associated with natural gas can also stay lower than other forms of energy, as a simpler pipeline system is possible. For example, whereas oil must be stored in tanks or moved by trucks, natural gas can be piped directly from the source to the home.

Now more than ever, individuals have a personal responsibility to consider their potential energy sources and make the best decision for their family, their pocketbook and their planet. If you’re choosing between natural gas and other fossil fuel or alternative energy sources, factors such as safety, price and environment may argue in favor of natural gas. Given the fuel’s high efficiency (of about 90 percent), low costs and widespread availability, it may be the fuel for you.

Archie