It’s a well-known fact that the kitchen is the heart of a home, and chances are that you’ve been spending a lot more time there in the last year. So for this month’s blog, we wanted to focus on one of the most important appliances in your home… the stove.
Whether you’re an avid chef or someone who cooks for convenience, your stove is at the core of all meal preparation, from omelets to steaks, stir frys and beyond. So if you’re cooking with an electric stove and are thinking about making the switch to natural gas, there are two questions to ask yourself…
What makes it worth it?
And what is involved when it comes to installing a natural gas line?
Before we give you the lowdown on how the transition process works, there are a number of reasons that a gas stove is favored within the culinary industry. Here are just a few.
Heat Control
It’s long been accepted in the culinary industry that a gas range provides a superior cooking experience, one that truly does affect the quality of food and the time it takes to prepare your meal. The first benefit of using a gas stove is that you have much more control over the heat.
Whereas electric ranges can take a long time to heat up, gas stoves typically reach the desired temperature more quickly which can save you a lot of cumulative time and is particularly valuable after a long day of work.
It’s also easier to control the heat while in the middle of cooking. Gas stoves work with a flame that you can actively control at the turn of a button rather than a plate which takes time to cool down. Therefore, using gas will minimize the chance of overcooking and impact the way the food tastes.
The heat source can also help to cook food more evenly should your pots and pans be older and a little out of shape. This is because the temperature comes from the flame’s rising heat and isn’t as dependent on that stove-to-pot contact.
Money and Maintenance
Gas stoves are also arguably much better for your wallet. While there is an initial expense involved in the conversion, gas stoves typically use 10% to 30% less electricity than an electric stove, which will save you money on your bills.
A gas stove is also expected to be more durable for a variety of reasons. One example is that power outages tend to cause damage to the technology within an electric stove, something that’s avoided when you switch to gas. Gas stoves are also thought of as being easier to clean due to the use of removable grates. All these factors will save you on repair and replacement expenses down the line.
The Environmentally Friendly Option
Finally, natural gas is considered the most environmentally friendly of all the fossil fuels, producing about 30% less carbon dioxide than oil and around 45% less than coal.
So it’s clear that there are a lot of benefits to switching to a gas stove. So what is involved in the process and how much is it going to cost?
Essentially what you need to know is that in order for a gas stove to function, you will need a natural gas line running to your home. The installation can cost anywhere from $500-$2500 but it truly depends on your personal situation and what you’re starting with.
Your Current Setup
If you don’t have a gas line already installed, your first step is to contact a trained master plumber, like our team at Kegonsa Plumbing, or a trained HVAC technician, as the installation has to be precise and meet any home safety codes.
Other factors that will affect your overall investment are whether there are any obstructions and what the distance is between the mainline and your home, so it’s important to speak with a professional and do your research.
If you already have a gas line, you’ll want to find out if it’s at capacity, because if it is, you will likely require a longer extension in order for your stove to be functional.
Licensed Professionals
The other aspect to consider is how many professionals you have to hire to get the job done. For example, while your plumber is going to be your first call, you might also need an electrician to ensure that your outlets are fitted to accommodate a gas stove.
When it comes to gas vs electric, it’s clear that gas is king, but there are a number of factors that could impact your overall investment so it’s important to consult with a trusted expert. Here at Kegonsa Plumbing, we work as a general contractor to streamline the process for our clients and have great connections with people we trust in the industry, so if you’re considering making a conversion, schedule your free consultation with us here.