Tri-County Natural Gas Authority

INDOOR APPLIANCES. INDOOR COMFORT.

High-Efficiency Gas Furnaces

Here’s news you can use: Air from a natural gas furnace is up to 25 degrees warmer than air from an electric heat pump. Today’s natural gas furnaces feature technology that boosts efficiency to save money and improve comfort.

Most new high-efficiency furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90 percent or higher. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the unit and more energy dollars you can save. High-efficiency furnaces tend to be slightly more expensive than the standard type; however the additional cost is offset by the increased energy savings. New residential furnaces will display an EnergyGuide label comparing annual fuel costs of similar-sized units.

Some high-tech features that improve furnace efficiency

• Electronic spark ignitions or “hot surface” ignitions eliminate the need for continuously burning pilot lights that waste fuel and increase operating costs.
• Condensing furnaces (most 90-percent furnaces are of this type) draw enough heat out of the combustion gases that moisture in the gas condenses releasing additional useable heat. Exhaust gases from a condensing furnace are cool enough that they are vented through a wall with plastic piping.
• Pulse furnaces burn gases in small explosive pulses, much like a car engine, allowing maximum heat to be extracted from the burning fuel. These furnaces can achieve AFUE ratings as high as 97 percent.
• Automatic vent dampers close the flue pipe when the burners are off and reduce the amount of inside air drawn up the chimney.

Gas Water Heaters

Your turn to take a shower? No need to worry…if you’ve got a natural gas water heater. When it comes to heating water for your family, there’s no better value than natural gas. Here’s why:

• Reliability. With fewer parts to wear out, natural gas water heaters can be more durable than electric models.
• Energy-efficient. With superior heat distribution and retention, they can cost less to operate than electric models.
• Faster heat recovery. Gas water heaters deliver up to twice the hot water in the same amount of time as an electric water heater.

And even if the power goes out, most gas water heaters continue to deliver plenty of hot water!

Gas Logs and Fireplaces

Natural gas logs and fireplaces provide the warmth and charm of a glowing fire – without the need to haul wood or clean up ashes. More and more homeowners are discovering the lasting benefits of gas logs:

• Operate without electricity
• Enhance room decor
• Impart no smoky odor, no ashes
• Provide space heating
• Are environmentally friendly

Is a gas line currently installed?
If not, then a gas line will need to be installed for installation of the logs. A Qualified Gas Contractor should install your gas line.

Types of Gas Logs

Gas logs are available in a variety of designs crafted to resemble real wood. The gas burner assembly creates a pleasant effect that suggests lively glowing embers. There are two types of fireplace log sets:

• Vented decorative gas fireplace log sets can install into an existing fireplace and require a fireplace damper.
• Vent-free logs can be freestanding, requiring no firebox. Many owners like the way they help heat a room while adding a warm glow.

Great Space Heating: Vent-Free Gas Logs

A great source of space heating: vent-free gas logs. These log sets require no vented fireplace. They can be freestanding . . . against a wall or in a corner. Or, installed into an existing fireplace they operate with the damper closed – emitting 99 percent of the heat into the room.

Homeowners also like the way they operate during power outages, and they’re ideal for second homes.

Gas Space Heaters

For inclement weather.or whenever you need “just enough” warmth, consider an energy-efficient gas space heater. One of today’s most popular home improvement items, gas space heaters ensure home heating, even during electricity outages.

Our Gas Advantage Line offers two top-performing models: vent-free heaters by SunStar and vented heaters from Empire Comfort Systems. The vent-free model is virtually 100 percent fuel-efficient and requires no electricity. It has the option of either manual or thermostatic control and can either be wall- or floor-mounted. The vented space heater is a thermostatically controlled model that rests on the floor.

Gas Ranges

Home chefs agree with the pros: Natural gas ranges cook best. Patterned after professional models, today’s gas ranges offer even cooking, high-output burners, and super-low simmer temperatures. Other cook-friendly features include self-cleaning ovens and vented grills. Another plus: Even if the power goes out, you can still cook for your family.

Natural Gas Dryers

It works fast! A natural gas dryer can dry two loads of towels in the same time as one load in an electric dryer. And superior moisture and temperature control are gentle on clothes – because they don’t over-dry.