Gas Vs. Electric Appliances, Which is Best For Your Home and Saves Money?

Whether you are building a home, seeking to buy one, or investing in new appliances, choosing between gas and electric to power your home is a big decision. It can impact your monthly utility bills and they both have different upfront costs.

Your appliances can impact not only your upfront costs but your monthly power company bills as well over the length of the appliance, which can be many years. Determining which type of energy is best for your home will be a decision with long-term consequences, so consider the following before you buy:

Overall Costs

Natural gas is generally more expensive than electric, but you'll use less of it to power your home and appliances. As just one example, the California Energy Commission says the utility bills for a gas stove or one half of an electric stove. Examining the appliances and accessories that you'll use most will help you make the best decisions for your home and family. Look into the Energy Star ratings for monthly operating costs, which will indicate how much your utility bills will be.

Ovens and Ranges

Your upfront costs will be lower if you opt for electric versions; electric models are also easier to use - just plug in and start cooking. But the price differences are not huge. Consumer reports says that in general and electric range/appliance may be 10% more than a gas model.

Electric Stove cost - $650 to $2,800.
Gas stove cost -  $800 to $2,300.

 

 

 

 

An electric range is also easier to clean and care for. It is estimated by consumer reports that it can take up to 5 minutes less time when it is cleaned. It will also bake and roast food more efficiently, too.

A gas range is ideal for someone who loves to cook - offering instant heat, speedy boiling water and a built-in torch for roasting peppers, marshmallows and more. Expect to pay a little more up front for a gas range, but you'll use less energy to cook your food.

Clothes Dryers

Dryers are similar to ranges - the upfront cost for a gas model will be higher than the price of an electric model, but you'll save on your monthly energy costs. In fact, the savings for dryers are substantial in that the Consumer Energy Center says gas bills may be up to 50% cheaper than electric. Of course this depends on the market cost of a therm of gas. Choosing an Energy Star model can further reduce your costs by offering superior energy efficiency - Energy Star models are available in both gas and electric models.

Learning more about operating costs and the cost of energy in your area can help you decide whether gas or electric is right for you. Also look for energy Star labels though. Exploring green energy company options can further reduce your costs and is a must if you are building a new home or refurbishing an older one.