Natural Gas Appliance Shopping Tips

Water Heater

• Recovery rate is an important factor to consider when purchasing a hot water heater. Generally, natural gas water heaters have higher recovery rates than electric water heaters with the same storage capacity. So when you buy a natural gas water heater by its first- hour recovery rating (FHR), its tank size is usually smaller than an electric model with the same FHR. This means that natural gas water heaters perform better and quicker than similar size electric models.
  
  It is important not to buy a hot water heater larger than you need. While many people base their purchase on storage tank size, the first-hour rating is actually more important. FHR, required by law to appear on the Energy Guide label, is the measure of how much hot water the heater will deliver in an hour. Before you shop, estimate your household’s hot water needs and look for a model with an FHR in that range.
  
• Determine the best hot water heater style for your household needs. Understand your options and the unique differences between a traditional tank-style unit and tankless water heater.
  
• Consider location and combustion venting options. Choices include common vertical vent pipes or chimneys, horizontal vents (ideal for restricted vertical vent option areas) or power-assisted vents for homes without existing vertical pipes.
  
• Comparison shop. Make sure to get several purchase and installation quotes.
  
• Select a reliable contractor. Ask your contractor if he installs and services his products. Click here to locate an Alagasco Gas Advantage Contractor.
  
• Compare installation and repair warranties. Even though today's models are designed to last for 20 years, check maintenance requirements and service support availability.
  
• “Energy Factor” (EF) is the measurement of the energy efficiency of a storage hot water heater. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. Most gas water heaters have an EF between 0.50 and 0.60, and some high-efficiency models (natural gas tankless water heaters) have an EF around 0.80. Look for tanks with at least 1.5 inches of foam insulation.
• Buying an inexpensive water heater and ignoring the operating cost may be tempting. This is not recommended. Often less expensive water heaters are more expensive to operate. A high-efficiency water heater may cost a little more, but reduced operating costs will more than make up for the higher first-time cost. Use the Energy Guide label to help you choose an energy-efficient heater.

Tankless Water Heater

• To choose the right tankless water heater for your home, flow rate and simultaneous water usage needs should be taken into consideration. While tankless water heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water, they can be limited as to how much hot water can be produced at any given time.
  
• Natural gas tankless water heaters have an EF around 0.80 which means that they are highly efficient, which will save you energy and money.
  
• Consider location and combustion venting options. Choices include common vertical vent pipes or chimneys, horizontal vents (ideal for restricted vertical vent option areas) or power-assisted vents for homes without existing vertical pipes.
  
• Comparison shop. Make sure to get several purchase and installation quotes.
  
• Select a reliable contractor. Ask your contractor if he installs and services his products. Click here to locate an Alagasco Gas Advantage Contractor.

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Dryer

• Obtain the dimensions of your installation space. Sizes vary, and if you have a tight space, you might want to look at a stackable washer/dryer combination.
  
• Know your venting options. Dryers can vent from the side, back or bottom. For easy installation, select a model that exhausts in more than one direction. Keep in mind that natural gas dryers vent the same as electric models.
  
• Coordinate the capacity of your dryer with your washer. A general rule of thumb is to have twice the dryer capacity than that of the washer. This allows clothes to move freely with air circulating between them.
  
• Comparison shop. Make a smart decision by visiting several dealers to determine the best price, warranty and service options offered.

Range

• Based on the space in your kitchen, determine the appropriate range size. Most freestanding ranges are 30-inches wide, but 20-, 24-, 36-, and 40-inch width models are available. Drop-in/slide-in models are usually 30-inches wide, and may be available in other widths. Cooktops come in 30-inch and 36-inch widths. Professional ranges are available in widths from 24 to 60 inches. Take your current range measurements with you if you’re shopping for a replacement. When space is not an issue, determine how many people might be cooking on the range at one time. This can help you decide how wide you want the unit to be.
  
• Evaluate special features. Features of today’s natural gas ranges include: sealed or removable burners, commercial grade, cleaning options, convection oven option and self-cleaning option.
  
• Choose a cleaning method. Models come with either self-clean, continuous-clean or standard-clean option.
  
• Give it a test drive. Try out the controls. Open the oven and determine the capacity to ensure it will serve all of your baking needs.
  
• Know your exhaust needs and options. Does your kitchen require an overhead vent and hood or a downdraft vent?
  
• Look for features that make clean-up for a cooktop easier such as porcelain drip pans under the burners, removable control knobs, a raised edge around the cooktop to keep spills under control and corners and edges without seams.
  
• Choose oven capacity based on your cooking needs. Two ovens can be convenient if you often bake multiple dishes that require different temperatures.

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Furnace

• Determine your size requirements. It’s a fact that a properly sized furnace will operate most efficiently. Homeowners should insist that an authorized HVAC contractor use a correct sizing calculation before signing a contract. A “Residential Load Calculation” is the recommended method for use in the United States.
  
• Decide on an efficiency factor (EF). Energy-efficiency improvements will help you save money on a new furnace because you will need a smaller system. High-efficiency furnaces may cost more initially, but the long-term costs of operating will actually save you money in the long run.
  
• Consider your venting options. Every natural gas central heating system requires venting, however, you can now vent a natural gas furnace directly through a basement wall, which reduces the cost of installation and maintenance.
  
• Comparison shop for the best pricing. From the actual product to the services offered, call around to make sure you’re getting the best deal on product, installation, warranties and service support. Obtain estimates from a qualified contractor. Ask critical questions such as: Does the warranty cover equipment and installation? What is the product availability? Are certain energy efficiency rated products discontinued? What is a typical cost of service and maintenance?
  
• Look for a reputable contractor. Make sure the contractor you select is licensed and insured. Click here to locate an Alagasco Gas Advantage Contractor.
  
• Remember, to ensure optimal performance, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and maintenance, including an annual inspection of the heating and venting system.

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