Gas or Electricity for Our Home?

[Johnv]

In my area, natural gas is a little cheaper than electricity. But alas, my condo, which I bought used, is an all electric model. So after a few months living in it, I tossed a chunk o'change doen and bought all new efficient appliances: fridge, oven (one of those really cool glass-top models) and dishwasher. I also replaced the lighting with electronic flourescent bulbs (the kind that don't flicker). Not surprisingly, I've cut my electric bill from $110 per month to $45. Living in a pretty mild climate, running the heat or AC are not an every day occurrence, but I plan on replacing those systems eventually.

 

[Popeye]

We use gas. It's cheaper. We live in a climate that gets very cold in the winter.

 

[Frogman]

I agree bro. Jim, I am a Journeyman HVAC/R technician and I am certified on installation and maintenance of gas appliances. We usually size the gas piping to allow for all gas appliances to be used in the home or new construction; and we usually left a tee for the plumber, or sometimes even dropped a leg down to the water heater.

I don't know how it is in other states, but in KY the last I checked it was permissable for the homeowner to replace the water heater regardless of plumbing license. Most do not, I did because I could.

Bro. Dallas

 

[Hardsheller]

During the last 20 years I've lived in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Montana.

Best and least expensive heating system I've ever had was a Gas Boiler and circulating hot water heat. In fact before I sold my house in Montana, I put in a new boiler.

If I ever build a house in a cold climate I will stick with the hot water heat. It's warm!!!!! and Toasty!!!!

 

[Abiyah]

Does hot water heat add to the humidity?

When I was a child, we had one house which had
hot water radiators -- things which were the size
of a small chest of drawers sitting by the wall in
each room. How has it changed since then?

 

[Jim1999]

The chief complant with hot water heating is the dryness and a humidifier becomes a necessity. Modern hot water heating has baseboard type units. They are fed by a continuous run of copper tubing under the floor and up to each unit. This is why it might be easier than new ductwork.

The boiler is small and can be vented through the wall. A bonus comes from the fact that one can add a domestic water heater to the boiler unit, so in summer, the boiler heats domestic water whilst not heating the house.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Abiyah]

Thank you all so much for all the info!! My
husband and I just sat down and read the thread
together, and we both appreciate all you have
said very much. It helps!

Also, we would never consider doing such a
sizeable job ourselves. I appreciate this reminder!