There are many advantages of natural gas and so, for a long time now, it has been the preferred source of energy for homeowners. The many benefits of using natural gas range from reliability, low environmental impact to cost effectiveness and availability among others.
Environmental Impact
Unlike oil and coal which emit toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides when burnt, natural gas produces water vapour and carbon dioxide and is thus friendlier to the environment. Its clean combustion process leaves no residues such as ash or soot as is the case with coal. Compared to other fossil fuels, natural gas emits up to 70 percent less carbon.
Safety
Of all fossil fuels, natural gas is the cleanest source of energy both in and outside homes. If by any chance natural gas is inhaled by human beings in small quantities, the gas is not toxic and therefore cannot cause serious harm to a person. This makes it safe to use in homes and in public places.
Cost effectiveness
Compared to other sources of energy such as coal, natural gas is relatively cheap and easily affordable. Further, appliances that use natural gas are practically maintenance-free; this cuts down on your maintenance and repair budgets and allows you to save money.
Availability
Natural gas is readily available in the US Over 99 percent of natural gas used in the US comes from North America; 84 percent of this from the US. Increased usage of natural gas in the US could easily lead to reduced dependence on importation of oil.
Multipurpose
Other main advantages of natural gas are its versatility and efficiency. Natural gas produces high levels of heat of up to 24,000 Btu for each pound. This means that sufficient energy is produced to meet your heating needs. Natural gas’ multipurpose nature enables you to heat your whole house, heat your water, dry up your clothes and provide the energy needed to get your food ready; both barbecue and oven. In addition, natural gas is used in lighting fire places, running air conditioners, fuel cells and micro turbines in many homes. The efficiency of natural gas is further increased by use of gas appliances which are usually very fast and efficient.
Reliability
Natural gas is a dependable source of energy; whose transportation through a piped system is not vulnerable to poor weather situations. With this mode of transportation in place, you are guaranteed of uninterrupted gas supplies and you do not have to worry about shortages or failed delivery programmes.
Convenience
The use of natural gas renders the irrelevant use of huge underground compartments that would otherwise be used to store oil. This reduces contamination of soil and does away with the need to carry out large scale clean-ups.
The above is a summary of the advantages of natural gas, however there are some disadvantages also.
