There is nothing better than cooking with natural gas. Photo credit: Flickr/Derrick Coetzee

Natural gas is a better fuel that most of us realize. That's especially true when it's used to fuel our homes. Here's a look at ten reasons why you should invite even more natural gas into your home.

Warmer house
Natural gas is able to heat air quicker because it produces air that's up to 25 degrees warmer than an electric heat pump. It makes a home feel warmer even on the coldest winter day.

Better hot water
Ever run out of hot water in the middle of a shower? That's not going to happen with a natural gas water heater, which heats water 50% faster than most electric models. An even better option is to go tankless, which heats the water on demand.

More energy efficient
Natural gas appliances and furnaces are much more energy efficient than those fueled by either electric or oil. Because of this a typical home can save up to 20% on its energy bill by switching from oil to natural gas.

Better for cooking
Natural gas offers instant heat with precise temperature controls. That allows natural gas cooktops to perform better by offering a more even heat. 

Great for grilling
Having no propane tanks to refill means not being forced to run out to the convenience store in the middle of that mid-summer BBQ.

Drier clothes
A natural gas dryer is typically three times faster at drying clothes. Not only that but a gas dryer can be up to 50% cheaper to operate than an electric clothes dryer. Finally, gas driers are easier on fabrics because clothes dry quicker and at the optimal temperature to evaporate water from the fabric.

Cleaner
Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. It emits a third as much nitrogen oxides as coal. It also emits 43% fewer carbon emissions as coal and 30% less than oil. Unless a home's electricity comes from cleaner burnings sources such as nuclear, solar, hydro or wind, then switching to natural gas is the greenest choice one can make.

Higher home values
A home that's fueled by natural gas typically has a 4% higher resale value than an all-electric home. 

American made
Thanks to fracking and companies like Chesapeake Energy (CHKA.Q) and Devon Energy (DVN -0.89%), virtually all of the natural gas used in America is also produced in America. That's creating more jobs right here at home.

Saves money
Fracking has unlocked abundant sources of natural gas, which has pushed its price down. While this has been a drain on the profits of top natural gas drillers like Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy, it has saved consumers a lot of money on monthly heating bills. Not only that but natural gas appliances are much cheaper to operate than those powered by electric, which fuels even more savings for consumers.

Final thoughts
America's energy boom has unlocked abundant sources of inexpensive natural gas. That's just one of the many reasons why homeowners should look to invite more natural gas into their homes this year. So, the next time an appliance dies or the furnace needs to be replaced consider exchanging it for one that's fueled by natural gas.

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