Gas can be used for several different applications in your home including hot water heaters, stoves, ranges, and even some dryers. Many homeowners prefer gas as a heat source because it tends to be less expensive per unit, cleaner burning, more responsive to adjustments, and gives off a more localized source of heat.
Propane or Natural Gas
There are two options when it comes to gas supply: A propane tank or natural gas (supplied by your city, or local utility). Typically, there are fees for getting started with natural gas, whereas the only costs for propane will be the installation or conversion and the gas itself. But, even with fees for getting started with the city, natural gas is usually cheaper to use and will likely save you money in the long-run. Additional costs for using natural gas will be found when converting to or establishing your natural gas fittings because natural gas needs larger piping and burner orifices to run correctly.
Retrofitting An Existing Gas Supply
If you are connecting gas to a new appliance, having an existing gas supply will usually reduce costs significantly. However, it depends on the location of the existing piping and the capacity of that piping to add another appliance. If the line wasn’t set up to handle another appliance then your certified technician will need to locate the origin of the gas to your house and run the new piping from there. Extending a gas line even just a couple feet without being sure it’s set up for it can be ineffective and very dangerous.
Establishing Your First Gas Supply
If your house doesn’t currently use any gas or you’re building a new home then you need to set everything up from scratch. If you prefer propane then you’ll set up the propane tank, run the appropriate piping to your home and fill the tank with gas. If you prefer to use natural gas, you just need to set up an account with your local natural gas provider and get the appropriate piping from the provider for your home.
Be Sure To Have Your Gas Lines Installed Properly
Because gas leaks can be very dangerous and hard to detect, it’s important to have your gas supply established or improved by professionals. In Virginia, it’s even a law that the installer must be certified to handle gas piping. If you need us to install a gas appliance or run a gas line, contact us at 804-794-0918 for service in Richmond, or at 434-244-2989 in Charlottesville. As always, gas line services include our “No Surprises” Price Guarantee!
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