Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In recent months, we have seen several news stories regarding the possible ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating, air conditioning and plumbing company thinking about gas stoves? More on that question later! First of all, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to provide a review of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are close to 40 million gas stoves in the U.S. and no, “the Fed” is not coming for your gas stove. Yet dozens of cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce CO2, specifically in new construction properties. This will make it much less worthwhile to invest in a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the focus of arguments due to some recent studies that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be dangerous to your health. Namely, leading to respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than perfect. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has studied this issue in-depth, sharing findings that indicate indoor levels of pollutants could be two to five times — and sometimes more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

While gas stoves may contribute to poor indoor air quality, they are definitely not the only factor. Others could be:

• Occupants Within the Home: People and pets at home produce carbon dioxide (CO2), odors, cigarette smoke and pet dander (a common allergen).
• Other Combustion Appliances: Other gas (or wood/oil burning) appliances such as space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Construction Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may emit harmful substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Many popular cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• Nearby Soil: Radon gas and moisture may enter the home via the basement or crawl space from the foundation bordering the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: It may seem counter-intuitive, but homes that are well insulated are “more restrictive” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal guidelines for residential ventilation and suitable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are more commonly known as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have generally followed these standards to determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures so that you can decrease any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone.

That being said, the final performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly reliant on the weather outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The true ventilation performance in the average home is not easily determined.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your choice. You don’t have to rip out your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to choose between your gas stove and the potential for lower indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real secret to this debate.

First, each time you cook with a gas stove, you should use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are safety released out of your home. But to be candid: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which is our next point. There are better whole-home ventilation products that will consistently improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the #1 chef in your home. Read on to learn more about the available solutions for your home.

So, why is a HVAC company thinking about gas stoves? Well, the “V” in HVAC stands for “Ventilation” and “There’s an Expert for That”! To learn more about gas stoves and which system might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 817-380-5647.