Did you know the United States consumes 92.94 quadrillion BTUs worth of energy each year? An overwhelming amount of this energy is provided by nonrenewable electric and gas sources.
But which of these two options is better for your specific home: electric vs. gas? If you want to learn the answer to this question, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of both. We’ll even give you some alternative options if you don’t think either is right for you. Let’s get started!
Pros and Cons of Electricity
The biggest pro of electric energy for your home is usually the convenience. If you live in an apartment or house in a major city, then you’ll usually use electricity as default.
What’s more, electric energy is more efficient than gas. You need less of it to produce the same result.
Finally, electricity is safer than gas. However, you will likely pay more for the electricity. On top of that, if you experience a power outage and you rely on electricity for heat, you’ll be left in the cold.
Pros and Cons of Gas
Most people like gas energy because it’s a lot more affordable than electricity. It’s also ideal for remote areas that can’t be hooked up to an electricity grid.
That’s because natural gas can easily be stored until you need it. However, as we mentioned, natural gas isn’t as safe as electricity. It’s combustible and poisonous.
So, a potential gas leak could prove fatal if you aren’t careful. What’s more, natural gas is a lot worse for the environment. It produces more greenhouse gases than coal. So, you aren’t doing the planet any favors by using it.
What Are Your Alternatives?
Both traditional electricity and gas energy as expensive and bad for the environment. So, what are your alternatives? One solution is to switch to solar energy.
Typically, this won’t completely rid you of traditional energy sources. But, it will offset your usage by a lot. What’s more, it’s great for the environment and it can save you a lot of money.
The downside is that the initial solar system is quite an investment. However, if you stay in your home for long enough, it’s possible for your solar system to eventually pay for itself.
So, is solar worth it? It can be for many homes, but learning about your options is the best way to know for sure!
Learn More About Electric vs. Gas Power
Ideally, this article helped you learn which energy option is better for your home between electric vs. gas. You may decide that an alternative, like solar, is a better choice.
As you can see, there is no easy option to choose from. It all depends on your specific situation, like your budget, location, and personal preferences.
So, go with your gut and choose the option that feels right to you.
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