Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

Recently, we have seen a number of news stories regarding the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating and cooling company talking about gas stoves? We'll tell you in a moment! First, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to present a recap of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are an estimated 40 million gas stoves in the U.S. and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. Yet several cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce emissions, specifically in new construction homes. This will make it worthless to purchase a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the target of debate due to multiple recent investigations that have indicated that emissions from gas stoves may be harmful to your health. Namely, it’s causing respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than excellent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed reports that indicate indoor levels of airborne pollutants may 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 certainly are not the only culprit. 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.
• Building Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may emit unhealthy substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Home cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• The Soil: Radon gas and humidity may enter the home through the basement or crawl space from the foundation bordering the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: While there are significant energy efficiency benefits, homes that are well insulated are “sealed up” and as a consequence won’t have as much infiltration from fresh, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal practices for residential ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are known by industry experts as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have largely embraced these standards to determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures so that you can reduce any harmful effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone.

That being said, the overall performance of your ventilation is not directly tested or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly predicated on climate conditions outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The precise ventilation performance in the average home fluctuates widely.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your preference. You don’t have to say goodbye to your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to be forced to decide between your gas stove and the potential for lower indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real answer to this debate.

First, each time you prepare meals with a gas stove, you ought to use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are properly discharged out of your home. But let’s be honest: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which is our next point. There are better whole-home ventilation strategies that will consistently improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still enabling you to be the top 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 solution might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 678-235-9699.