Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

Recently, we have seen several news stories concerning the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating, air conditioning and plumbing company talking about gas stoves? More on that question later! First, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to provide a summary of the facts and only the facts: 

Fact #1: 

There are approximately 40 million gas stoves in the U.S. and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. However, dozens of cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of a growing decarbonization, specifically in new construction homes. This will make it much less worthwhile to buy a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about. 

Fact #2: 

Gas stoves have been the target of controversy due to several recent reports that have indicated that emissions from gas stoves may be hazardous to your health. Namely, it’s causing respiratory illness and asthma. 

Fact #3: 

The air inside our homes (and businesses) is much less than perfect. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed reports that indicate indoor levels of pollutants could be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. 

Even though 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 fuel (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 harmful substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.” 
• Cleaning Compounds: Household cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals. 
• The Soil: Radon gas and moisture may enter the home via the basement or crawl space from the foundation surrounding the home. 
• Well-Insulated Homes: It may seem counter-intuitive, but homes that are well insulated are “sealed tighter” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air. 

Fact #4: 

There are common standards 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 adopted these standards to identify minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in an effort to minimize adverse effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone. 

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

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 prospect for poorer indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real key to this debate. 

First, whenever 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 discharged out of your home. But to be candid: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood? 

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

Comparison of Whole-Home Residential Ventilation Options 

So, why is a HVAC company talking 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 option might be best for your home, contact Neal Harris Service Experts at .