PSE recommends using natural gas directly for home space and water heating when available. Choosing natural gas for your home offers valuable benefits for your budget, the environment and your comfort.
Historically natural gas has cost between 20 percent and 50 percent less than the equivalent amount of electricity, heating oil or propane. Cost comparisons:
Natural gas and electricity (50 KB PDF)
PSE rebates
Natural gas equipment: Space and water heating account for up to 60 percent of an average homes’ energy usage in the Northwest, so choosing high-efficiency natural gas equipment makes savings even greater. Kick start the savings with rebates for an ENERGY STAR® qualified furnace and water heater.
Fuel conversion: If you’re planning to switch your home and/or water heating from electricity to natural gas, you may qualify for up to $3,950 in fuel conversion rebates.
Comfort
Natural gas heating equipment makes for a more comfortable home. Natural gas furnaces deliver warmer air and heat up your home quickly. Natural gas water heaters can heat twice as fast as electric models, so you receive more hot water sooner.
Reliability
Many natural gas appliances, such as water heaters, fireplaces and stoves, will operate during a power outage so you can stay warm, have hot water and enjoy a hot meal.
Environmental benefits
Natural gas can be more efficient than electricity and burns cleaner than any other fossil fuels. It is also delivered directly to your home through underground pipes while heating oil is stored in underground tanks that can leak and contaminate water or soil – damaging the environment and leaving you with the clean-up costs.
Low-maintenance
Natural gas furnaces generally have higher efficiencies and cost less to maintain than heating oil furnaces, producing long-term savings.
Increased home value
Adding natural gas to your home will pay dividends when you decide it’s time to move.
Versatility
In addition to home heating, natural gas can be used for water heating, cooking, clothes drying, stand-by generators, barbecues, etc.