What Fuels a Greener Home - Electric Or Natural Gas?

<p>Do you really have a green home? Many of us are wondering how environmentally friendly our houses and the mechanisms inside them really are. However, while the drive for better environmental stewardship is increasing, most people in developed countries waste natural resources on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are some things you can do, if you just take the time to think about it.</p><p>When you go to replace your hot water heater, you do not have to just buy the same thing you always have. You have more options now than ever before, and it is a shame not to take advantage of them. The switch from an electric water heater to one powered by natural gas can help you increase efficiency a great deal. That does not mean it is time to rip out a fully functioning water heater, but if yours is ready to give up the ghost, gas hot water heaters might be the way to go.</p><p>Why choose natural gas, anyway? Is it not a fossil fuel, just like coal and oil, and thus a big source of pollution? It is true that natural gas hot water heaters are not the ideal choice. After all, the perfect heating method would use nothing that cannot be replaced right away, and it would produce no pollution at all. The closest technology we have to this at the moment is solar technology, but many people in northern latitudes cannot make use of it due to cloudy days. A solar hot water heater only works when the sun is out, after all. You need something else when it is not available.</p><p>Natural gas is the better choice over coal fired electricity, and it is even more efficient than gas fired electricity. Natural gas produces a little more than half the carbon dioxide emissions of the same amount of coal, and about a third less than fuel oil. That makes it the cleaner choice, since most power plants run on one of these two fuels. Even if you are lucky enough to live in an area where most of your electricity is generated by burning natural gas, electricity is still an inefficient way to generate heat. Less energy is wasted when you use gas.</p><p>It would be great if we could all get our electricity from the wind or the sun. But technology just is not there yet. So until that day, changing to a gas hot water heater is one of the better ideas for your home. Gas is the greener choice when it comes to commonly available hot water heater technology.</p><p>Still not convinced? Do the math yourself. It is easy to find data on the efficiency of a gas heater versus an electric one. Look at your bills, and then look at the numbers that come with a good quality gas hot water heater. You will soon see that an old electric water heater is wasting energy and your money. Take the time to choose a better option, and you will be pleased with the results. Gas hot water heaters really are the best choice for nearly everyone.</p><p>Should you use water heaters with or without tanks? Find out more about on <a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/tankortanklesswaterheaters" rel="nofollow">tankless water heaters</a>.</p>