Is Natural Gas Safe for Your Brooklyn Home?

Winters can be harsh in Brooklyn, and if you don’t have an efficient heating system, natural gas may be the right choice for you.

There are many differing opinions circulating about natural gas but, at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, we want you to be educated on what you’re bringing into your home. Home experts agree there are pros and cons to using natural gas. Here’s what you should know:

Pro 1: Clean Energy

Natural gas is a fossil fuel, much like oil and coal. They are all formed within the earth, but natural gas is believed to be a cleaner source of energy. It burns with no color, no odor, and emits lower levels of greenhouse gasses and carbon monoxide.

Pro 2: Inexpensive

Compared to other fuels, natural gas is one of the less expensive heat sources. But don’t let the price fool you. Natural gas burns powerfully and can be used for cooking, heating your home, powering vehicles, and so much more. Across the board, natural gas is consistently two to three times less expensive than other forms of energy.

Con 1: Non-Renewable

Because natural gas is a fossil fuel, we have a limited quantity of it within the earth. Once it’s used up, it’s gone forever. The United States ranks fifth in the world’s largest gas reserves but is currently the No. 1 producer of natural gas globally. While it’s important to remember that it will eventually run out, that time isn’t yet upon us.

Con 2: Gas Leaks

One of the dangers of natural gas is having a gas leak. Because pure natural gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it can sometimes be hard to detect a leak. However, the government requires a chemical called mercaptan to be added to natural gas, giving it that rotten egg smell. Although gas leaks have decreased in volume through the recent years, it’s important to know the signs of a leak. Check out our page on how to identify signs of a gas leak. As always, if you smell natural gas in your home, evacuate immediately and call 911 and your gas provider from a safe distance. Then call Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning for repair.

If you’re looking to switch to natural gas or have questions, we can help. Call today at (718) 748-1254 or contact Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning online.