How Does Natural Gas Work in Your Home?
by Tyler Castle
2.6 min read
Did you know that Britain was the first country to commercialize the use of natural gas? Around 1785, natural gas produced from coal was not only used for streetlights, but to light houses as well! The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that residential natural gas consumption in the United States for 2020 was around 15 billion cubic feet per day, and it’s expected to rise in 2021.
What do we use Natural Gas for?
Since the mid-19th century, natural gas has been primarily used for space and water heating. However, the combination of current technology and the general affordability of natural gas can be used to fuel a wide variety of household appliances.
Let’s take a look at a few ways we use natural gas at home:
- Staying warm with fireplaces, fire pits, patio heaters, and pool heaters
- Cooking with ovens, ranges, stoves, and grills
- Washing and drying our clothes
- Enjoying hot showers
- Washing our dishes
- Keeping our groceries fresh with refrigerators and freezers
- Cooling our homes with air conditioning
How do we heat our homes using Natural Gas?
Throughout most of the United States, the leading residential use of natural gas is heat. So, how exactly do we heat our homes with this popular fossil fuel? In its purest form, natural gas is delivered to our homes, and then called methane. The process of converting methane to heat in our homes is as follows:
- First, scientists produce seismic waves around underground rock formations such as coal beds and shale rock. When sizable natural gas deposits have been located, the fossil fuel is extracted. In North America, the most popular method of extraction is vertical drilling.
- When the extraction is complete, the natural gas supply begins to flow into a well. The gas supply then begins to move to plant facilities through gathering pipelines.
- From the power plants, natural gas is taken directly to our homes through gas pipelines.
- Finally, a burner, which is located in your boiler or furnace, ignites the fuel as it releases from the incoming gas lines. The natural gas is then converted to heat!
Is Natural Gas Right for Your Home?
Yes! Did you know that natural gas heating systems are typically less expensive to operate than electric? This is mainly because gas prices are more affordable than electric. Gas furnaces also work more efficiently for heating and cooling bigger homes, which is perfect if you live in a state with all four seasons! As we transition into the warmer months, it is the perfect time to contact your local energy provider to see what natural gas plans are available in your area. As leading experts in the industry, Santanna Energy is ready to help find the best plan for your needs!
For more information on Santanna’s energy offers or to enroll in a plan, call 630-552-6881 or go online to: www.santannaenergyservices.com
About Santanna Energy Services
Santanna Energy Services located in Austin, TX and Bolingbrook IL, is a Natural Gas and Electricity Provider for Residential, Commercial, Business and more. The company was founded in 1988 and has been in business for 32 years and growing!
Tyler is an experienced energy professional, having worked for Santanna Energy Services, for the past four years. He is passionate about renewable energy and believes that diversifying the energy grid is the key to a sustainable future. Tyler is dedicated to supplying consumers with the best possible energy solutions and works diligently to make sure that Santanna can deliver the highest quality service.
