Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

Recently, we have seen numerous news stories regarding the possible ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating and cooling company writing about gas stoves? We'll tell you in a moment! First of all, we wanted to try and cut through the hype, confusion and inaccurate info to share a summary of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

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

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the target of debate due to several recent reports that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be dangerous to your health. Namely, worsening respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than perfect. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) references studies that indicate indoor levels of pollutants can be two to five times — and sometimes more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Even though gas stoves may play a role in poor indoor air quality, they are definitely not the only factor. Others may be:

• Occupants Within the Home: People and pets at home produce carbon dioxide (CO2), odors, vape 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.
• Construction Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may release 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 stormwater runoff may enter the home through the basement or crawl space from the foundation around the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: While there are significant energy efficiency benefits, homes that are well insulated are “sealed tighter” and as a consequence won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are well-known guidelines for residential ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are more commonly known as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have largely adopted these standards to determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in order to minimize any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for you and your family.

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

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your preference. 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 potential for poor indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real secret to this debate.

First, each time you prepare a meal with a gas stove, you ought to use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are safety ventilated out of your home. But to be candid: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which takes us to our next point. There are more suitable whole-home ventilation products that will dramatically improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the top chef in your home. Read on to find out more about the available solutions for your home.

So, why is a HVAC company thinking about gas stoves? Well, the “V” in HVAC stands for “Ventilation” and “There’s an Expert for That”! To learn more about these appliances and which option might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 780-800-9047.