Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

Recently, we have seen a number of news stories concerning the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating and cooling company talking about gas stoves? We'll tell you in a moment! First of all, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to share a summary of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are an estimated 40 million gas stoves in the kitchens of American families and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. But dozens of cities — and some states — are already moving away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce CO2, particularly in new construction homes. This will make it much less worthwhile to purchase a gas stove, whether or not they are actually banned.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the subject of debate due to several recent studies that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be harmful to your health. Namely, it’s causing respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air within our homes (and businesses) is much less than ideal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) references studies that indicate indoor levels of airborne pollutants may be two to five times — and on occasion more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

While gas stoves may contribute to 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, tobacco smoke and pet dander (a common allergen).
• Other Combustion Appliances: Other gas (or wood/oil burning) appliances such as space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Building Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may release unhealthy substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Many popular cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• Nearby Soil: Radon gas and stormwater runoff may enter the home via the basement or crawl space from the soil around the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: Naturally there are energy savings benefits, but homes that are well insulated are “sealed tighter” and as a consequence won’t have as much infiltration from fresh, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are well-known practices 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 widely adopted these standards to establish minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in an effort to reduce any harmful effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for you and your family.

That being said, the overall performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly predicated on climate conditions outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The precise ventilation performance in your average American home is not easily determined.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your choice. You don’t have to trash your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to be forced to decide between your gas stove and the possibility for poorer indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real answer to this debate.

First, whenever you prepare a meal with a gas stove, you should use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are safety released out of your home. But let’s be honest: 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 "Bobby Flay" chef in your home. Read on to learn more about the available solutions for your home.

So, why is a HVAC company talking 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 solution might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 239-908-6991.