What are the health risks of using natural gas at home?

There is extensive evidence that using natural gas in our homes is dangerous for our family’s health and the health of our planet. A 2018 study found that indoor cooking with gas ranges produced nitrogen oxide levels exceeding federal standards, and these levels lingered for hours. Another meta-analysis found that homes that cook with natural gas saw a 42% increased risk of having children with asthma. Gas furnaces are also a little suspect, as air quality monitors have found nitrogen oxide leaking into homes through air vents.

How does burning natural gas affect the environment?

A 2022 study found that gas ranges release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, even when they’re turned off. Natural gas is a non-renewable fuel that is energy-intensive to extract and will only worsen as these deposits become more scarce. Natural gas emits 117lbs of CO2 per BTU of energy produced, which is much better than coal but far from carbon neutral. If we have a goal to achieve zero carbon status, whether that’s your home or the whole world, we can’t do it while burning natural gas.

Can you really remove natural gas from a house completely?

Yes, you can fully remove natural gas from your house. Electricity can power all of your appliances, generate heat, and even power your car.

What does electrification mean?

Electrification means that all of a home’s heating, cooling, and power needs are supplied by electricity, not fossil fuels. This includes homes that are connected to a grid and homes that are off-grid.

Is natural gas cheaper than electricity?

In 2022, natural gas is still 2-3x more affordable than electricity in the United States ( 6.3 cents per kWh for gas and 14.5 cents for electricity) and Canada (3.1 cents per kWh for gas and 17.9 cents for electricity).

What are the advantages of an all-electric home?

There are three main advantages to switching to an all-electric home: energy-efficient appliances and devices, taking advantage of renewable energies, and the possibility of moving toward net-zero emissions.