Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In the past few months, we have seen numerous news stories regarding the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is an HVAC company talking about gas stoves? We'll tell you in a moment! To begin with, we wanted to try and cut through the excitement, confusion and misinformation to provide a review of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are approximately 40 million gas stoves in the United States 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 a growing decarbonization, specifically in new construction properties. This will make it worthless to invest in a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the focus of controversy due to several recent reports that have implied that emissions from gas stoves may be dangerous to your health. Namely, it’s causing respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than excellent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed reports that indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and on occasion more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Although gas stoves may play a role in poor indoor air quality, they are definitely not the only factor. Others might 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 emit unhealthy 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 humidity may enter the home through the basement or crawl space from the foundation surrounding the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: Naturally there are energy savings benefits, but homes that are well insulated are “sealed up” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from fresh, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal standards for residential ventilation and suitable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are known by industry experts as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have largely adopted these standards to establish minimum ventilation requirements and other measures so that you can minimize any harmful effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone.

That being said, the ultimate performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly predicated on climate conditions outdoors, the square footage of the home and other factors. The actual ventilation performance in the average home may vary.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your preference. You don’t have to trash your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to pick between your gas stove and the prospect 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 honestly: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which leads to our next point. There are better whole-home ventilation products that will consistently improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still enabling you to be the #1 chef in your home. Read on to find out more about the possible 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 gas stoves and which solution might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 352-414-4006.