Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In the past few months, we have seen several news stories regarding the possible ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is an HVAC company writing about gas stoves? More on that question later! First, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to present a review of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are approximately 40 million gas stoves in the U.S. and no, “the Fed” is not coming for your gas stove. However, dozens of cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce CO2, specifically in new construction homes. This will make it pointless to purchase a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the focus of arguments due to some recent investigations that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be hazardous to your health. Namely, worsening respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

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

While 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, cigarette 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.
• Construction Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may produce harmful 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 humidity may enter the home through the basement or crawl space from the foundation bordering the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: It may seem counter-intuitive, but homes that are well insulated are “more restrictive” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from fresh, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal guidelines 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 widely followed these standards to identify minimum ventilation requirements and other measures so that you can reduce any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for the entire household.

That being said, the final performance of your ventilation is not directly tested or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly reliant on the local environment outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The precise ventilation performance in a typical 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 choose between your gas stove and the potential for poorer indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real answer to this debate.

First, each time you cook with a gas stove, you really should use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are properly released out of your home. But to be candid: 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 strategies that will significantly improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the master chef in your home. Read on to learn more about the possible 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 system might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 603-923-4570.