Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In the past few months, we have seen many 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! First, we wanted to try and cut through the hype, confusion and inaccurate info to present a review 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 many cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce emissions, especially in new construction homes. This will make it worthless to purchase a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the subject of debate due to multiple recent studies that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be hazardous to your health. Namely, worsening respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air within our homes (and businesses) is much less than excellent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has studied this issue in-depth, sharing findings that indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and sometimes more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Although gas stoves may contribute to poor indoor air quality, they obviously aren’t the only cause. 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 fuel (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 emit harmful substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Home 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 bordering the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: While there are significant energy efficiency benefits, homes that are well insulated are “sealed up” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are well-known standards for residential ventilation and suitable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are often referred to as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have generally embraced these standards to establish minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in an effort to reduce adverse effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for the entire household.

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

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 prospect for poorer indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real key to this debate.

First, anytime you prepare a meal 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 let’s be honest: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which is our next point. There are more suitable whole-home ventilation solutions that will significantly improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still enabling you to be the top chef in your home. Read on to learn more about the potential solutions for your home.

So, why is a HVAC company writing 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 system might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 925-364-5427.