Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In the past few months, we have seen numerous news stories pertaining to the possible ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is an HVAC company writing about gas stoves? Hold that thought! To begin with, we wanted to try and cut through the hype, confusion and misinformation to provide a review of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are close to 40 million gas stoves in the United States 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 properties. This will make it pointless to invest in a gas stove, even if they haven’t been banned.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the subject of debate due to several recent studies that have indicated that emissions from gas stoves may be harmful to your health. Namely, leading to 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 completed reports that indicate indoor levels of airborne pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

While gas stoves may help lead to poor indoor air quality, they obviously aren’t the only cause. Others could 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: 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 soil around the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: Naturally there are energy savings benefits, but homes that are well insulated are “more restrictive” and as a consequence won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are well-known standards 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 generally adopted these standards to determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in order 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 actual ventilation performance in your average American home is not easily determined.

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 lower 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 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 takes us to our next point. There are better whole-home ventilation solutions that will dramatically improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing 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 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 540-302-8645.