Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In recent months, we have seen a number of news stories pertaining to the possible ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating and cooling company talking about gas stoves? More on that question later! First, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to share a recap of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

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

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the focus of controversy due to multiple 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 found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than ideal. 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.

Even though gas stoves may play a role in 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, vape 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.
• The Soil: Radon gas and stormwater runoff may enter the home through the basement or crawl space from the soil bordering the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: It may seem counter-intuitive, but homes that are well insulated are “sealed tighter” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are common standards for residential ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are often referred to as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have generally followed these standards to identify minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in order to minimize any harmful effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for you and your family.

That being said, the ultimate performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly reliant on the weather outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The actual 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 poor indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real secret to this debate.

First, anytime you prepare meals with a gas stove, you ought to 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 much more effective whole-home ventilation products that will consistently improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the master chef in your home. Read on to find out 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 option might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 281-407-9478.