Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

Recently, we have seen a number of news stories concerning the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is an HVAC company talking about gas stoves? Hold that thought! First of all, we wanted to try and cut through the excitement, confusion and misinformation to share a recap of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are close to 40 million gas stoves in the kitchens of American families and no, “the Man” 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, particularly in new construction properties. This will make it pointless to buy a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the focus of arguments due to multiple recent investigations that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be harmful 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) references studies that indicate indoor levels of pollutants can be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Although gas stoves may help lead to 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 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 release 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 via the basement or crawl space from the soil 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 well-known guidelines 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 determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in order to reduce any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for you and your family.

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

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your preference. You don’t have to rip out your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to pick between your gas stove and the possibility for lower indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real answer to this debate.

First, each time you prepare a meal with a gas stove, you ought to use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are safety discharged out of your home. But honestly: 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 strategies that will significantly 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 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 system might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 321-428-7635.