Natural Gas
Natural gas is one of the most useful and abundant natural resources for providing a cleaner, more efficient energy source for home, business and industrial usage. Thanks to its versatility, natural gas can be used for any number of purposes, from heating, to generating electricity, to cooking.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is often found alongside petroleum deposits. The composition of natural gas consists mostly of methane and ethane, while also containing small amounts of nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and other components. Natural gas is in its purest form at the moment it is released into the atmosphere, and becomes increasingly contaminated with other substances as it is exposed to biological and physical processes.
Heating: Natural gas is a convenient, efficient and cost effective energy source for heating homes and businesses. Natural gas furnaces heat air that is then distributed throughout the building through air vents. Hot water or steam is also sometimes generated through large units that provide hot water for entire buildings.
Cooking: Natural gas stoves and ovens provide clean and efficient heat for preparing food indoors and outdoors. Home chefs may find natural gas to be the preferred choice for its more even heat distribution and greater control than other fuel sources.
Water Heating: Natural gas hot water heaters come in both tank and tankless models. Tank heaters can hold up to 75 gallons of hot water and use the burner at the bottom of the tank to warm the water. Tankless heaters are more efficient because they heat water on demand, without the need to store it in a tank, and often come with a digital temperature control.
Generating Electricity: Natural gas is used by many utilities around the world to generate electricity. Burning natural gas results in fewer pollutants being released into the atmosphere as compared to burning coal, so is often a preferred choice for electricity generation in more populated areas.
Industrial Uses: Natural gas has many uses in a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing and food processing to paper and plastics. Natural gas is more efficient and cost effective for many industrial applications than other traditional fuel sources.
In the Home: Natural gas is a convenient and cost effective energy source for many appliances in the home. Clothes dryers and fireplaces may be powered by natural gas, as are some swimming pools and hot tubs. Natural gas is also used to power lawn mowers and natural gas grills, making it easy to use in almost any situation.
Environmental Benefits: One of the key advantages of using natural gas in comparison to other fuel sources is its lower carbon footprint. Burning natural gas produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than burning coal or oil, so it is often preferred in more populated areas where air pollution is an issue.
Safety: Natural gas is a safe energy source when properly installed, maintained and used. Natural gas must be handled carefully and stored in an appropriate container. As with any other fuel, natural gas users must take certain precautions to avoid potential accidents.
Natural gas is a versatile and cost effective alternative to other energy sources and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. From heating and generating electricity to cooking and fueling industrial applications, natural gas has established itself as a valuable and reliable energy source for millions of people around the world.
