All over the United States, natural gas is used extensively as a residential, commercial, and industrial fuel. It's America's favorite home heating fuel, warming more than 53% of homes nationwide. And it's the number one fuel choice in new home construction, with 69% of new homes equipped to take advantage of this efficient energy source.
What makes natural gas so popular?
Consider the facts:
Natural gas is convenient and reliable. Gas flows to your home or business through a system of underground pipelines. There are no tanks to monitor, no waiting for delivery trucks, no risk of storms interrupting service, no worries about running out
Natural gas burns clean. In a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a high-efficiency natural gas heating system emitted far less pollution and soot, compared to a high-efficiency oil-fired system. So your home—and the air you and your family breathe—stays cleaner.
Natural gas is efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the most efficient natural gas furnace has an efficiency rating of 97 percent, while the most efficient oil furnace has a rating of 89 percent. Natural gas gives you more energy for your dollar, so there's less waste.
Natural gas is safe. Properly installed and used, all major types of energy are safe. But it's important to note that natural gas produces about half as much carbon monoxide as does oil when burned. And, because it's lighter than air, it dissipates quickly in the unlikely event of a leak.
