Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In recent months, we have seen a number of news stories regarding the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is an HVAC company talking about gas stoves? We'll tell you in a moment! To begin with, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and misinformation to present a recap of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are an estimated 40 million gas stoves in the kitchens of American families and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. Yet many cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce emissions, especially in new construction homes. This will make it pointless to purchase a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the target of debate due to several recent investigations that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be hazardous to your health. Namely, it’s causing 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 could 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 may be:

• Occupants Within the Home: People and pets at home produce carbon dioxide (CO2), odors, tobacco smoke and pet dander (a common allergen).
• Other Combustion Appliances: Other natural 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 unhealthy substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Home cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• The Soil: Radon gas and moisture 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 formal practices for residential ventilation and satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are more commonly known as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have largely followed these standards to identify minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in order to reduce adverse effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone.

That being said, the ultimate performance of your ventilation is not directly tested or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly predicated on the local environment outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The true ventilation performance in the average home is not easily determined.

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 prospect for poorer 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 should use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are safety ventilated 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 much more effective whole-home ventilation solutions that will consistently improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the "Bobby Flay" 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 605-223-0307.