Should You Replace Your Gas Stove? What You Need to Know
For some of us, a top-of-the-line gas stove is a luxury — even a bit of a kitchen status symbol. Others love the nostalgia of cooking on stoves similar to those our mothers and grandmothers used.
Should you keep your gas stove or replace it? Well, that depends upon several variables, ranging from budget to risk factors unique to your household. To help you explore this topic more deeply, let’s look at some pros and cons you may wish to consider.
Pros (or why you may want to keep your gas stove)
Precision cooking
Gas stoves heat up faster than electric ones, and the flame is completely adjustable. Gas stoves have lower cooktop temperatures, but they still boil water faster than conventional electric stoves. As a bonus, you can cook directly over the flame to heat tortillas or roast vegetables, a feature many at-home chefs and foodies love.
Beyond the electric grid
If your electricity goes out but the gas remains on during an ice storm or hurricane, you can light the burners and the oven manually. (Keep in mind, however, that this can be a dangerous undertaking and is NOT recommended as a heat source. For cooking, please proceed to use only when it's deemed safe by the authorities to do so.)
Cost
While electric stoves are less expensive to purchase than gas stoves, they do require the installation of a 240-volt outlet — and you may need to adjust your electric panel to accommodate the change. Those costs can add up as you consider modifying your kitchen. At the same time, gas stoves are fueled by propane or natural gas, which are generally cheaper than electricity.
Resale value of your home
Even with the rising debate around their merits and safety (more on that in a moment), a gas stove may still add value to your kitchen, enhancing your home’s appeal on the market. Many consumers prefer electricity to gas for their heating and cooling systems but gas for cooking.
Cons (or why you might want to get rid of your gas stove)
More efficient cooking
Compared to standard industry models, ENERGY STAR® certified electric cooking products are 18% more energy efficient.1 If you choose to replace your stove, there’s a wide variety of electric stoves available — and newer models may make cooking easier. Induction stoves are considered by some to be the "way of the future" in cooking.
Health concerns
The potential of carbon monoxide poisoning2 is always a concern when gas is involved. And like combustion engines in cars and trucks, burning gas releases chemicals called nitrogen oxides, which could trigger respiratory problems.
This can be a concern indoors — especially if the stove is not well vented and fails to direct the chemicals outside your home. Health effects could include the development or worsening of asthma and increased respiratory issues.
Insurance
Additional risks associated with natural gas appliances include fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks and explosions. From higher premiums to specialized coverage, those risks can impact your home insurance.
» Tip: Looking for a short-term solution while you ponder the switch from a gas to electric stove? A carbon monoxide detector can help keep your family safe — and might also earn you a discount on your home insurance. In fact, gas stove or not, this affordable alarm can be a wise investment.
The takeaway
If someone in your home has airway sensitivities, you may want to consider switching from gas to electric sooner rather than later.
If you’re committed to leaving your gas stove in place, then make sure your kitchen is properly vented so that fumes can escape. Install a good exhaust fan, remember to use it at every meal and consider opening windows while cooking. A final precaution? Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector with a loud alarm.
If you’re considering replacing your gas stove with an electric model, it may be fruitful to do some research first. Determine your eligibility for rebates — either from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or other rebates offered by your utility company, as well as by stores or appliance manufacturers. Finally, to cut down on your long-term operation costs, consider ENERGY STAR-approved cooktops or ranges.
No matter what you decide to do about your gas stove, make sure you know how your choice impacts your homeowners insurance — and determine if you have the right policy in place to help protect you and your family. RBFCU Insurance Agency can help you learn what coverage is right for your home. Request an online quote now.
