By SCANA Energy

Picture this: You’re standing in your kitchen on a chilly winter morning, waiting for your electric stove to heat up so you can make breakfast. Five minutes later, you’re still waiting. Meanwhile, your neighbor with natural gas is already enjoying their meal. That’s the magic of natural gas—it works faster and more efficiently than you might expect. If you’re a homeowner wondering whether natural gas is for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into what you need to know about this reliable energy source that’s been a staple of Georgia homes for decades.

Natural Gas in Your Home

Natural gas has many uses around your home, such as:

• Heating your home. Natural gas furnaces heat your home quickly and maintain consistent temperatures, keeping you cozy even when winter weather gets unpredictable.
• Water heating. Natural gas water heaters work faster and more efficiently than electric ones. Plus, you can set your water heater to 120°F for optimal energy usage.
• Cooking. Ask any chef, and they’ll tell you that gas stoves are the gold standard. Instant heat, precise temperature control and the ability to cook even during power outages—what’s not to love?
• Clothes drying. Natural gas dryers get your laundry done faster, which means less time waiting around and lower energy costs.

Natural Gas Versus Electricity

Natural gas is often more efficient than electricity. When electricity is generated at power plants, a lot of energy gets lost during transmission through power lines before it even reaches your home. Natural gas, on the other hand, travels through pipelines with minimal energy loss and goes directly to where you need it. Plus, natural gas appliances heat up immediately. This brings your overall usage time down, helping you save on energy costs over time. Natural gas appliances also tend to last longer than their electric counterparts. Fluctuating voltages can damage electric appliances over time, while natural gas appliances operate more consistently, meaning fewer repairs and replacements down the road. The upfront investment in natural gas appliances pays off over time through lower monthly energy bills. It’s like buying in bulk at the grocery store—a bigger initial cost, but more savings in the long run.

Making Your Home More Efficient

• Once you’ve got natural gas service, here are some easy ways to maximize your efficiency and savings:
• Keep your HVAC filter clean and change it every one to three months
• Seal up air leaks around doors and windows
• Optimize your thermostat settings for the season
• Take shorter showers to reduce hot water usage
• Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine

Georgia’s deregulated market means that you get to choose your natural gas provider. SCANA Energy offers an array of options, including fixed rate plans, variable rate plans and special discounts for seniors and military families. For more information, call 877-467-2262 or visit SCANA's website.