Is Gas Better Than Electricity?

 What-to-consider-gas-or-electric-for-home-and-carWhen it comes to the energy sources available for driving building systems and processes, such as air-conditioning and water systems, refrigeration systems, cooking, and the like, natural gas and electricity are the two obvious choices. Natural gas comes with benefits, like lesser cost, ease of transportation and cleaner burning compared to other fossil fuels. The value of electricity is not easily calculable as prices change depending on whereabouts and the source of power generation. The main factors to consider when choosing between the two are price, efficiency, environmental impact and reliability.

Price

Natural gas has always scored higher when it comes to affordability and is expected to do so in the near future. Electricity tariffs tend to increase as your consumption increases but, with gas, you tend to save more. This is because the cost per unit of gas comes down as your consumption increases, in most installations by a reputed Plumber Sydney has.

The initial installation cost for gas appliances may be a bit more, but running costs are usually lower, which means that in the long run, gas saves you money. Hiring an efficient Gas Fitting Sydney service will definitely help you get the best value of your money. As an illustration, we take a look at the annual running cost of one cooktop and hot water system operating in a typical Australian household:

  • When run on electricity, the cost comes to around $1529 in South Australia and $1196 in Victoria
  • When run on gas, the cost comes to around $971 in South Australia and $701 in Victoria

Efficiency

Over the years, natural gas appliances have proved to be the more efficient ones, with equipment efficiencies nearing 97% in water heaters and condensing boilers. However, electrical appliances, too, have witnessed significant improvements in their energy efficiency partly due to programs like LEED and Energy Star.

Environmental impact

Although natural gas is a fossil fuel, it scores higher than electricity when it comes to environment-friendliness. With a different chemical structure as compared to coal, its emissions are much lower.

However, there are some issues with natural gas extraction. “Conventional” natural gas, a term for some types of natural gas, is accessible and economic to extract. “Non-conventional” natural gases pose accessibility issues in that they require deep drilling or methods like hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for extraction. These extraction methods are not entirely environmentally-friendly. Still, the following statistics speak in favour of natural gas:

  • In South Australia, the CO2emission for a gas hot water system is 62% less than its electric counterpart, and in Victoria, it is 83% less.
  • 44% of Australia’s household energy requirement is met by gas but it accounts for only 13% of household greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The yield rate from extraction to delivery is 90% for gas which is higher than electricity.
  • International Gas Union has reported that 60% more coal needs to be burned in the oldest power-generating facilities to generate the same power as a natural gas power plant.

Reliability

Natural gas infrastructure enables distributors to carry gas to customers as per demand, without facing the supply and reliability concerns associated with electricity.

Thus, weighing the pros and cons of both systems, it seems that natural gas is the winner at present.

Related:  Industry and Environment

Industry and Environment and Corporate Responsibility

Who-is-Environmental-Responsibility
Industry and Environment

Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) refers to a company’s duty to work to avoid damaging the natural environment. Many investors look at a company’s environmental responsibility before they invest in its stock. There are some essential markers to keep in mind when we evaluate a company’s environmental impact (and lack thereof). This is especially important in high-impact industries. Although manufacturing and other industries continue to face environmental challenges, many are taking steps to reduce their footprint and even produce a positive impact on our world. Before a company moves forward they should do an environmental evaluation following environmental guidelines for their industry.

Fuel alternatives

One of the industries facing the biggest criticism and challenges is the fuel industry. Fossil fuels are proven to be hard on the planet, both in terms of carbon emissions and the methods used to drill for oil. All the same, they are a lucrative industry and maintain their position as our primary fuel source, especially for our vehicles. But alternatives such as biodiesel have come on the scene. Biodiesel is diesel fuel made from the leftover organic oils of restaurants and similar ventures. It manages to recycle what could be waste, and it burns cleaner than fossil fuels do. Manufacturers and businesses rely on all types of energy sources to keep themselves functioning. Even if a company hasn’t made the switch to renewable energy yet, there are methods by which it can reduce waste.

Complying with regulations

There are particular industries that face major challenges due to their environmental impact. One industry that has faced major criticism is the process known as fracking, which is short for hydraulic fracturing. In this process, water is injected into subterranean rocks and boreholes at high pressures, opening existing fissures further to extract oil or gas. It’s a major fuel production method for the US; hydraulic fracturing companies, as well as stone fabrication wastewater are now required to employ the best methods of treating produced water. By following EPA regulations, which are based on ever-evolving scientific understanding and research, companies involved in environmentally-challenging processes can mitigate their footprint and make sure that their product or service comes at a smaller health and environmental risk.

Contractor

Businesses might employ a consulting service or contractor to help evaluate the environmental safety and impact of the company. Some companies will survey a site for toxins such as asbestos and lead and guide a company through meeting environmental guidelines. This is essential to keep track of for both the health of employees and environmental impact–and it helps businesses avoid fines or worse.

Simple changes

Any company or industry can find ways to minimize its environmental impact, however. Methods include building eco-friendly buildings that meet Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) -certifications of Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Manufacturers can easily make their facilities consume less energy. Simple energy awareness and facility monitoring will inevitably lead to less consumption. Hiring an energy management team, conducting regular energy audits, strategically scheduling when equipment is used, and controlling production with floor shutdowns during weekends or off-shift times are relatively easy to implement and make a notable difference.

Related to Environment:
5 Tips to Transform Your House Into a Home

5 Tips to Turn Your Backyard Into a Posh Retreat

You deserve a backyard that’s beautiful, relaxing, secure and chic. Taking on a project like a yard remodel may seem daunting, but there are steps you can take to get toward that dream lawn. Here are a few ideas on how to get started.
Planters-and-containers-for-your-backyard.Adding Containers To Your Garden

There is always room to add containers of flowers and plants when there isn’t room throughout the yard. Containers come in such beautiful colors and textures, you could even paint a Terracotta planters to add more color and interest. And you can always change up the plants as season change.

Adding planters can add beautiful color to a backyard
Adding planters can add beautiful color to a backyard

Design a Pathway With Features

Walkways are a beautiful way to set the tone of your landscaping. Besides looking great, they can drive attention to the focal point of your yard, mark a clear path through a garden or just welcome guests to explore. Before you get started, decide on the main purpose of your walkway and the material you think would best suit the vibe of your yard. With a quick online search, you may even be able to get started on your own. Remember to add a feature or two along the path, such as a bench, to make it even more special.

Design a pathway and include a bench
Design a pathway and include a bench

Add Entertainment To Your Backyard

If you are truly making your backyard an extension of your home, it’s only natural that it will have areas in which to entertain. Outfitting your yard with speakers is a great way to bring ambiance to your yard. Distributing them around the area allows you to bring your favorite tunes to the outdoors, upping your enjoyment of the area even more. Plus, they can come in handy if you want to push your entertaining even further with an outdoor movie screen and projector.

Create an outdoor projection screen for family movies
Create an outdoor projection screen for family movies Source: Pinterest

Make It Comfortable For You

You can’t relax in your beautiful backyard if you don’t have a comfortable place to sit. Ensure that you have seats for guests, like an outdoor sofa set or dining area, but don’t forget to have a special area just for you. Like to read? Create your personal reading nook with a cozy hammock chair. Need to protect yourself from the sun? Make sure you have plenty of furniture in the shady areas of your lawn or add outdoor umbrellas. Think about your needs and those of your guests, and then plan out the furniture purchases. It’s worth the investment to have an area you can really appreciate.

Add-a-hammock-for-comfort-in-your-backyard
Add-a-hammock-for-comfort-in-your-backyard Source: Pinterest

Create Your Backyard knowing it will Stay Secure

Nothing will make you more comfortable in your backyard than having peace of mind that you and your family are secure. A security camera system can bring that to you. Lorex Technology offers solutions for homes and businesses that are as dependable as they are sleek. They won’t take away from the overall look and feel of your backyard oasis, while adding the benefit of added safety. With cameras that are motion activated and have night vision, you can rest assured that all the new features in your backyard oasis are guarded. Add a couple of motion-activated lights to feel even better.

Meditative-Healing-Garden
Create a meditative healing garden for relaxing in your backyard


The next time you step outside, envision how your perfect backyard would look and feel. You don’t have to do everything at once, so take your time to prioritize what matters most. With planning and hard work, you’ll have a stylish, comfortable and safe yard for you and your family.

Are Boxelder Bugs Bad: Should You Be Eliminating Them?

Are-Boxelder-Bugs-Bad-Should-You-Be-Eliminating-ThemMost people don’t want to see any bugs in their homes. It’s understandable, you come home to relax, unwind, and enjoy life. The last thing you want to be worrying about is bugs, whether they are carrying disease and if they are likely to walk over you or bite you during the night.

That’s why, if you’re dealing with boxelder bugs you should contact a reputable specialist in pest control and get the problem sorted.

The Boxelder Bug

The boxelder bug originated in North America and is often seen on the boxelder tree; hence the name. It also likes to target ash and maple trees. The bug is approximately 12.5mm long, which’s half-an-inch. It’s dark brown with red markings on the wings.

They are meant to feed on the developing seeds of the boxelder, maple, and ash trees. However, they are also known to eat fruit, you’ll notice where they have been by the dimples and scars on the fruit.

Boxelder bugs enjoy the sunshine. They are known to group together in the summer in warm spaces and simply sit there. Of course, their love of heat does mean they need to search for warmth during the colder months. That’s when they are likely to enter your home.

They will hide in cracks and gaps around your home. However, your heating will warm the space, encouraging them out in the search of food. You may find they are nibbling at your fruit and house plants. They also tend to leave stains on carpets, curtains, and even your sofa. That can be difficult to remove.

Is Elimination The Right Answer?

If you notice these bugs living in your home then you should find out more info from your local experts. It’s a good idea to eliminate them from your home for your own peace of mind. However, you should be aware that when these bugs feel threatened they release a foul odor.

The aim of the smell and the fact it tastes bad is to keep predators away. But, the smell can linger for an extended period of time. That’s why you don’t want to simply squash the bugs, you’ll be reminded of them for some time via the scent.

Instead, you should vacuum them up as you see them. This won’t give them the opportunity to release the smell. At the same time, you should go around your home and seal u any cracks and gaps you find. Pay particular attention to areas around the doors and windows. Sealing up gaps will prevent the bugs from getting in.

Remember, that while boxelder bugs aren’t harmful, dead bugs will attract other bugs, such as the Dermestid beetle which is considerably more destructive. That’s why it’s important to remove all traces of the boxelder bugs as soon as possible. Simply re-homing them outside isn’t enough unless they are a good distance from your home and you have blocked all potential entry and exit points.

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