Natural Gas Heating Systems
Consumers choose natural gas heat because it is comfortable, convenient, reliable and efficient. Today's heating systems offer wide choices to contractors - from top-of-the-line furnaces that achieve efficiency levels of more than 90 percent, to moderately priced units that meet or slightly exceed the minimum efficiency standard of 78 percent, so that customers don't have to pay for more efficiency than they need.

Natural gas heat feels warmer than heat produced by an electric heat pump. Natural gas heat is delivered from forced-air systems at temperatures ranging from 120°F - 140°F. In contrast, the air from an electric heat pump is typically delivered at 85°F - 95°F - warm enough to heat a room, but cooler than the average human skin temperature of 98.6°F.

Water Heaters
A water heater is the second biggest energy user in a typical home, next to the heating and cooling system. There are two types of water heating systems, the conventional tank system that stores and heats water in a tank until it is needed, and the demand or tankless water heating system.

A natural gas tank water heater is the most popular. It typically costs less to operate and heats water twice as fast as an electric water heater.

The tankless hot water system heats the water as needed, so there is no energy wasted on keeping water in a tank hot. Gas-fired tankless water heaters have a higher efficiency rating than any other residential water heating system and provide an endless supply of hot water.

Cooking with Natural Gas
Builders and real estate professionals know that a kitchen can sell a house and that natural gas appliances can sell the kitchen. Just as most professional chefs insist on cooking with natural gas, "everyday" cooks recognize that natural gas offers even heat, excellent temperature control and instant on/off settings for cooking and baking. Cooking with natural gas is also economical. It costs about half as much to cook with a natural gas range as with a similar electric range.

Atmos Energy Cooks provides cooking tips and recipes from professional chefs plus information on kitchen appliances and utensils.

Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas grills are a growing niche in the residential appliance market. They're great for gourmet cooks as well as people who like to grill hot dogs, chicken and hamburgers. Natural gas grills are convenient, safe, fast and easy to use. Natural gas grills can take as few as six minutes to reach 600°F. Cooking on a natural gas grill reduces heat in the kitchen, which puts less demand on air conditioning during warm months.

Find out more about natural gas grills and outdoor cooking techniques at Atmos Energy Cooks.

Natural Gas Lights
Natural gas lights add charm, value and security to residential properties. Gas lights safely and attractively illuminate yards, driveways, patios, walkways, gardens, pool areas and decks. Some units call to mind a nostalgic Victorian, Gothic or Colonial era, while contemporary units are suitable for modern homes.

Natural Gas Clothes Dryers
Natural gas clothes dryers are popular because they are faster and more energy efficient – you can dry two loads of clothes in a natural gas dryer for the same amount of money it costs to dry just one load in an electric dryer. For additional savings and energy conservation, today's natural gas dryers use electronic ignition systems instead of a continuously burning pilot light.

The Comfortable Choice is Also the Wisest Choice
Natural gas is also the best choice for more efficient and responsible energy use. Natural gas is a clean-burning, domestic fuel that emits close to 45 percent less carbon dioxide than any other readily available fuel source. And it provides a reliable supply for our energy needs today and tomorrow. To learn more about natural gas and the environment, click here.