Is This Really The End For Gas Stoves

In the past few months, we have seen several news stories concerning the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating and cooling company writing about gas stoves? More on that question later! First, we wanted to try and cut through the drama, confusion and inaccurate info to provide a summary of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are close to 40 million gas stoves in the United States and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. However, dozens of cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of a growing decarbonization, especially in new construction properties. This will make it pointless to buy a gas stove, whether or not they are actually banned.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the target of debate due to multiple recent investigations that have indicated that emissions from gas stoves may be hazardous to your health. Namely, leading to respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air within our homes (and businesses) is much less than ideal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) references studies that indicate indoor levels of pollutants could be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Even though gas stoves may contribute to poor indoor air quality, they are definitely not the only factor. Others might 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 fuel (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 emit harmful substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Many popular cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• The Soil: Radon gas and humidity may enter the home through the basement or crawl space from the soil surrounding the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: While there are significant energy efficiency benefits, homes that are well insulated are “sealed tighter” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal practices for residential ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are often referred to as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have widely adopted these standards to determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures so that you can reduce any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone.

That being said, the final performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly reliant on the local environment outdoors, the square footage of the home and other factors. The precise ventilation performance in a typical home may vary.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your preference. You don’t have to say goodbye to your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to pick between your gas stove and the prospect for lower 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 properly ventilated out of your home. But let's be honest: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which is our next point. There are better whole-home ventilation strategies that will consistently improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still enabling you to be the chef in your home. Read on to learn more about the possible solutions for your home.

Reviewing Whole-Home Residential Ventilation Options