Residential

The Benefits of Natural Gas Water Heaters

Natural gas water heaters offer numerous advantages, including lower energy costs, faster heating times, and environmental benefits when compared to electric models. When it comes to heating water efficiently and reliably, natural gas is the natural choice.

Why Choose a Natural Gas Water Heater?

Energy Efficiency: Natural gas water heaters typically consume less energy than electric heaters. Gas heats water faster, which means less time spent heating and lower utility bills.

Lower Operating Costs: Natural gas is less expensive than electricity. Over time, the savings on energy bills can be significant, making it a cost-effective option.

Reliable Supply: Natural gas supply is typically unaffected by power outages, meaning you’ll have access to hot water even when the electricity is down.

Environmental Impact: Natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal-based electricity generation, making it a greener option for households.

There are two types of residential natural gas water heaters. Explore the features and benefits of each below.

Natural Gas Tank Water Heaters

Natural gas tank water heaters are traditional models that store and heat a large volume of water (usually 40 to 80 gallons) in an insulated tank. Here’s why they’re a great choice:

1. Cost-Effective Initial Investment: Tank units generally have lower upfront costs than tankless models. If you’re on a budget, a natural gas tank water heater offers excellent value without compromising performance.
2. Reliability – If the power goes out, tank model water heaters will continue to work.
3. Energy Savings: The high-efficiency models you’ll find today have better insulation, heat traps and burners than older, less-efficient storage water heaters. Even more efficient models that use a secondary heat exchanger are also available, giving you even more options to have a steady supply of hot water without increasing your energy use.
4. Fast Heating Recovery: Natural gas provides quick heat recovery times. Once hot water is depleted, tank water heaters powered by gas can heat the next batch of water faster than electric models.
5. Installation Simplicity: Installing a gas tank water heater is often straightforward, especially when replacing an existing tank unit. Most homes with existing gas hookups are already equipped to accommodate these units, reducing the need for extensive retrofitting.

Pensacola Energy offers to $1,050 in rebates when you add a new natural gas tankless water heater to your home.

Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand units, heat water only when you need it, providing a limitless supply of hot water without the need for a storage tank. Here are the key benefits:

1. Energy Efficiency: Since tankless water heaters only heat water as needed, they are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional tank models. This efficiency can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills over time.
2. Unlimited Hot Water: With a tankless system, you won’t run out of hot water because the unit heats water instantly as it flows through the system. This is ideal for families who use hot water for multiple purposes at once, such as back-to-back showers and laundry.
3. Space-Saving Design: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional tank models. They are typically wall-mounted, which saves floor space.
4. Longer Lifespan: While tankless units have a higher upfront cost, they often last longer—around 20 years, compared to 10-15 years for tank units. This extended lifespan can further increase the long-term savings for homeowners.
5. Environmental Impact: Since tankless water heaters only use energy when hot water is needed, they contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions, making them an eco-friendlier option.

Pensacola Energy offers to $1,200 in rebates when you add a new natural gas tankless water heater to your home.

Are tankless water heaters more efficient than tank water heaters?

The answer is yes, but it’s a little complicated. The efficiency of producing heat in a tankless water heater is essentially the same as for a storage water heater. However, in a tankless design, there are no storage losses.

Water heater efficiency is calculated by comparing the amount of heat energy in water drawn from the unit to the amount of fuel energy that goes in. For both electric and natural gas storage water heaters, heat from the stored water is radiated out into the air around the storage tank. Roughly 4 to 7 percent of the fuel energy is lost to the atmosphere.

So, the increased efficiency of tankless water heaters comes from saving that 4 to 7 percent of fuel energy that would be lost in a storage unit.

Natural Gas Heating

Natural gas heat is prized for delivering comfortable warmth faster than electric systems. With natural gas, you’ll experience a cozy home much quicker, as natural gas furnaces heat up rapidly and circulate warm air through the home more effectively than their electric counterparts. This makes a noticeable difference in comfort on cooler mornings and evenings, especially when you want the house to feel warm right away.

Another major benefit of natural gas is the consistent heat it provides. Electric heating systems, especially in an area with frequent humidity, can feel a bit uneven. Natural gas, by contrast, offers a steady, comfortable warmth that feels cozy without being stifling.

Energy Efficiency that Saves Money

Natural gas is generally more energy-efficient than electricity for home heating. While all energy costs fluctuate, natural gas tends to be less expensive per BTU than electricity, meaning it takes less energy—and therefore less cost—to keep your home at the ideal temperature. Not only will you enjoy a more comfortable home, but you’ll likely see savings on your energy bills compared to electric heating.

Financial Incentives: Up to $800 in Rebates for New Heating Systems

As an added incentive, Pensacola Energy offers rebates up to $800 when homeowners install a new natural gas heating system. This rebate can significantly offset the cost of upgrading to natural gas, making it more affordable than ever to enjoy the benefits of efficient, reliable, and consistent natural gas heating.

A Smart Choice for Northwest Florida

Though our winters don’t bring snow or ice, we know that a comfortable indoor environment is essential, especially as temperatures cool. Natural gas offers Northwest Florida homeowners a heating option that’s both efficient and effective in providing warmth without overburdening your energy budget.

Cooking with Natural Gas is a Smart Choice for Your Kitchen

For anyone who enjoys cooking, choosing the right energy source can make all the difference. Cooking with natural gas offers exceptional control, efficiency, and reliability, making it the preferred choice for both home chefs and culinary professionals.

Benefits of Cooking with Natural Gas

Precision Control and Instant Heat

Natural gas provides instant heat and precise temperature control. With gas, you can easily adjust the flame to reach your desired cooking temperature quickly, making it ideal for everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil. This level of control gives you greater flexibility and accuracy, ensuring perfect results for every meal.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

Natural gas is often more energy-efficient than electricity, reducing energy costs. With natural gas cooking, less energy is wasted, so you’ll spend less on your utility bills over time. Plus, natural gas appliances generally last longer than electric models, meaning your investment can pay off in long-term savings.

Reliable Performance

In Northwest Florida, where we experience occasional power outages, gas cooking provides a reliable solution. Natural gas cooktops and ovens continue to work even when the electricity is out, keeping your kitchen functional and convenient during storms or other power interruptions.

Save with Pensacola Energy Rebates

Upgrading to natural gas appliances is more affordable with Pensacola Energy’s $200 rebate on new natural gas ranges and cooktops. These rebates can help offset your initial costs, helping you enjoy the benefits of gas cooking and make upgrading more affordable.

Natural Gas is the Ultimate Choice for Your Backyard BBQ

When it comes to outdoor grilling, natural gas is fast becoming the fuel of choice for homeowners in Escambia County. Here’s why natural gas grilling is the perfect choice for your backyard BBQ setup.

1. Convenience of Endless Fuel Supply

One of the biggest advantages of natural gas grilling is that your fuel is always available. Unlike propane tanks, which need refilling or replacement, natural gas provides a steady, uninterrupted fuel source directly from your home’s supply. Say goodbye to those last-minute tank changes mid-grill, and enjoy a seamless cooking experience.

2. Cost Savings and Efficiency

Natural gas is not only a more affordable fuel option but also burns cleaner and more efficiently than propane. This means less waste and more consistent heat, which leads to better-tasting food and lower overall grilling costs.

3. Quick Start and Easy Temperature Control

Natural gas grills heat up quickly, getting you to that perfect sear in no time. With just the turn of a knob, you have instant heat that’s easy to adjust, allowing for precise temperature control across your grill surface. This flexibility is ideal for grilling a variety of foods at once—whether you’re searing steaks or slow-cooking vegetables, natural gas grills make it simple.

4. Better for the Environment

As a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, natural gas produces less carbon dioxide than charcoal or propane. Reducing carbon emissions in your own backyard is a small but impactful way to contribute to a greener environment, especially here in Pensacola, where we cherish our beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. Plus, no leftover ash or charcoal waste means cleanup is a breeze.

5. Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Natural gas grills eliminate the need for combustible tanks, which can pose safety risks and require regular maintenance. With a direct line from your home, natural gas grills provide a safer, more reliable grilling option that reduces potential hazards.

Take Advantage of Pensacola Energy’s $200 Rebate

Pensacola Energy is making it easier than ever to switch to natural gas grilling by offering a $200 rebate rebate for customers who add a new natural gas grill to their home. This rebate helps offset the initial cost, allowing you to enjoy the long-term savings and convenience of natural gas without hesitation.

Secure Your Home with a Natural Gas Generator

In Northwest Florida, severe weather and hurricanes are a part of life, often leading to extended power outages that disrupt our routines and leave homes vulnerable. Investing in a whole-house natural gas generator offers a reliable solution to keep your home running smoothly during power outages.

Why Choose a Whole-House Natural Gas Generator?

Automatic, Seamless Power

Unlike portable generators, whole-house natural gas generators are permanently installed and connect directly to your home’s electrical system. When an outage occurs, they automatically start within seconds, supplying power to keep your lights, appliances, and critical systems running without interruption.

Reliable Fuel Supply

Natural gas generators are connected to the utility’s natural gas lines, so they have a continuous, reliable fuel source. You won’t need to worry about refilling a fuel tank or dealing with shortages, which are common during storms.

Safety and Peace of Mind

A whole-house natural gas generator offers peace of mind, especially during emergencies. It ensures that essential systems like refrigeration, HVAC, and medical equipment stay operational. This added safety can be invaluable during hurricanes, when keeping your family comfortable and safe is top priority.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Natural gas is often more cost-effective than other fuel sources for generators, which reduces operating costs during prolonged outages. Natural gas generators are also cleaner and quieter than diesel or gasoline models, making them an environmentally friendlier option with less impact on your immediate surroundings.

$200 Rebate from Pensacola Energy

To make it even easier to add this powerful backup system to your home, Pensacola Energy offers a $200 rebate on new natural gas generators. This rebate helps offset the initial installation costs, making the investment in security and comfort more affordable.

Why Choose a Natural Gas Clothes Dryer?

Faster Drying Times

Natural gas dryers heat up quickly, cutting down on drying times compared to electric models. This efficiency is not only convenient, but it also means less wear on your clothes. Shorter drying cycles help preserve fabric quality and reduce energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Natural gas dryers are known for their efficiency, typically costing less to operate than electric dryers. Because they use less energy per load, they can help lower your monthly energy bills, allowing you to see cost savings over time. And with natural gas prices generally lower than electricity, it’s an economical choice for busy households.

Gentle on Fabrics

With faster drying times, natural gas dryers expose your clothes to heat for shorter periods, which can be gentler on fabrics. This helps keep clothes looking new for longer, saving you on replacement costs.

Eco-Friendly Choice

Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing fewer emissions than coal or oil-generated electricity. Choosing a natural gas dryer is an eco-conscious decision that reduces your carbon footprint.

Get a $200 Rebate from Pensacola Energy

Pensacola Energy is offering a $200 rebate on new natural gas clothes dryers, making it more affordable to upgrade to a model that delivers high efficiency and reliability.

Cozy Up with Natural Gas Fireplaces and Firepits

Nothing enhances a home’s atmosphere quite like the warm glow of a fireplace or firepit. Natural gas fireplaces and firepits bring the beauty and comfort of a fire to your indoor and outdoor spaces with efficiency, convenience, and style. With Pensacola Energy’s $200 rebate on new natural gas fireplaces and firepits, it’s easier than ever to enjoy these inviting features.

Why Choose a Natural Gas Fireplace?

Instant Warmth and Ambiance

A natural gas fireplace offers the charm of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of wood. With just the flip of a switch, you get an instant, clean-burning flame that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Indoor gas fireplaces add warmth to living rooms, dens, and bedrooms, while outdoor models are perfect for extending your outdoor living space into the cooler months.

Low Maintenance

Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, natural gas fireplaces require minimal upkeep. There’s no need to worry about ash, soot, or chopping and storing firewood. This low-maintenance option lets you enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire without the extra work.

Energy Efficiency

Natural gas fireplaces are highly efficient, often more so than traditional wood fireplaces. With better heat output and less energy waste, they’re a smart way to add supplemental heating to your home.

The Appeal of Natural Gas Firepits

Outdoor Entertaining Made Easy

A natural gas firepit is a great addition to any outdoor space, creating a gathering spot for friends and family. With natural gas, you can enjoy the convenience of instant flames and easily control the heat output, making it perfect for everything from cool Florida evenings to summer nights.

Safety and Convenience

Natural gas firepits are safer than wood-burning alternatives because they produce consistent, controlled flames. There’s no risk of embers or sparks, and you can turn the fire on and off instantly for greater peace of mind.

$200 Rebate from Pensacola Energy

To help make your home even more comfortable and inviting, Pensacola Energy offers a $200 rebate when you add a new natural gas fireplace or firepit. This rebate makes it more affordable to enhance your indoor or outdoor space with a stylish and functional gas feature.

Extend Your Swimming Season with a Natural Gas Pool Heater

Quick, Reliable Heating

Natural gas pool heaters heat water quickly, reaching your desired temperature much faster than electric heaters. Whether you want a warm swim on a cooler day or a more consistent temperature year-round, a natural gas pool heater ensures you’re not waiting long to enjoy the water.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Natural gas is typically less expensive than electricity, especially for the high energy demand of pool heating. Because gas heaters warm water quickly, they don’t need to run as long, reducing overall energy use and lowering operating costs.

Greater Control for Seasonal Use

With a natural gas pool heater, you can keep your pool comfortably heated on demand. This level of control is especially convenient for extending your swimming season well beyond summer. Rather than waiting for solar warmth, you can maintain a steady temperature and enjoy your pool throughout the year.

Durability and Low Maintenance

Natural gas pool heaters are built to withstand frequent use and tend to have a long lifespan. They’re also lower maintenance than many other pool heating options, providing efficient performance season after season.

$200 Rebate from Pensacola Energy

Pensacola Energy is offering a $200 rebate to help make the switch to a natural gas pool heater more affordable. This rebate helps offset the cost of installation, making it easier to invest in your comfort and pool enjoyment.

Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Natural Gas Lighting

Natural gas outdoor lighting brings elegance, charm, and functionality to your home’s exterior. Known for their warm, steady glow, natural gas lights add timeless appeal to entryways, patios, pathways, and gardens, creating a welcoming atmosphere with classic style.

Why Choose Natural Gas Outdoor Lighting?

Reliable, Soft Illumination

Natural gas lights provide a soft, steady glow that’s ideal for creating an inviting ambiance. Unlike electric lights, which can be harsh or too bright, gas lighting offers a warm, classic look that enhances the beauty of your home’s exterior without overwhelming the space.

Works Even During Power Outages

One of the standout benefits of natural gas lighting is its independence from electricity. Gas lights continue to function even during power outages, giving you dependable lighting during storms or power interruptions—a valuable safety feature in Northwest Florida’s storm-prone climate.

Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting

Natural gas outdoor lights are durable and built for longevity. They require minimal maintenance compared to electric lighting, with no need for bulb replacements. With their sturdy design, gas lights can withstand the elements, ensuring reliable performance year-round.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Natural gas lighting can be more cost-effective than electricity, especially for continuous outdoor lighting. With less energy consumption and no bulbs to replace, natural gas lights provide an economical way to keep your property beautifully illuminated.

$200 Rebate from Pensacola Energy

Pensacola Energy offers a $200 rebate when you add two or more natural gas lights to your outdoor space. This rebate helps reduce the initial cost, making it even easier to elevate your home’s curb appeal and functionality with gas lighting.