Gas plays a vital role in American homes today. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that natural gas heats over 50% of American homes, while electricity serves only 37%. Professional chefs show an overwhelming preference for gas cooktops, with 96 out of 100 choosing them for cooking.
Natural gas powers several key home appliances. Your apartment’s furnace, water heater, stove, oven, clothes dryer, and decorative fireplace might all run on this versatile fuel source. New renters often discover that their apartment’s comfort – from warm rooms to hot showers and home-cooked meals – depends on gas. The National Association of Home Builders reports that homes with natural gas command a 6% higher resale value than those without.
First-time renters with gas appliances need to understand their apartment’s gas usage to manage safety and costs better. In this piece, you’ll learn about common gas-powered appliances and how to spot them. We’ll also cover safety measures and practical ways to cut down your monthly gas bills.
What appliances use gas in an apartment
Natural gas powers appliances in rental units and gives apartment dwellers both comfort and functionality. Knowing which appliances use gas helps new renters manage their utilities better and stay safe in their homes.
Furnace and central heating
Central heating systems use more gas than any other appliance in most apartments. About 96% of natural gas consumption in homes comes from heating. Gas furnaces burn natural gas to generate heat once the thermostat signals it’s time to warm up.
The furnace works through a systematic process:
- Natural gas ignites in the burner assembly
- Heat transfers through a heat exchanger
- A blower fan circulates air over the heat exchanger
- Warmed air distributes throughout the apartment via ductwork
British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure a gas furnace’s effectiveness. The right size is vital—a small furnace might run non-stop on cold days and waste energy. A big one could “short cycle” and not last as long.
Gas stove and oven
Most renters like gas stoves because they cook better. Gas stoves light up right away by sending natural gas through small holes in the burner where it catches fire. Home cooks and professional chefs value this quick heat and precise control.
Gas ovens work the same way, with burners at the bottom that create heat flowing through vents inside the oven cavity. This design heats food evenly from top to bottom, making these ovens great for baking and roasting.
Recent studies show some concerns about health. One report found that gas stoves might be linked to 13% of childhood asthma cases.
Water heater
Gas water heaters are a vital appliance in many apartments. These units heat water faster than electric ones—usually taking about an hour to recover. They keep working during power outages if they have storage tanks, unlike their electric counterparts.
Apartments typically have these types:
- Conventional storage tank heaters
- Tankless (on-demand) water heaters
- Heat pump water heaters
Water heaters usually last 8-13 years, depending on how well you maintain them and your water quality. The Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act requires landlords to keep working water heaters as part of livable conditions.
Clothes dryer
Gas dryers work better and more efficiently than electric ones. They cost about $100 more upfront, but dry clothes faster and might save money over time.
These machines heat air that moves through the drum to dry your clothes. You still need electricity to run parts like the drum motor and control panel.
You can choose from:
- Front-load models
- Stackable units that save space
- Smart-enabled versions you can control remotely
Fireplace and space heaters
Gas fireplaces and space heaters add extra warmth and look great in apartments. Today’s gas space heaters are nothing like their 19th-century versions, which were just portable Bunsen burners.
Modern gas fireplaces are easy to use with switches or remotes and burn clean without the hassle of wood fireplaces. Rooms heat up quickly, and they make your living space more inviting.
You’ll find different types of gas space heaters—infrared, propane, and natural gas models. These work great in apartments with older heating systems or drafty spots because they warm specific areas instead of the whole place.
Learning how to use gas appliances safely in your apartment helps ensure comfort throughout your stay.
How to tell if your apartment uses natural gas
Natural gas powers many apartment utilities, and knowing if your unit uses it helps manage costs and safety. Many first-time renters might not spot gas-powered systems right away. You can use several quick methods to check whether natural gas runs your home’s appliances.
Check for gas meters or utility bills
Gas meters show that your apartment uses natural gas. These devices look like rectangular or cylindrical units outside buildings or in utility rooms. Apartment complexes usually group meters together, and each unit has its own meter.
Natural gas companies track usage in “therms.” Your utility bill mentions this term if your apartment uses natural gas instead of just electricity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a therm costs about $1.05.
Your gas bill reveals seasonal patterns. Winter months show more therms because of heating needs. Summer bills show less gas but more electricity for cooling. These patterns tell you which appliances likely run on gas.
The utility company can tell you previous costs at your specific address. Most providers share the “average monthly bill” or last year’s billing history for your unit. This information confirms gas service and helps you plan your budget.
Look for pilot lights or gas lines
A quick look around your apartment gives clues about gas usage. Black or galvanized steel pipes indicate gas lines, though newer installations might use flexible copper or brass. These pipes usually run along baseboards or ceilings to connect appliances.
Pilot lights clearly show gas-powered appliances. These small, always-burning flames start the main burner. You can find pilot lights in:
- Furnaces and water heaters
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Fireplaces and space heaters
A rotten egg smell might mean natural gas. Gas companies add this sulfur-like scent (mercaptan) to odorless gas to make leaks noticeable. This smell during normal appliance use confirms gas, but unexpected smells need immediate attention.
Ask your landlord or property manager
The quickest way to confirm gas usage is to ask your landlord or property manager. Before signing a lease, ask about your utility responsibilities and whether appliances use gas or electricity.
Property managers can tell you “which appliances in your apartment use natural gas if you’re not sure”. This chat gives you a chance to discuss safety concerns and learn about your new home.
Make sure you understand the billing setup—whether you pay the gas company directly or the landlord. Your lease lists utility responsibilities but might not explain payment methods. Some tenants got surprise gas bills from landlords after thinking they paid the energy company for everything.
The conversation should cover recent maintenance too. Ask “when the last professional inspections and maintenance were performed” on gas appliances. This knowledge helps you understand your gas system’s safety and efficiency in your new apartment.
Safety tips for using gas in your apartment
Safety precautions are vital for anyone living in an apartment with natural gas appliances. Faulty gas equipment can create serious dangers like leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. These safety guidelines could save your life.
Install carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly threat because you can’t see or smell it. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says every home needs at least one carbon monoxide alarm. These detectors are a great way to get protection against this toxic gas.
Your apartment needs CO detectors near all sleeping areas. Make sure to buy detectors that meet the current Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard. At around $20, these affordable devices are vital protection in homes with gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, or stoves.
Keep appliances well-ventilated
Good ventilation of gas appliances in your apartment substantially reduces safety risks. Gas equipment needs enough combustion air to work safely. Without proper oxygen levels, poor combustion can create dangerous carbon monoxide.
A qualified professional should check your natural gas appliances yearly to ensure proper venting and fresh air supply, especially in enclosed spaces. Your vents and chimneys should stay clear of debris like leaves, birds’ nests, or fallen bricks. Strange smells near gas appliances usually mean something’s wrong and need quick attention.
Know the smell of a gas leak
Raw natural gas has no odor. Gas companies add mercaptan, a safe chemical that makes gas smell like rotten eggs or sulfur, so you can detect leaks easily. This added smell helps people notice dangerous situations.
Look out for signs that appliances aren’t working right: dark sooty marks around equipment, yellow flames instead of bright blue ones (except for fuel-effect fires), extra condensation on windows, or pilot lights that keep going out.
What to do if you suspect a leak
When you smell gas:
- Evacuate immediately on foot—don’t use any electrical devices
- Do not use phones, light switches, or anything that might create a spark
- Leave doors open if possible so gas can escape
- Call 911 and your gas company from a safe place
- Wait for clearance from professionals before going back
Gas leaks need immediate action. U.S. fire departments get about 125,000 gas leak calls each year, up 25% from previous years. Treating any possible leak as an emergency could prevent disaster.
How to reduce your gas usage and bills
Apartment renters can save money by managing their gas expenses wisely. Natural gas powers many appliances, and simple changes in daily habits can lead to most important savings on monthly bills.
Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat offers the quickest way to reduce natural gas consumption in apartments. Users typically save about 10% annually on heating and cooling costs. Smart thermostats provide even better results with savings between 10% and 15% each year.
You can save up to 10% annually on heating costs by setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lowering it by 7-10°F at night. Hardware stores sell digital programmable thermostats starting at $20, making them a smart investment.
Wash clothes in cold water
Water heating uses the second highest amount of home energy after space heating. Cold water settings cut your load’s energy use by more than half. Cold-water detergents clean clothes well without hot water. This change extends your clothing’s life and reduces gas bills at the same time.
Take shorter showers
A four-person household can save 18,031 liters of water and $69 annually on water heating costs by reducing shower time by just two minutes per person with a standard natural gas tank. The savings can reach $102 yearly when households combine shorter showers with water-efficient showerheads.
Seal windows and doors
You can save 5-10% annually on energy costs by sealing cracks around windows and doors. Foam and rubber strips make common weatherstripping materials that you can cut to size and tape along seams. The average home loses up to 40% of its heating energy through air leaks.
Turn off pilot lights when not in use
Your fireplace’s pilot light costs between $20-$30 per season when left on during warmer months. Most pilot lights use around 600 BTUs of gas hourly, which adds up to 14,400 BTUs daily. Turning off unused pilot lights saves money, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps apartments cooler in summer.
Talking to your landlord about gas appliances
Good communication with property owners about gas appliances helps prevent problems in your apartment. Tenants should know what runs on gas to have productive conversations with their landlords.
Ask about appliance age and maintenance
You should ask about how old your unit’s gas appliances are and their maintenance history. The best time to discuss upgrades comes when appliances show signs of wear but still work. Your landlord can think about options without rushing decisions under pressure.
Your strategy might change based on what matters to your landlord, which changes by location and property type. Some owners like hearing how new appliances attract future tenants. Others care more about saving money.
Request safety inspections
Safety inspections play a vital role for natural gas appliances in homes. Professional engineers mark safety levels with specific codes during checks: “Immediately Dangerous” (ID) means immediate life threats, “At Risk” (AR) indicates potentially dangerous faults, and “Not to Current Standards” (NCS) shows technically safe but outdated systems.
Landlords must give tenants gas safety certificates within 28 days or when a new tenancy starts. Breaking Gas Safety Regulations is a criminal offense that can lead to unlimited fines and jail time.
Clarify who pays for gas utilities
The lease agreement should clearly state utility responsibilities. Property management experts point out that unclear terms often cause disputes. Tenants usually pay for all utilities including gas, electric, and water in single-family rentals in Columbus and many other areas.
Make sure utilities transfer to your name before moving in. Many property managers won’t hand over keys until they confirm utility transfers. This stops surprise bills or service cuts that happen when responsibility isn’t clear.
Clear communication about gas usage and payment creates a safer, more transparent rental experience.
Summing it all up
Gas-powered systems in apartments affect both safety and your monthly bills. New renters need to know about common appliances like furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and dryers. This knowledge helps tenants make smart decisions about their living spaces.
Natural gas appliances require careful attention to safety. Carbon monoxide detectors, quick recognition of gas leaks, and good ventilation are vital steps for anyone living in an apartment. Regular maintenance checks and these safety measures substantially reduce risks.
Your monthly expenses depend on how well you manage gas usage. Small changes make a big difference – program your thermostat, wash clothes in cold water, and seal drafty windows to save money. These habits help both your wallet and the environment by using less energy.
Good relationships with landlords start with open discussions about gas appliances. Ask about past maintenance, schedule safety checks, and understand who pays for what. This prevents confusion and arguments later.
Gas appliances are a great addition to any home when used correctly. New renters can now enjoy quick heating, cooking, and other benefits while they retain control of safety and costs in their apartments.
Here are some FAQs about what uses gas in an apartment:
What uses the most gas in an apartment?
The appliance that typically uses the most gas in an apartment is the heating system, especially during colder months. Other major gas-consuming appliances include water heaters and stoves, which are common what uses natural gas in an apartment examples. If your apartment has a gas-powered clothes dryer, this can also significantly contribute to your gas usage.
What gas is used in an apartment?
The primary gas used in an apartment is natural gas, which powers various appliances and heating systems. When considering what in an apartment uses gas, you’ll typically find furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and sometimes dryers running on natural gas. Some older buildings may use propane instead, but natural gas is far more common in most apartment complexes.
What uses most gas at home?
The appliance that uses most gas at home is usually the central heating system or furnace, especially in colder climates. Among what uses gas in an apartment, water heaters typically come in second for gas consumption, followed by gas stoves and ovens. These appliances account for the majority of a household’s natural gas usage throughout the year.
Which appliances use the most gas?
The appliances that use the most gas in an apartment are typically the furnace, water heater, and stove – the main what in an apartment uses gas components. Gas dryers also consume significant amounts if present, though they’re less common in apartments than electric models. Space heaters and fireplaces may use gas too, but usually contribute less to overall consumption.
What contributes most to a gas bill?
The heating system contributes most to a gas bill, especially in winter months when it runs frequently. Among what uses natural gas in an apartment, water heating typically comes second, accounting for about 20-30% of the bill. Cooking with a gas stove adds to the cost too, though usually much less than heating and hot water.
Does a dryer use gas?
Some dryers do use gas, making them one of the appliances that what uses gas in an apartment, though many apartment dryers are electric. Gas dryers are generally more energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate than electric models. They require a gas hookup and proper ventilation, which is why they’re less common in apartments than in houses.
Does a water heater use gas?
Many water heaters do use gas, and they’re one of the primary what in an apartment uses gas appliances. Gas water heaters typically heat water faster and more efficiently than electric models. However, some apartments have electric water heaters instead, especially in buildings where gas lines aren’t available or practical.
What does a gas leak smell like?
A gas leak smells like rotten eggs due to the odorant (mercaptan) added to natural gas for detection. If you notice this smell near any what uses natural gas in an apartment appliances, it’s crucial to act immediately. Leave the area, avoid creating sparks, and contact your gas company or emergency services right away, as gas leaks can be extremely dangerous.
Why am I being charged for gas when I haven’t used any?
You might be charged for gas even when you haven’t used any because of minimum service fees or estimated billing from your utility company. Some what in an apartment uses gas appliances like pilot lights in water heaters or stoves consume small amounts continuously. It’s also possible there’s a meter reading error or leak, so contact your provider if charges seem unusually high without usage.