By Kerry Vital
Natural gas is no longer needed exclusively by professional chefs and high-end homes.
Homeowners are increasingly choosing natural gas in their kitchens, living spaces and even outdoors.
"A lot more people are choosing natural gas these days, especially in the kitchen," says Stephanie Malhas, interior designer at Sarah Gallop Design Inc. (SGDI).
"People like the quality and evenness of cooking with a natural gas cooktop."
Natural gas appliances can be found in many styles, including traditional free-standing ranges, built-in ranges, professional-looking cooktops and single or double wall ovens.
"It's a more professional kind of cooking."
It's also faster. FortisBC notes that natural gas cooktops heat up instantly and provide precise temperature control. Natural gas ovens are naturally convection ovens, circulating air continuously around your food and ensuring that it cooks or bakes evenly.
However, it's not just the kitchen that can benefit from a natural gas makeover. Outdoor spaces and living areas are also tops on the list.
"Everybody likes an outdoor fire pit now," says Susanne Doise of Sensitive Design Inc.
"You want to create an outdoor space that you can use for three seasons of the year."
When it comes to that outdoor space, you have many more options than just the fire pit. Doise says she's recently designed entire outdoor kitchens, which can be easily connected to your home's natural gas supply.
She and Malhas also note the increase in people installing patio heaters, so they don't have to head inside as soon as it starts getting a bit chilly.
"It's kind of like camping in your own backyard," says Malhas. "You get the informality of outdoor space with the convenience of natural gas."
Natural gas is available at the push of a button, so you no longer need to wait for your fireplace or cooktop to heat up or worry about running out of propane for your outdoor barbecue. It's also more energy-efficient for space and water heating, saving you money on your heating bills.
FortisBC offers an online energy calculator that will help you compare the cost of fuel sources and their energy efficiency, demonstrating that natural gas is the most affordable choice for homeowners. Find it at www.fortisbc.com/energycalculator.
FortisBC natural gas customers are continuing to benefit from some of the lowest prices in a decade. As of Oct. 1, customers will see a decrease for the cost of natural gas to just over $3 per gigajoule. More information can be found at www.fortisbc.com/rates.
Other outdoor options that Malhas and Doise have seen lately have been fire tables and full outdoor fireplaces.
"People are looking for an indoor-outdoor life," says Malhas.
"You can install a fire table that looks just like a coffee table and can be used as a coffee table outside, with a linear burner in the middle."
She's also seen fire pits within an outdoor dining table.
"Natural gas brings warmth. It obviously brings physical warmth but also a warm ambiance."
This is especially important in the living areas, where you want to gather with friends and family. Natural gas fireplaces are both cozy and convenient. FortisBC notes folks can even pre-program some models of gas fireplaces to turn on at a specific time to warm up your space in the morning or before you get home from work.
"There's a lot of flexibility when it comes to gas fireplaces," says Malhas. "You can convert an old wood-burning fireplace, customize how it looks, whatever you want to suit your style, space and budget."
Doise agrees, saying, "A fireplace in the living room becomes a focal point. You want to place everything around it."
While you may not be contemplating a move any time soon, installing natural gas in your home will also increase the resale value in the future.
FortisBC has partnered with Black Press on the Reno Me! with FortisBC contest, which began Oct. 7. Readers are encouraged to submit a photo by Oct. 31 of their great room, kitchen or outdoor space and explain why they want a makeover using natural gas.
One finalist from each category will be chosen to receive a consultation with an interior designer and a rendering of their space. Then, one winner will be chosen by readers to receive $10,000 towards their renovation, with the second and third place homeowners receiving $2,000.
Voters will also get a chance to win a $500 gift card towards the purchase of a natural gas appliance.
To enter the Reno Me! with FortisBC contest, visit your local Black Press paper's website and click on the Contests link. For more information about natural gas in your home, visit www.fortisbc.com/goodforhomes.