What Appliances Use Gas in an Apartment
So let’s cut to the chase: what appliances use gas in an apartment? In most apartments that have gas service, the usual suspects are the stove, oven, furnace, and water heater. In some cases, especially in older buildings, you might find a gaspowered dryer too.
Let’s break down each one:
Gas Stoves and Ovens: These are probably the most common gas appliances in apartments. Tenants usually favor gas ranges because they heat up faster, offer better temperature control, and continue to work during power outages.
Gas Water Heaters: In many rental units, water heaters are gaspowered, especially in buildings trying to cut electricity costs. Your hot showers likely depend on that steady gas flow.
Gas Furnaces: In colder climates or older buildings, heating systems often run on natural gas. They’re fast, efficient, and generally cheaper than electric alternatives.
Gas Dryers: Not every apartment has inunit laundry, but if yours does and it includes a natural gas line, a gas dryer might be in play. They heat quickly and use less electricity overall.
Why It Matters
Knowing what appliances use gas in an apartment matters for a few reasons:
- Utility Bills: Gas is usually cheaper than electricity, especially for heating. If more of your appliances run on gas, your electric bill might look pleasantly low.
- Cooking Preference: Ask any chef—the control of a gas flame can’t be matched by electric burners. If you love to cook, a gas range can be a dealbreaker or maker.
- Maintenance and Safety: Gas appliances require different upkeep. You’ll need to make sure gas lines are secure and appliances are correctly vented. Leaks can be dangerous, so awareness is key.
- Emergency Planning: In a power outage, electric stoves and heaters are useless. Gas appliances, however, can keep you cooking and warm—assuming they don’t have electric starters.
Is Your Apartment Hooked Up to Gas?
Not every apartment has gas service. Some newer highrises run entirely on electricity to streamline billing and reduce emissions. Here’s how to check:
Look at your bills: If you’re getting charged for natural gas, then something in your unit uses it. Ask your landlord: This should be part of your lease or rental paperwork, but a quick email can clarify what’s gaspowered in your unit. Check appliances: Gas stoves usually have visible burners and may require a lighter or pilot light to function.
If You Smell Gas…
It’s not a joke. If you catch the scent of rotten eggs—which is what utility companies add to otherwise odorless gas—you need to act fast:
- Don’t flip switches or use electronics;
- Open windows and leave the apartment;
- Call the gas company or 911 from a safe distance.
That’s not just safety protocol—it’s about keeping your entire building safe.
Gas vs. Electric: Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the pros and cons quickly:
Gas Pros: Lower utility bills Better temperature control (especially for stoves) Works during some power outages
Gas Cons: Risk of leaks Needs proper ventilation Can be restricted by some property managers
Electric Pros: Cleaner energy (in some regions) Lower risk of leaks Standard in newer apartments
Electric Cons: Slower heat times Fully dependent on power supply Usually results in higher utility bills
Choosing the Right Apartment
When apartment hunting, keep in mind whether you prefer cooking with gas or electric. If heating bills are a concern—and you live in a cold climate—you might actively want a unit with gas heat. But if you’re not comfortable checking vents or monitoring for gas leaks, electric may be your safer bet.
Ask these questions during the tour:
Do you have gas and electric service? Which appliances (range, furnace, dryer) use gas? Who handles appliance maintenance? Has the gas system been inspected recently?
It’s your utility bill, your comfort, and your safety—so it pays to ask.
Energy Efficiency Tips for Gas Appliances
If you’re already living with gas appliances, here’s how to use them efficiently:
Keep burners clean: A clogged burner wastes gas and performs poorly. Install a programmable thermostat: Gas furnaces are fastacting—make the most of it by heating only when needed. Use cold water for laundry: Whether your water heater runs on gas or not, heating water uses energy. Vent properly: A properly vented gas appliance prevents carbon monoxide buildup.
Wrapping It Up
So again—what appliances use gas in an apartment? Normally, it’s the stove, oven, furnace, and water heater. Sometimes a dryer, too. Understanding how your home works puts you in control of your comfort, safety, and finances. Whether you’re househunting, calculating your utility budget, or just trying to figure out what that mystery pilot light connects to, knowing which of your appliances run on gas is the first step. Keep it simple, ask questions, and stay safe.