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sItE vERsus sOuRCE: AND thE wINNER Is … NAtuRAl GAs. (CONtINuED FROM PAGE 05)

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection A typical gas tank water heater has an efficiency level
Agency, when source energy is considered, more than of 82%.
92% of the natural gas that enters the pipeline reaches In comparison, a typical electric tank water heater has
the home, compared to only 37% for electricity. Natural an efficiency level of 95%.
gas is far superior in terms of cost and overall efficiency So, in terms of site energy, the electric tank has an ef-
while also being environmentally friendly. ficiency level about 16% better than that of the gas tank.
“Although electric appliances such as water heat- But if you factor in source energy:
ers, stoves and clothes dryers may use less site energy • The same gas tank has a “source efficiency” of
than natural gas appliances, this disadvantage is more about 74%.
than offset by the greater energy efficiency of the • The same electric tank has a “source efficiency” of
overall natural gas production and delivery system,” roughly 35%.
said Brendan O’Brien, senior manager, energy analysis, So, the electric tank is half as efficient in terms of source
American Gas Association. “The higher efficiency and energy and, in turn, environmental impact. If source ver-
lower price of natural gas relative to other energy forms sus site differences are not accounted for, comparisons
result in annual utility energy bills for the gas home that between electric heating and natural gas heating won’t
are roughly 52% lower than the comparable all-electric add up.
home energy bills.” According to an AGA energy analysis report, the 2019
U.S. representative average unit cost for residential gas
A hOusEhOlD ExAMPlE was $10.13 per million British thermal units (MMBtu)
According to AGA’s Energy Gas report, comparing ap- versus $38.83 per MMBtu for electricity. Based on these
pliances in terms of source energy has a significant effect energy prices and energy consumption levels, residen-
on electricity and has a small impact on fossil fuels like tial natural gas customers realize annual energy savings
natural gas. So what difference does this make? of about $982 relative to electricity customers. n

Full-Fuel-Cycle Impacts from
Energy Consumption in a Typical Home

Electric Home Natural Gas Home

6.8 metric tons CO e* 5.4 metric tons CO e*
2 2
Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Consumption: 125 MMBtu/yr Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Consumption: 94 MMBtu/yr
Site Energy Consumption: 49 MMBtu/yr Site Energy Consumption: 84 MMBtu/yr
Total Annual Energy Cost $1,853 Total Annual Energy Cost $907

*Based on a 2,000 square-foot home in an average climate, using national average energy prices. Analysis includes the following only:
space heating, water heating, cooking and clothes drying. Home meets 2013 International Energy Conservation Code standards.

SOURCE: EnERgy AnAlySiS, AmERiCAn gAS ASSOCiAtiOn, OCt. 1, 2020.

06 naturalLiving ❙ Spring - Summer 2021