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Even as millions of Americans struggle to heat their homes this winter thanks to rising gas and oil prices (which are ticking back up post-Christmas, by the by), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – have fun finding that one in the Constitution – is opening up public comment to the supposed evils of home pollution created by gas stoves, the goal being either to slap burdensome new rules on the production of new appliances, or potentially ban them altogether.
The argument is that gas stoves, which are used in about 40 percent of all U.S. homes, put off harmful stuff like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide (hint? Just turn on your fan). But even setting aside the fact that electric-powered appliances also put off stuff that’s not exactly great for breathing, rather than simply letting the general populace know about it and allowing them to choose for themselves what kind of stovetop they want to cook on, the government is taking it upon itself to consider banning the machines in the name of keeping people safe from their own free choices.
Even more immediately concerning is the fact that for the nearly half of all Americans who use gas ranges, any ban that grandfathers in currently existing stoves would still leave homeowners unable to buy a new gas appliance should their old one break down, forcing them to switch to an electric unit and leaving them on the hook for hundreds of dollars to pay an electrician to make the swap (and that’s on top of the cost of a new machine).
“forcing them to switch to an electric unit and leaving them on the hook for hundreds of dollars to pay an electrician to make the swap”
Hundreds? What alternative Universe do you live in?
Hundreds if you’re an accomplished DYIer, thousands of you’re not and have to hire a licensed electrician. Besides the labor and high cost of materials, there’s also the building permit you’ll need before you start the work.
Gas cooks faster and more even than electric, and gas water heaters heat water faster and more efficiently than electric.