The popularity of natural gas for heating and cooking comes and goes. While some swear by natural gas heat and cooking, others feel more comfortable avoiding open flames altogether. Also, as the price of gas and electricity varies, one option is usually more financially attractive at any given time.

While you can always put in an electric furnace or electric stove in a home where gas is available, the reverse is usually not true. However, if you swear by gas and none is available there may be natural gas available nearby down the street that you can connect to (often at great cost…) Another alternative is propane (if you want a single family home.) Most natural gas stoves can be converted to run on propane – all you need is to purchase an external propane tank and run the line.

Another alternative for cooking if you do not like electric is an induction stove.