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February, 2008 - Issue #1
Provide a valuable service to your clients. Inform them of the value of natural gas. Whether they’re considering a newly constructed or soon-to-be built home, or an existing one that might need some work, natural gas can enhance their home’s comfort, energy efficiency and resale value.
A Better Investment
A home with natural gas is a wise investment for any homebuyer. Natural gas appliances are economical, making maximum use of every dollar spent on energy consumption. Natural gas has historically cost less than other fossil fuels.
Buying a home with natural gas heat, water heat and other appliances — or converting a home to gas appliances can also pay dividends down the road. Natural gas fireplaces, cooktops, water heaters, outdoor grills and other appliances help make a property more desirable. The National Association of Home Builders reports that homes with natural gas have a four percent higher resale value.
Environmentally Friendly
Today’s homebuyers are more environmentally conscious. A natural gas home is something they can feel good about because natural gas is one of the cleanest energy sources available.
Easier on the Pocketbook
Natural gas appliances are typically cheaper to operate, last longer and require less maintenance than their electric counterparts. Studies show that since 1980, more efficient gas appliances have helped people reduce their energy consumption by 22 percent.
Comfort and Convenience
There’s nothing like natural gas to bring comfort and convenience to a home, whether the home is newly built or just in need of a few upgrades. A natural gas fireplace adds ambiance and warmth to just about any room. Natural gas water heaters ensure an abundant supply of hot water. Water temperatures in a spa or pool stay consistently comfortable when warmed by natural gas.
Natural Gas Availability
Most new home builders offer natural gas in their developments, often with natural gas heating and water heating as standard features. They also make a variety of stunning upgrades available, from tankless water heating and professional grade cook tops to outdoor fireplaces and grills.
Many older homes are fueled by natural gas too. If an existing home has a gas line, it’s easy to add convenience and cost savings with today’s higher efficiency natural gas appliances.
Even if a home doesn’t have natural gas service, it may be possible to have a gas service line installed. (Start by calling the SCE&G Gas Sales office toll-free at 1-866-301-7272 to check for natural gas availability.
Getting a home “gas ready” ensures it will be ready for natural gas appliances when your clients move in. Even if your clients plan to use existing appliances, it’s smart to be pre-piped for gas service. When it’s time to replace an old appliance with a natural gas appliance, installation will be simple and less expensive.
Do Your Buyers Know Their Options?
Here are some of natural gas options to consider, especially during the winter months. Make sure your home buyers take these amenities into consideration, whether they’re building a new home or buying an existing home:
- Natural gas furnaces provide warm, comfortable and efficient home heating. Today's gas furnaces are up to 98 percent efficient. In addition, the life of a gas furnace can be twice that of an electric heat pump.
- Sixty-five percent of all homebuyers consider having one or more fireplaces in a home to be "important." Natural gas makes them even more appealing -- with no worry about ashes and sparks, and no wood to buy, haul or store.
Were You Aware?
- SCE&G provided new natural gas service to over 9,000 homeowners in its service area in 2007.
- More than 70 percent of SCE&G customers strongly feel that having the comforts of a home with both natural gas and electricity is a superior choice over an all electric home.
- Two-thirds of SCE&G natural gas customers strongly feel that having a home with natural gas is a smart deal.
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