Switching from gas to an electric stove
When choosing between gas and electric for a stove, many opt for the former because people have a lot of prejudice over old-generation electric stoves.
Statistics for the year 2015 show that 47% of residents in Latvia used stoves with a gas mains connection, another 33% used portable gas tanks, and just 20% were using electric stoves. But, as time goes on and technology develops, an electric stove is becoming much more convenient, effective and affordable. In light of new amendments to the laws, we are inviting you to consider switching from gas to electric.
How can an electric stove be better than gas?
- Comfort: cooking with an electric stove does not produce burning by-products like a gas stove, so you won’t need a powerful steam hood, and your kitchen furniture won’t get covered in a layer of grime. Induction stoves are the most convenient ones – spilled food does not burn on the stove surface, and the heating intensity can be adjusted just as precisely as that of a gas flame.
- Health and safety: gas stoves operate with an open flame, which poses the risk of burns and even household fires. If a gas tank is left unsealed, it could leak and cause serious health issues, and might even explode. The latest electric stoves do not heat up excessively, they have automatic shutoffs for when liquids are spilled or nothing is cooking, and their control panels can be disabled – making a stove much safer to use for families with children.
- Efficiency: although gas can be cheaper to use, it is not nearly as environmentally friendly or efficient. Induction heating is much better in this regard, with about 80–90% of all energy consumed actually heating your food. For gas stoves, efficiency is just 35–40%. Furthermore, all electric stovetops can be considered more environmentally friendly because they cause no direct CO2 emissions, while burning natural gas or a mixture of propane and butane leads to direct emissions into a residential area while also consuming indoor oxygen. Meanwhile, new electric stoves are becoming more and more efficient: an induction stove consumes 50% less electricity than an older stove with metal heating elements.
Planned amendments to legislation:
- as of 31 December 2017, the sale and refilling of “red” 50 L gas tanks will be prohibited. This means that the gas tanks we are currently using will have to be recycled and new-generation tanks will need to be purchased instead;
- as of 1 January 2019, residents will not be able to connect a mechanical ventilation device, or steam hood, to an apartment building’s natural ventilation system if the apartment has a gas stove and no additional ventilation that guides the exhaust gases outside the building. To comply with these fire safety requirements, many apartment owners will have to choose between modifying their ventilation or purchasing electric stoves.
Here are the steps for switching from gas to electric:
