Posted on: 09. 26. 23
Natural gas has become one of North America’s most popular energy sources for heating homes. Natural gas’s convenient, clean-burning properties suit home heating systems well. But how did natural gas become integral to providing residential warmth?
Let’s look closer at natural gas use throughout history and how we went from early times to full natural gas facility processing.
The Early Days of Manufactured Gas for Lighting and Cooking
The origins of using gas for residential needs can be traced back to the early 1800s. There were no official pipelines in cities, and gas was used mainly for lighting streets, businesses, and homes. Coal gas was also used for cooking in more affluent households.
But it wasn’t until the last decades of the 1800s that using gas for heating came into broader use. Early gas heating systems were simple, relying on the open flame burners of gas lamps or plates to provide warmth to a room.
The Rise of Natural Gas and Closed Heating Systems
The development of long-distance pipelines brought naturally occurring gas from wells to population centers in the early 1900s. With this steady supply, closed central heating systems fueled by natural gas began to gain popularity in the 1910s and 20s.
Early natural gas heating systems took the form of solid fuel stoves that had been converted to use gas. Heat circulates through rooms via free convection from the stove and radiation from stove pipe assemblies. These systems were a major advancement from wood and coal stoves in convenience and cleanliness.
However, fireplaces and stoves were still the main heat source during the early years. Heating systems using natural gas were for more affluent homeowners and businesses.
Natural gas wouldn’t expand to the average user via pipeline until the 1940s.
Natural Gas for Heating Expands after World War II
The interstate pipeline network greatly expanded in the 1940s and 50s, increasing the availability of natural gas across the country. With this improved access, natural gas heating systems grew to become the most common choice for new home construction.
Smaller, more efficient gas furnaces and boilers made heating with natural gas economical. Improved designs also offered enhanced safety with the use of pilot lights and automatic valve shutoffs. This appealed to homeowners wanting to avoid the work and mess of coal furnaces.
The postwar economic boom and rise of suburbs led to rapid housing construction. These new neighborhoods were outfitted with natural gas, furthering its prominence. By the 1960s, gas heating was the preferred method for keeping a family warm.
Continuing Use Despite 1970s Shortages
Natural gas shortages through the 1970s temporarily disrupted the residential market. New connections were limited, and some switches back to heating oil occurred. But it remained the cheaper and preferred option for most homes with existing natural gas hookups.
Shortages spawning from the oil embargo of 1973 spurred improvements in energy efficiency that would benefit gas heating. Building codes began requiring more insulation. Furnace efficiency standards also increased, lowering fuel usage.
Deregulation of natural gas in the 1980s enabled more production and stable supplies, leading to a rebound in new construction with gas heat. More efficient furnace designs such as condensing boilers also reduced consumption.
Natural Gas Heating in Modern Homes
Around 58 million U.S. households today use natural gas as their main space heating fuel. High-efficiency furnaces and boilers have minimized home heating costs while reducing emissions.
Natural gas is now delivered through an extensive network of underground mains and service lines, creating ease of use and a comfortable environment for owners. Continued infrastructure maintenance and safety improvements by utilities ensure modern gas heating remains convenient and reliable.
Stay Up-to-Date On Natural Gas Access With Pro-Gas Service, LLC
Though refinements are still being made, natural gas heating has undergone relatively little change compared to the boiler and furnace systems of a century ago. Natural gas’s clean, economical properties continue to make it well-suited for providing warmth in homes across North America.
Pro-Gas Services specializes in providing the equipment that helps facilities and drill sites bring natural gas home to consumers.
If you’re ready to make your production facility the best it can be, contact us today to learn more about our available equipment.
