Homebuyer question: Is it just me or are there less homes available with gas?

by Brian Huie on 6/10/2024

Yes, it’s true that new homes are no longer being built with natural gas. But, if it’s a must, there are still many other homes available with gas.

Washington state is phasing out natural gas in new construction. If you own a home that already has gas appliances, there’s no need to worry, you’ll still be able to use natural gas, and replace those appliances when they break down.

To install gas in new construction homes, the builder must match the efficiency of heat pumps (one of the most efficient sources of heating and cooling) or make up for the difference in other areas of the homes energy efficiency.

However, the Seattle region has been known to have less homes with gas appliances compared to many other regions of the country for many years. Hydro power makes electricity very inexpensive in our region. For those who have been living here for a long time, this change may not affect their choice in homes at all. And, for avid cooks, and prefer gas cooking, this may not be as upsetting as one first thinks - induction cooking is a phenomenal replacement! Induction ranges offer the same instantaneous change in heat, while providing additional safety benefits. Want to learn about induction? I’ve got a comparison of gas and induction cooking here.