The environmental argument for banning gas appliances from new construction projects often centers on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but another justification is to improve indoor air quality.
Indeed, cooking on a gas stove releases nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide—some of the same fumes found in car exhaust. Brief exposures to air with high concentrations of NO2 can lead to coughing and wheezing for people with asthma or other respiratory afflictions, and prolonged exposure can contribute to the development of those conditions, according to the EPA.
Homes with gas stoves can contain 50% to 400% higher concentrations of NO2 than homes with electric stoves. These levels of indoor air pollution would be illegal outdoors.
Standard electric stoves do not release such indoor pollutants, but they do consume more total energy than gas stoves. Electric induction ranges use less energy, but only work with certain cookware, and are more expensive. Induction cooking also takes some getting used to, with cooks facing a learning curve to prepare certain foods.
About 30 California communities are moving toward all-electric building codes. Cities in other states are also moving to do the same or are considering bans.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2020
Landlords scramble to comply with the New York City Council’s Climate Mobilization Act (CMA)
Intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve efficiency for buildings larger than 25,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2020
New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released
Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2020
HUD issues guidance on emotional support animals
Clarifies the responsibilities of rental housing providers and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2020
New Jersey to become first state to require building contractors to consider climate change impact
Governor has seven key strategies for emissions cuts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2020
Colorado ranks first in LEED Top 10 states
Rankings of states for LEED certified square feet per person released.
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2020
Dramatic demographic shifts poised to alter global workplace
By 2030, Millennials and Generation Z will dominate workforce.
