Insulation hints and tips

Most of us use gas at some point every day, whether it's turning on the central heating, running a hot bath or baking a cake, gas is a vital energy resource in the day-to-day running of our homes. But just what is gas, and where does it come from?

The gas we use in our homes is actually mostly methane, which is a flammable chemical. The proper term for our everyday gas is Natural Gas. It is often referred to simply as gas, especially in the context of other domestic energy sources such as electricity.

A most important part of the treatment process of Natural gas is the addition of a ‘perfume'. This familiar gas smell is added so that the gas can be detected by the human sense of smell, otherwise the gas would be scentless and dangerously difficult to detect. True Natural gas must also be treated to remove unwanted chemicals like sulphur, nitrogen and butane, before it can be used domestically.

The addition of odour to domestic gas supplies was made standard practice after a tragedy that killed more than 300 people at a US college in the 1930's. At this time gas was still scent-free and a build up of the gas went unnoticed, until it was too late.

Right now, you'll find most of our domestic gas comes from fields in the middle east - United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as Russia. But all this could change within a generation as their gas reserves dwindle and the world turns to other energy forms.

Natural gas has many uses as a fuel, from the generation of electricity in gas and steam turbines, to providing heating for homes.

The use of gas as a car fuel is a relatively new technique which involves having your car's fuel system converted. But you'll find that gas is a much cleaner burning fuel option than the traditional diesel and petrol options.

Although gas is considered one of the cleaner fuels, it's really the best of a bad bunch. Harmful carbon dioxide is produced on burning Natural gas, and this is bad news for the earth's environment and ozone layer.

British Gas is Europe's leading experts in central heating systems. We can help you with all your central heating needs.