what appliances use gas in an apartment
Core Gas Appliances Found in Most Apartments
1. Gas Stove (Range/Cooktop)
Standard for apartments built before 2010 and still a frequent choice in new buildings. Uses gas for both burners and oven, favored for its instant heat control. Signs: Visible flame, gas line behind unit, ignition “click” or pilot light.
2. Gas Water Heater
Provides hot water for taps, showers, dishwashers, and sometimes laundry. Heats faster and recovers more quickly than typical electric tanks. Tankstyle: Common in older buildings or inunit setups. Tankless (ondemand): Efficient, but more common in newly built or renovated complexes.
3. Gas Furnace or Boiler (Heating System)
Primary heating source in most regions outside the southern U.S. Gas burned for forcedair heat (blown through ducts) or hot water/steam (pumped to radiators/baseboards). Easily recognized by the large metal box (furnace), pilot assemblies, and a vent flue or chimney pipe.
Less Common, But Sometimes Present
4. Gas Dryer
Most apartment laundry is electric, but larger or older buildings still run gasfired dryers. Cheaper and faster drying than electric, but requires a dedicated gas hookup and venting to the exterior.
5. Gas Fireplace
Seen in select, luxury, or renovated units; used more for ambiance and supplemental heat. Wall switch ignition with no need for chimney sweeping; direct vented to the exterior.
What Typically Stays Electric
Refrigerator Dishwasher Microwave and countertop appliances Washer: Heated water from the gas water heater, but machine operation is electric. Lighting and outlets: Modern code always mandates electricity.
How to Identify Gas Appliances in an Apartment
Gas lines: Black pipe or flexible yellow tubing supplying the back or bottom of the appliance. Venting: Water heaters and furnaces have a significantly sized metal vent or PVC pipe. Pilot light: Look for continuous flames or a spark ignitor (on stoves and some water heaters). Utility bills: Separate gas and electric meters; the gas bill spikes during heating season or with heavy stove/water heater use.
Ask “what appliances use gas in an apartment” before you sign a lease—knowing the answer helps anticipate utility costs and safety needs.
Maintenance and Safety Routine
Annual inspections: Required by law for most landlords; look for certificate of inspection for heating, water heaters, and major gas lines. Carbon monoxide detectors: Legally mandated for all gasequipped dwellings. Tenant’s job: Know where shutoff valves are located, report any odor (“rotten egg” smell) or ignition failures immediately.
Budgeting Gas Costs in an Apartment
Cooking: Small but consistent; negligible compared to water or heating. Hot water: Major driver outside of winter; especially in buildings with frequent laundry or baths. Heating: The biggest reason for high gas bills—expect to pay the most in cold climates from November–March.
Why Gas Appliances Remain Common
Operating cost: Cheaper per unit of heat than electric, especially in central and northern U.S. Performance: Cooks prefer gas ranges for the instant, adjustable heat. Legacy infrastructure: Many apartment properties are built around gas service—switching to electric is rarely feasible for renters.
New Trends: Shifting From Gas
Regulations in some cities (San Francisco, New York) are phasing out new gas appliances for electrification and emission reduction. Heat pumps, induction cooktops, and tankless electric water heaters are on the rise. Expect gas use to decline in new buildings, but most existing apartments still rely on it.
If you’re tracking “what appliances use gas in an apartment,” assume stove, water heater, and heat.
Tenant Best Practices
Ask the landlord/building manager: “What appliances use gas in this apartment?” Test all stoves and heaters on movein; ensure there are working CO detectors. Report leaks or unusual smells without waiting; safety trumps convenience every time.
Final Thoughts
Gaspowered appliances in apartments are the silent engines of comfort: from cleanburning stoves to fast, efficient heaters and alwaysready water. Know the answer to “what appliances use gas in an apartment” before you move, budget, or do repairs. Structure your routines around safety and maintenance—report problems fast, know your valves, and budget for gas bills based on real appliance use. As electrification grows, knowledge of your apartment’s systems remains a practical necessity—structure is protection, comfort, and savings all in one.