what appliances use gas in an apartment

1. Gas Ranges and Ovens

This one’s obvious. If you’ve ever heard the hiss of a burner before the blue flame kicks on, you’re cooking with gas. Many apartments come with gas stoves because they offer fast, precise temperature control. Tenants who cook a lot usually prefer them.

Check your burner—gas stoves will usually have open flame elements. On electric ones, you’ll see flat or coil burners.

2. Furnaces and Central Heating

In cooler climates, most apartment buildings use gas furnaces to heat shared or private units. Gas heats faster and more efficiently than many electric heating systems, especially baseboard heaters. If your place warms up quickly when you turn up the thermostat, gas may be in play.

In some older constructions, individual units have their own gas furnaces. Newer ones often tie into a central boiler system that services multiple units.

3. Water Heaters

Hot water doesn’t just happen. Behind every hot shower in a gaspowered unit is a gas water heater. Unlike electric models, gas water heaters heat water quickly and refill the tank faster, making them a favorite for landlords dealing with multiple tenants.

You’ll likely find the water heater tucked away in a closet or mechanical room. Look for a gas line or venting pipe if you’re curious.

4. Clothes Dryers

It’s less common in apartments—especially newer or small units—but some models still include gas dryers. They function like electric ones but heat using a gas flame instead of a coil, which usually gets the job done quicker and may use less energy over time.

If your laundry is in a shared building space, it’s harder to tell. But check the machine label or ask your landlord whether gas powers your dryer.

5. Fireplaces

Luxury or older apartments sometimes feature gas fireplaces. They’re usually cleaner and simpler to maintain than woodburning ones. You can often spot them by the glass front, builtin logs, and a simple wall switch or remote.

Even if it looks like a traditional hearth, if there’s no chimney or ash involved, it’s probably gas.

Understanding What Appliances Use Gas in an Apartment

Let’s start with the basics. Gas appliances typically run on natural gas or propane, depending on your local utility setup. In apartments, they’re often installed to lower operating costs and boost energy efficiency compared to electric counterparts.

So, what appliances use gas in an apartment? Usually, it’s the ones doing the heavy lifting with heating or cooking. Here’s a look at the most common sources.

Why It Matters

Knowing what appliances use gas in an apartment isn’t just trivia—it impacts your routine and your bills. Gas is often cheaper per BTU than electricity, meaning cooking, laundry, and heating can cost less each month when gas is involved.

It also has safety implications. Gas leaks, while rare, are serious. So if your unit uses gas, you should:

Know where the shutoff valves are. Keep a carbon monoxide detector installed and working. Be aware of the telltale signs of a leak (sulfur smell, hissing sounds).

How to Tell If Your Apartment Uses Gas

Still not sure? Here’s a quick checklist.

Do you hear or see a flame when you cook, dry clothes, or heat water? Are there vents or flue pipes near large appliances? Does your lease or utility bill include a gas charge?

Check your utility account. If you’re paying for gas directly, it’ll show up there. If not, it might be bundled into your rent—or your building may run allelectric systems.

Pros and Cons of Gas Appliances in Apartments

Pros: Typically lower energy costs Faster cooking and heating Reliable even in power outages (in some cases)

Cons: Slightly more risk in terms of leaks (though modern systems are very safe) Not as common in highly urban, newer buildings Requires venting and maintenance

Final Thought

So, what appliances use gas in an apartment? It mostly boils down to heating, cooking, heating water—and occasionally drying clothes or firing up a chic fireplace.

Knowing where gas shows up in your unit helps you troubleshoot, budget, and stay safer in your apartment. If you’re moving, ask upfront which systems use gas. And if you’re already renting, a quick look behind the stove or in the mechanical closet can tell you a lot.