7 Natural Gas Myths—and
What's Actually True

As natural gas experts here at Gas South, we sometimes hear misconceptions about this efficient, clean-burning fuel that we’re here to help clear up. Let’s take a closer look at seven common natural gas myths and what’s actually true. 

Myth 1: Natural gas prices are always unpredictable.

Reality: While prices can fluctuate, natural gas has historically been one of the more stable and affordable energy sources in the U.S., especially compared to electricity or fuels like oil and propane. In 2024, for example, natural gas cost about $14 per million BTUs in the U.S. on average, compared to about $48 for electricity, which is more than three times higher! 

Myth 2: Going all-electric is always cheaper.

Reality: Natural gas is often the more cost-effective option for heating, water heating and cooking. In U.S. homes on average, in fact, if can cost 30-50% less than electricity for many uses. And, as we mentioned above in myth 1, history shows natural gas is often more stable and predictable when it comes to pricing. 

Myth 3: Natural gas is only for heating.

Reality: While it’s true that natural gas is mostly used for heating, it’s also used for many other purposes. It powers appliances like water heaters, stoves, dryers and fireplaces, as well as pool heaters and outdoor features like grills and fire pits. Some people even use it to cool spaces, as natural gas air conditioners are slowly becoming more popular.

Myth 4: Gas appliances are outdated.

Reality: Today’s gas appliances are modern, efficient and often preferred for performance—especially in cooking and heating. New high efficiency gas furnaces, for example, can turn up to 98% of fuel into usable heat, versus older systems that could waste up to 40% of energy—see some of what's new in today's world of natural gas appliances.

Myth 5: Natural gas isn’t reliable.

Reality: Natural gas is one of the most reliable energy sources available. It’s transported and delivered through extensive underground pipeline systems, which are less affected by weather and outages than overhead electricity lines. It’s also an abundant energy source, with a strong supply here in the U.S. And in terms of performance reliability, it’s often praised for its ability to bring consistent, on-demand energy for everyday needs—like hot water and cooking. 

Myth 6: Gas leaks are common.

Reality: Gas leaks are rare. Utility companies use advanced infrastructure, monitoring and other safety measures to prevent leaks and respond quickly if they happen. In fact, natural gas is even safer than electricity when we dig into the numbers. In the U.S., we see that all gas-related fires (including all flammable gases, not just natural gas) come to about 190 deaths per year. Electrical fires, on the other hand, account for about 390 deaths annually—more than twice the amount! If you’re curious about staying safe with natural gas, check out some common mistakes to avoid.

Myth 7: Natural gas isn’t as green as electricity.

Reality: Well, it all depends on how we look at it. Most of the electricity in the U.S. these days is actually generated from natural gas. And while there are, technically speaking, greener ways to produce electricity—solar power comes to mind—the technology isn’t currently good enough to meet today’s energy demands. Until that happens, natural gas offers perhaps the cleanest, most-efficient way for the world to create energy—see how natural gas acts as a bridge fuel to cleaner energy.

Thanks for reading our blog. We hope it brings a little clarity to some of the most common myths about natural gas. Stay tuned for more in the future—and follow us on social media!