Pros and cons of buying single family home with "gas" heating?

[Daniela R.]

This is only my second post in bigger pockets. I am a first time home buyer, and the first one to buy a house in my family. I am free of debt and after lot of hard work saved up for a downpayment. But I am still learning the ropes.

I think I found a house I would be interested in. It's in the Houston area.

It was built in 1988, roof is 10 years old and from the description, the heating is gas.

My only experience with gas heating is from when I was a student and rented an apartment in PA which gas heating was a huge save of money during winter.

I'm relocating to Houston, because I just graduted and got my first job. I know in TX I won't use heating as much as in PA. So is it really a money saving option monthly? Also, as a home owner what are the pros and cons of using gas? And would gas heating be something renters would appreciate if in the future I decide to rent the property?

Note: Eventually i want to get into real state investing. But first I need a place to live!

Thanks!!

[James Sebastian]

Sorry, I have to disagree with a couple points above.  Generally, a house on natural gas uses it for the furnace, water heater, and possibly stove and dryer.  And burning it does release CO2  (hydrocarbon + Oxygen = heat + water +CO2).  As to the long term economics, we'd go on natural gas if we could but the lines don't come out here so I switched from propane to electric heat pump + fireplace a wile back (Ohio).