Author Archives: Tracy Burleson

Tracy Burleson

About Tracy Burleson

As Communications Director for the American Gas Association, Tracy serves as editor and publisher of American Gas magazine. In addition, she works to increase the visibility of natural gas in the residential market with a focus on opportunities to expand the use of natural gas in new construction. Her other responsibilities include projects to expand AGA’s work in the international energy community. Previously, Tracy served as director of residential programs at the Propane Educations & Research Council for nine years where she planned and executed the annual marketing and communications programs and instituted a formal training program for construction professionals. Tracy started her career as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Masters of Science in Consumer Sciences from the University of Alabama.

Tracy Burleson The 2013 New American Home® – A must see at the NAHB International Builders’ Show

Posted on January 10, 2013 by | 1 Comment


Guest Blogger: Ling Yu of Southwest Gas

Homes constructed to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability are quickly becoming the industry standard. Today’s homes are being built with the latest energy-efficient technologies and feature innovative building materials, cutting-edge designs and the latest construction techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to see how these emerging technologies and products converge inside the 2013 New American Home at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV. This dynamic home will be open for free daily tours from Jan. 22 through 24 via free shuttle buses (ticket required) departing every half hour from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The New American Home, constructed by custom builder Blue Heron, demonstrates that high-performance housing techniques can be aesthetically incorporated into the most simple or most complex homes. Taking advantage of a comprehensive design approach, the three-story, 6,712-square-foot home achieves an extraordinary level of energy efficiency. Not only does the home optimize solar resources, but it also utilizes high-efficiency natural gas appliances and incorporates a landscape design that helps limit water and energy demand. Once completed, the New American Home is expected to receive a number of energy and environmental awards and certifications.

new american home 20131 The 2013 New American Home® – A must see at the NAHB International Builders’ Show

The New American Home’s large array of natural gas features and appliances are impressive, from energy saving, high-efficiency gas heat pumps for heating and cooling, to ultra-sleek indoor and outdoor fire features for comfort and ambience, and outdoor rooms fully equipped with natural gas appliances for entertaining and relaxing. The efficiency created by using natural gas is just one of the countless ways this home reduces its carbon footprint. The home also features a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling appliance supplied by Southwest Gas, which delivers a convenient, on-site way to refuel CNG vehicles using the home’s existing natural gas supply line.

Natural gas plays an important role in increasing household energy efficiency while also being extremely cost effective. Appliances using this fuel help consumers save money and increase comfort while improving the environment. Households with natural gas heating, cooking and clothes drying spend almost 30 percent less on average than households with appliances that run on other types of energy.

With builder confidence for newly built single-family homes at its highest level since 2006, the International Builders’ Show and the New American Home offer the perfect opportunity to experience what everyone is talking about in energy-efficient housing and natural gas technologies.

Reminder: AGA will also be participating in IBS on Jan. 22 through 24 as part of the American Natural Gas and Propane Industries exhibit (C2614). Stop by to meet with dozens of manufactures and learn about the latest industry innovations and technology.

*Statements of fact or opinion in this blog post are the responsibility of Southwest Gas alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the American Gas Association.

Posted in energy | 1 Comment

Tracy Burleson Give the Gift of Comfort—and More—with a Natural-Gas Fueled Tankless Water Heater

Posted on December 20, 2012 by | 1 Comment


Guest Blogger: Mike Peacock on behalf of Rinnai America Corporation*

RL94i Straight VC 198x300 Give the Gift of Comfort—and More—with a Natural Gas Fueled Tankless Water Heater Is ultimate comfort important to your prospective homeowner clients? Are they interested in saving money on monthly utility bills? Is space an issue? If you answered yes to any—or all—of these questions, Rinnai America Corporation may have the solution: The natural-gas fueled Rinnai Tankless Water Heater.

Never worry about running out of hot water again. Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters offer homeowners an endless supply of hot water for limitless comfort. Hot water can be used for multiple tasks—such as showering, washing dishes or doing laundry—at the same time without worrying about running out.

Rinnai utilityroom dps 200x300 Give the Gift of Comfort—and More—with a Natural Gas Fueled Tankless Water Heater More room for shoes, toys or tools. The size of a small suitcase, a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater requires a fraction of the space of its traditional tank-style counterpart. Easily mounted on virtually any wall, inside or out, this space-saving appliance offers design flexibility.

Peace of mind. Built on Rinnai’s long-standing tradition of excellent products, the Tankless Water Heater is engineered for reliability, including a longer life expectancy—up to two times that of a traditional tank-style storage unit. Plus, it’s covered by a 12-year limited heat-exchanger warranty.

Go Green. Engineered with Rinnai’s leading-edge technology, its Tankless Water Heaters are ENERGY STAR®-qualified and have an Energy Factor (EF) rating from .82 to .96, depending on the model.

Save more on energy costs. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters only heat water as needed, offering homeowners increased monthly energy savings—in some cases up to 40 percent.**

Home builders will have the opportunity to see the Rinnai Tankless Water Heater, along with other leading-edge natural gas and propane appliances, at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV. The American Gas Association (AGA) will be part of the American Natural Gas and Propane Industries exhibit (C2614) on January 22 through 24. In the meantime, visit Rinnai America Corporation’s website to learn more about this exciting innovation.

*Statements of fact or opinion in this blog post are the responsibility of Rinnai America Corporation alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the American Gas Association.

**As based on the average cost to run an electric tank water heater per the DOE Average Energy Costs (www.doe.gov).

Posted in appliances, energy, Natural Gas, people, technology | 1 Comment

Tracy Burleson Helping To Make Natural Gas the Star of the Kitchen

Posted on November 20, 2012 by | 2 Comments


Guest Blogger: Mike Besack on behalf of Thermador*

Nothing stands out in the kitchen quite like the unique flow of natural gas on a powerful cooktop, range or rangetop. It’s part of what makes cooking an integral part of the American home. Thermador certainly has done its part to help make that special experience happen on a whole other level.

Star Burner Flame High jpg 249x300 Helping To Make Natural Gas the Star of the KitchenWhen Thermador first introduced the exclusive Star® Burner in 1998, the shape of gas cooking was literally changed. The typical, circular natural gas burner was transformed into a striking, catchy star. This design offers ample heat coverage and a smaller cold spot, making it ideal for any pan size. It’s tailor made for the perfect pancake, your favorite searing recipe or anything you love to cook that demands maximum and even heat.

Thermador’s Star Burner design allows for more ports and flame distribution than a typical round burner (35 ports around the perimeter versus 28), as well as a maximum power of 22k British thermal unit (Btu) and a delicate simmer of 375 Btu. Consumers will also appreciate the elevated brass burner and solid black maintop allowing for quick and easy cleanup.

All Thermador gas cooktops and ranges feature the exclusive Star Burner, and even the most demanding of culinary enthusiasts couldn’t be happier. It’s a welcomed star of any kitchen.

To experience the Star Burner in action, click here to watch online cooking demonstrations. The Star Burner will also be on display as part of the American Natural Gas and Propane Industries exhibit at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show on January 22 through 24 in Las Vegas, NV.

Will you be cooking with natural gas this Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments box below or send a tweet to @naturalgasflk and use the #Thanksgiving hashtag.

*Statements of fact or opinion in this blog post are the responsibility of Thermador alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the American Gas Association.

Posted in appliances, energy, International Builders' Show, Natural Gas, technology | 2 Comments

Tracy Burleson Natural Gas Cooktops Offer High Efficiency, Easy Cleaning and Reliability

Posted on November 14, 2012 by | 1 Comment


Guest Blogger: Melissa England, Associate, Consumer Team, Rogers Finn Partners on behalf of Bosch*

Just as most professional chefs insist on cooking with natural gas, “everyday” cooks recognize that natural gas offers even heat, excellent temperature control and instant on/off settings for cooking and baking. Today’s natural gas ranges, ovens, cooktops and grills feature high efficiency, easy cleaning and the reliability that natural gas equipment is known for.

Bosch 800 Series Gas Cooktop 225x300 Natural Gas Cooktops Offer High Efficiency, Easy Cleaning and ReliabilityThe Bosch 800 Series 30” Gas Cooktop marries innovative engineering and modern design to improve appliance dependability, efficiency and ease of us. With five burners, the Bosch Cooktop has the versatility of a 36” Cooktop in a compact format for kitchens where space is limited.  Continuous grates and centralized controls allow consumers to effortlessly move pots and pans across the stove, as well as clean up after messy spills.

With power and efficiency at the heart of its German engineering, the “OptiSim” feature heats at a low British thermal unit (Btu) to simmer the most delicate sauces or melt chocolate by evenly spreading the flame across the bottom of the pot to help prevent scorching. The “PowerSim” feature on the largest burner uses a diffuser cap to output a large flame of up to 18,000 Btu for quick heating.  For added convenience and safety, the burners automatically re-ignite if the flame goes out during cooking. With a low-profile and sleek stainless steel design, the Bosch 30” Gas Cooktop has an integrated appearance that seamlessly blends into the kitchen.

Cooking with natural gas is economical – it costs about half as much to cook with a natural gas range as with a similar electric range. While the initial investment for a natural gas appliance may be a bit more than electric models, consumers will pay themselves back overtime with energy savings and years of reliable service.

Home builders will have the opportunity to see the Bosch Cooktop, along with other leading-edge natural gas and propane appliances at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV. The American Gas Association (AGA) will be part of the American Natural Gas and Propane Industries exhibit on January 22 through 24.

Let us know if you’ve recently purchased a natural gas appliance and what differences you’ve noticed in the comments section below.

*Statements of fact or opinion in this blog post are the responsibility of Bosch alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the American Gas Association.*

Posted in appliances, energy, International Builders' Show, Natural Gas, technology | 1 Comment