Electric vs. Gas Mower
Though recent federal regulations have placed stricter regulations on emissions from gas-powered lawn mowers, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated in 2010 that these mowers account for 5 percent of U.S. air pollution. As well as emitting toxins in the atmosphere, gas mowers are more expensive to maintain and generally more difficult to operate than electric mowers. An electric mower comes with or without a cord, is easier to start, runs more quietly and requires minimum care. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Significance
-
Every weekend as of 2010, approximately 54 million Americans fire up their lawn mowers and attack the lawn, using 800 million gallons of gas per year. While many people are opting for the ease, convenience and environmentally-friendly option provided by the electric lawn mower, the U.S. still sees sales of more than 5 million gas-powered lawn mowers every year.
Noise Levels
-
How loud are gas-powered mowers? Normal conversation is measured at about 75 decibels. Gas mowers run at approximately 90 decibels, requiring some to opt for ear protection when mowing. Electric mowers will make your neighbors happy with an ear-friendly 65- to 85-decibel range.
-
Potential Savings
-
While it may seem more economical to stick with your existing gas mower rather than purchase a new electric model, the long-term picture tells a different story. With a gas mower, you pay the high cost of gas, as well as for fuel filters, oil, tune-ups and spark plugs. Maintenance costs for electric mowers run approximately $5 in electricity costs annually for the average yard as of 2010. Other nominal expenses include cleaning and sharpening the blades.
Ease of Use
-
Newer gas-powered mowers have become easier to start, as many now have a push-button system for priming the carburetor, as well as a pull cord on the handle. Easier still is the electric mower, which cranks up by simply turning a key or flipping a switch.
Storage Considerations
-
With an electric mower, there is no need to store fuel. Owning a gas-powered lawn mower not only means safely storing gasoline, but also learning how to avoid dangerous spills. According to the EPA, 17 million gallons of fuel, mostly gasoline, are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment---more than all the oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
Cord or Cordless?
-
Electric lawn mowers come with and without a cord. A mower with a cord can be used for a much longer period, but its range is limited. Also, running over the cord will damage it. A cordless mower alleviates the danger and limitations of a cord, but only runs or a few hours before you must charge the batteries. Cordless mowers do not cut as deeply as mowers with a cord.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cutting grass image by katja kodba from Fotolia.com
