Extend Patio Season

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading the one you have, don’t forget the natural gas for your Georgia home. Homeowner requests are driving home design trends that feature gas amenities which add long-term value, boost energy efficiency and contribute to smarter, more functional living spaces.

Natural gas home amenities can add long-term value, boost energy efficiency and contribute to smarter, more functional living spaces.

Walton Gas has rounded up the gas-fueled, hot home trends you should know about.

INSIDE

Interior trends are favoring efficient, safe, smart natural gas appliances paired with technological advancements that are redefining how you interact with natural gas in everyday life.

High-Efficiency Heating: Over 75% of new gas-heated homes now install furnaces with 90% or higher efficiency. Furnaces paired with a smart thermostat further improve heating performance and reduce energy bills. A smart thermostat learns daily routines, adapts to occupancy patterns and responds to real-time weather data to automatically adjust temperatures.

Backup Power Solutions: Builders are increasingly integrating natural gas-powered home standby generators into new construction projects. Generators offer a reliable, automatic and clean-burning backup solution to ensure critical systems remain operational during power disruptions.

Premium Cooking: Luxury builders continue to highlight natural gas cooktops and ranges as key selling points for Georgia buyers. Engineered with more efficient burners, improved airflow and flame control, these appliances burn fuel more completely, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions and fuel expenses. New gas ranges can also automatically ventilate if excess humidity, nitrogen dioxide and other combustion byproducts are detected.

Smarter Appliances: Natural gas appliances are now built with features that enhance performance and provide more control over energy usage. Builders are increasingly installing professional-grade smart gas ranges that offer the instant heat and precision cooking people love as well as remote controls and monitoring through smartphone apps. Smart gas water heaters can detect leaks, track usage patterns and alert you if something’s wrong, which can prevent costly repairs. Newer gas dryer models can alert you when your clothes are dry, automatically adjust temperatures based on load size, send maintenance alerts and start and stop — all through an app.

Direct Vent Fireplaces: Sealed, direct-vent gas fireplaces have become a standard safety and efficiency trend. These units pull oxygen from outside and vent all exhaust externally, meaning no indoor air is used and no fumes enter the living space. Not only do they perform well, new fireplace models come in various finishes, styles and customizable options to fit into a home’s style.

Tankless Water Heating: On-demand, gas-powered tankless units are a top trend for modern homes, providing endless hot water while eliminating the standby energy loss of traditional tank models.

Smart CO detectors: Smart technology adds a modern safety net that brings peace of mind for natural gas home dwellers. Smart detectors can send instant notifications if gas levels rise, there's a carbon monoxide leak, or smoke is detected. Some systems can even trigger automatic shutoffs of gas lines when a major issue is detected, adding another layer of protection for your home.

OUTDOORS

The "backyarding" trend continues to be popular, with natural gas appliances and equipment being additions that increase enjoyment of the outdoor space while also adding property value.

Updated Fire Features: Gas fireplaces and fire pit tables are replacing traditional wood-burning options as no-hassle patio features. Vertical, narrow, tall fireplaces that serve as architectural statements are trending this year. Homeowners like the safety and convenience of the smokeless flame and lack of ash cleanup. New gas fire pits and tables feature electronic ignition and app control, allowing users to light and adjust flames from their smartphones.

Pro-style Grilling: Top-tier natural gas grills feature stainless steel cooking grids and infrared rear burners for restaurant-quality searing. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow remote monitoring of food prep. Some high-end models now include built-in storage, refrigerators, deep sinks and pizza ovens, turning traditional grilling areas into complete culinary suites.

Outdoor Kitchens: Moving the kitchen to a fully outfitted outdoor space continues to be a popular trend in luxury Georgia homes. Builders are incorporating fixed natural gas lines for L-shaped kitchen islands that include high-performance grills, side burners and pizza ovens.

Patio Heating: Modern radiant gas heaters use slow-release ceramic burners for improved energy efficiency, reducing gas consumption while increasing heat distribution. Some new heater models have a wind resistant design that can be installed in tight spaces.

Heated Pools and Spas: A natural gas heater can raise pool temperatures 1°F per hour, making it the fastest way to heat a pool or spa regardless of weather or temperature.

Bug-free Lighting: Gas-powered lights are trending for their warm yellow glow that can add extra ambiance and security to outdoor living spaces, landscapes and walkways. An important bonus in Georgia: These lights rarely attract insects. Gas torches are a fun and decorative lighting option for pool areas or gardens.

Whether it’s inside or outside, gas-fueled amenities and the technology that enhances them are making Georgia homes more livable in 2026.