Most homes use a natural gas stove for cooking food.
Natural gas is a cleaner alternative to various other fuel sources, which is why it’s so widely used in kitchens and other heating appliances.
Despite being cheaper and cleaner than other fuel sources, you should consider switching to another fuel for cooking because natural gas is a non-renewable resource and will soon run out.
Propane stoves are quite popular. Do you want to know how to convert natural gas stoves to propane stoves?
How to Convert Your Natural Gas Stove to Propane Stove?
You can’t simply detach the stove from the natural gas supply tank and attach it to the propane supply tank. Both these gases have different densities and energies. You’ve got to convert your stove.
Converting the stove involves changing the valves and switches to ensure the stove is suitable to be used with propane gas.
If you’re considering converting your natural gas stove to a propane stove, the steps listed below will help you a great deal.
The first thing you must keep in mind when converting your natural gas stove to a propane stove is that propane gas has a higher pressure, and the rate of its flow will be different than natural gas.
Let’s take you through the steps that’ll help you convert your existing natural gas stove to a propane stove.
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Supply
First things first, turn off the gas supply before starting the conversion procedure. Make sure the valves on the supply tank are turned off.
If you don’t turn off the gas supply, the gas will leak into the air when you detach the supply line from the burners, which can present a serious fire hazard.
Step 2: Remove the Fittings that the Stove Came with
As you already know, propane gas has a different pressure and density than natural gas. You can’t expect the original fittings of the natural gas stove to work well with propane.
Use a screwdriver to remove all the burners on the stove. The existing burners are suitable to be used with natural gas.
Propane is packed with twice as much energy as natural gas, and if you use the existing burners, you’ll get a much larger and stronger flame.
Step 3: Attach the New Burners
The burners for the propane stove will be different. The holes in these burners will be much smaller to control the flame’s size.
With smaller holes, less gas will get through, and the size of the flame will be smaller and more controllable.
Attach the new burners to the stovetop and ensure they’re secured tightly.
Step 4: Adjust the Settings
Propane has a high-pressure rating, meaning you can’t operate the stove that you previously used with natural gas at the same settings.
Every burner comes with a twist that allows you to adjust the simmer setting for each burner. You’ve got to adjust this twist.
Step 5: Attach the Stove to Propane Supply Tank
Once the burners are in place, attach the stove to the propane supply tank. Ensure that the supply line isn’t loose at any point from where the gas may leak.
Step 6: Turn On the Valves
Turn on the valves to allow the propane gas supply to the burner and light up the stove. Your stove is now using propane gas.
While converting a natural gas stove to a propane stove isn’t very difficult, it’s best to hire professionals to do the job.
You may not know the possibilities of everything that can go wrong. A professional will be able to do it quickly and ensure safety.
Using a Conversion Kit
A conversion kit specifically designed for your stove make and model greatly simplifies the conversion process. These kits typically include the necessary propane orifices, burners, and a pressure regulator.
Before purchasing a conversion kit, consult your appliance’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer to determine if your stove is compatible with this type of conversion. If unsure, consult a certified service technician for advice on the best kit for your appliance.
When using a conversion kit, simply follow the step-by-step instructions provided with the kit. Replacing the burners, orifices, and adjusting the pressure regulator are some of the main tasks.
Remember to always practice safety and ensure the gas supply is turned off before starting any conversion procedures.
Natural Gas Stove to Propane Stove Conversion Safety Tips
If it’s your first time converting an appliance to another fuel source, you’ve got to follow some safety tips.
Some of the most important tips to ensure your safety and the success of the procedure are listed below:
Check Stove Specifications
Always check the specifications of your stove to make sure it can be converted to a propane stove.
Most natural gas stoves can be converted to propane stoves, but there are also some that are made only to be used with natural gas.
If your existing stove is for use with natural gas only, you can’t convert it to a propane stove, and any attempt to do it will only put your safety at risk.
Turn Off the Gas Supply
Never forget to turn off the gas supply before you start converting the natural gas stove to a propane stove.
Ventilation
Natural gas will leak into the air when you detach the supply line, and it can catch fire when you light the lighter to test your stove after you’re finished converting the stove to a propane stove.
Ensure that the work area is well-ventilated to avoid any potential buildup of gas.
Why Should You Consider Switching from Natural Gas Stoves?
Natural gas is readily available, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than other fossil fuels that can be used for cooking.
With so many pros, why should one consider switching from a natural gas stove to any other?
Well, there’s not one but many reasons why you should now consider bidding farewell to your natural gas stove.
Natural Gas is a Non-Renewable Resource
One of the primary reasons why you should consider switching from natural gas for cooking is the fact that it’s a non-renewable resource.
It takes hundreds and thousands of years for the resource to form, and if it gets depleted, we may not have it available for other purposes in the future.
Conservation of non-renewable resources is a common and very important agenda around the world.
One way to conserve some of the natural gas is to limit its usage and switch to other options.
Natural Gas Contributes to the Greenhouse Effect
One of the most pressing global issues today is climatic change. Global warming is a serious matter that the world is struggling to battle with.
Human contribution towards environmental damage is at an all-time high, and it’s now that people have started to realize the damage they’ve done.
Some of the biggest contributors to global warming are greenhouse gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
And did you know burning natural gas produces these gases that are detrimental to the environment?
When you burn natural gas, it releases carbon dioxide into the environment. But that’s not it. Natural gas stoves also leak some unburned fuel (methane) into the environment.
Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
You’ll be surprised to know that the amount of methane leaking from natural gas stoves has an impact comparable to carbon dioxide emissions from about half a million cars!
This is a major threat to the environment.
Natural Gas Stoves Affect Health
Another reason why you should stop using natural gas stoves is they can lead to respiratory problems. Burning natural gas releases nitrogen oxides that can result in problems like asthma, among others.
All of these reasons are compelling enough to make you switch to a safer alternative today. And if you ask us, switching to propane stoves is your best bet!
Benefits of Switching to Propane Stoves
There’s a lot of hype around propane stoves lately. An increasing number of households are switching from natural gas stoves to propane stoves.
Continue reading ahead if you want to know why it is a good option to switch to a propane stove.
Higher Energy Efficiency
One of the first and most noteworthy benefits of propane for stoves is its higher energy efficiency. A single unit of propane has twice the amount of energy as one unit of natural gas.
It means propane stoves will heat the appliances quicker and cook food faster. Having said that, you’ll have to keep the stove on for a shorter duration. Less fuel will be used for cooking.
You’ll be able to cut down your cooking fuel consumption by half by switching to propane stoves.
Environment-Friendly
Propane is more environmentally-friendly than natural gas. It doesn’t release harmful gases when you burn it.
Unlike natural gas stoves, propane stoves don’t leak unburned methane into the air. The emission of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides is minimal too.
Therefore, its contribution to the greenhouse effect is negligible compared to natural gas.
Safer
Propane stoves are safer than natural gas stoves. Propane gas is stored as a gas instead of liquid in the supply tank. It’s supplied to the burner as vapor which reduces the fire hazard.
Propane is also less flammable than natural gas, so you can rest assured that propane stoves offer greater safety for your house and family, although they are costlier than natural gas stoves.
After The Conversion
Checking for Gas Leaks
Once you have successfully converted your natural gas stove to propane, it is essential to check for any gas leaks.
You can do this by applying a soapy water solution to all the connections and observing for bubbles.
If bubbles form, it indicates a leak, and you should tighten the connections or replace any faulty parts.
Performing a leak test:
- Mix a solution of water and liquid soap in a spray bottle
- Spray all connections and fittings with the soapy solution
- Watch for bubbles that indicate a leak
- Fix any leaks before continuing to use the stove
Performance Testing
After you have confirmed that there are no gas leaks, it’s time to test the stove’s performance and make necessary adjustments.
- Turn on the burners and observe the flame:
- The propane flame should be blue with a tinge of yellow at the tip
- If the flame is too yellow, make adjustments to the air shutter, which controls the combustion’s air and gas mixture
- Assess the temperature control and simmer setting:
- Turn the burner to its lowest setting and ensure that it can maintain a low simmer without going out
- If the burner goes out, adjust the low flame setting on the control valve as necessary
By following these steps, you can ensure that your converted propane stove operates safely and efficiently, providing you with accurate temperature control and optimized performance.
Maintaining Your Propane Stove
Regular maintenance ensures the stove functions safely and efficiently.
To perform maintenance on your propane stove, you will need some essential tools and materials, including an adjustable wrench, a brush, and the owner’s manual that came with your stove.
The manual often contains specific instructions for cleaning and maintaining your model.
First, check the gas supply line regularly to ensure there are no leaks or damages. A damaged gas line can lead to dangerous situations, including explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.
It’s also crucial to keep the area around the stove clean and free from flammable materials.
Next, inspect the burners on the stove. Over time, grease and residue can build up, leading to uneven heating and potential fire hazards. You can use a brush to remove debris from the burners and improve their performance.
It’s also important to check the stove’s regulator, which controls the gas flow. The owner’s manual should provide instructions on any necessary adjustments.
Maintaining the regulator helps ensure your stove operates at the correct pressure levels for propane use.
Finally, keep your stove clean by wiping down the surfaces with a damp cloth. Cleaning helps prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and pests.
In addition, a clean stove looks better and is more enjoyable to use.
By following these maintenance guidelines, your propane stove will provide safe and reliable cooking for years to come.
And always remember to consult the owner’s manual for specific care instructions unique to your stove model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to convert a natural gas stove to propane?
To convert a natural gas stove to propane, you’ll need to follow a series of steps, such as:
- Inspect the stovetop and examine it carefully.
- Shut off the gas supply to the stove and disconnect it.
- Purchase a propane conversion kit suitable for your stove model.
- Replace the natural gas orifices with propane orifices from the conversion kit.
- Adjust the air shutter settings for propane use.
- Turn on the gas supply and test for leaks using a soap solution.
For a detailed explanation of each step, check out these guidelines.
Which conversion kits are recommended for natural gas to propane stove conversion?
Choosing the right conversion kit is essential for a successful stove conversion.
Generally, you should look for a kit specifically designed for your stove’s make and model.
Manufacturers often provide kits for their appliances, so check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for recommendations.
How to adjust orifices for propane use on a gas stove?
To adjust orifices for propane use, you need to replace your natural gas orifices with propane-specific ones provided in a conversion kit.
Typically, these replacement orifices will be slightly smaller than the natural gas ones, because propane burns hotter than natural gas.
After replacing the orifices, you should adjust the air shutters as indicated in the kit’s instructions for proper flame height and burning efficiency.
Are there any differences in safety precautions for propane stoves compared to natural gas stoves?
While both natural gas and propane stoves require similar safety precautions, there are a few differences between the two:
- Propane is heavier than natural gas, so leaks may accumulate at a lower level.
- Both fuels are flammable, but propane has a lower flammable range and requires careful venting.
- Make sure to install a propane gas detector in addition to a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you’re using a propane stove.
What are the costs involved in converting a stove from natural gas to propane?
The costs involved in converting a stove from natural gas to propane can vary depending on factors such as the stove model and the conversion kit’s price.
Additionally, you may need to factor in the cost of hiring a professional to perform the conversion if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
On average, you can expect to spend between $50 and $200 for a conversion kit, plus any labor costs.
Can all natural gas stoves be converted to propane or are there exceptions?
Most natural gas stoves can be converted to propane use with the right conversion kit.
However, there may be some exceptions depending on the specific make and model of the stove, as well as any safety regulations in your area.
Always consult your stove’s manufacturer and check your local building codes before attempting a conversion.
The Bottom Line
Converting a natural gas stove to a propane stove is a very simple task, but professionals are best at it.
Although propane gas costs more than natural gas (almost double), there won’t be much difference in your gas costs.
Even though you’ll be using half the quantity, the double price of propane will bring the cost more or less close to what you’re currently paying.
But you can’t overlook the fact that propane is a greener, cleaner, and safer gas to use in your home for cooking purposes. Converting your natural gas stove to a propane stove is a wise thing to do!
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