Switching to Liquid Propane

What Inland Northwest Homeowners Should Know About Liquid Propane Conversions

If you’re a homeowner in Post Falls or elsewhere in North Idaho, converting your gas appliances to liquid propane (LP) can be a smart and practical move. Whether your goal is greater efficiency, more control, or simply lowering your long-term energy costs, a propane conversion is a solution worth understanding.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved, why it matters, and how to do it safely.

Why Convert Appliances to Liquid Propane?

1. Fuel Versatility & Independence: Converting to LP gives you more control over how and when you fuel your home. With on-site propane storage, you’re less dependent on utility lines — a big plus during winter storms or power outages.

2. Stronger Performance: Propane burns hotter and delivers more energy per unit than many other fuels. That means burners, ovens, dryers, and water heaters often perform better once properly converted.

3. Cost & Budget Benefits: While there’s an up-front cost to conversion, many homeowners lock in favorable propane rates, monitor usage via the tank gauge, and gain budgeting predictability.

4. Cleaner Burning: LP tends to produce fewer pollutants compared to fuels like coal-derived electricity. For folks concerned about emissions, propane is a more climate-conscious choice.

What’s Actually Involved in an LP Conversion

Converting a natural gas appliance to run on liquid propane isn’t just a matter of swapping a hose. The process requires careful adjustments. Both for safety and performance.

Here’s what typically needs to be changed:

• Orifices / Jets: These are the small openings that control how much gas flows into each burner. Because propane operates at a higher pressure, the orifice sizes need to be smaller to avoid overly large flames.

• Regulators: Natural gas and propane appliances use different kinds of regulators to manage gas pressure. During conversion, you’ll likely need a propane-specific regulator to make sure the pressure stays in the correct range.

• Air Shutters: These adjust how much air mixes with the gas before combustion, ensuring that the flame burns cleanly. Proper adjustment is critical for safety and efficiency.

• Safety Testing: After parts are changed, a licensed technician will run a pressure test, check for leaks, and verify that the appliance is operating correctly.

• Labeling: Once converted, appliances often need a label added to indicate they now use LP, which helps inform future inspectors or service techs.

Check some Idaho propane safety guidelines.

What Appliances Can Be Converted

Not every appliance is convertible. It depends on the model and how it was manufactured. But many common gas appliances can be converted, including:

• Gas stoves and ovens

• Water heaters (both tank and tankless)

• Gas dryers

That said, always check the manufacturer’s manual. Some units are not designed for conversion, and attempting to convert a non-convertible appliance can be unsafe.

Get additional information about Idaho fuel gas code standards.

Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself

This is not a simple DIY job:

• Converting gas appliances requires a licensed, trained technician. They’ll ensure orifices, regulators, and air settings are correct.

• Mistakes can lead to serious safety risks like gas leaks or even carbon monoxide.

• Incorrect or incomplete conversions can void appliance warranties or violate local building codes.

• A pro will also run safety checks like leak tests, combustion tests, and final pressure checks to ensure everything is working correctly.

What the Conversion Process Looks Like (From Start to Finish)

1. Assessment & Planning: A propane technician will come to your home, inspect your existing appliances, and confirm which ones can be converted.

2. Order the Right Kit: For each appliance, a propane conversion kit is needed. Kits usually include orifices, springs, regulator components, and more.

3. Disconnection & Access: Gas and power are turned off. The technician removes parts to access the areas that need changing.

4. Installation of LP Components: Orifices, regulators, and springs are swapped. Air shutters may be adjusted.

5. Safety & Performance Testing: Once the hardware is in place, the technician tests for leaks, measures pressure, and fine-tunes the combustion to make sure the flame is stable and efficient.

6. Final Inspection & Labeling: The appliance is labeled as LP, and the installer explains how to safely operate it and when to schedule maintenance.

Costs and Return on Investment

• The upfront cost includes the conversion kit (which varies by appliance), parts, and labor. According to propane-industry sources, this can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on complexity.

But over time:

• • You may save on fuel usage because propane burns more efficiently.

  • Less wear and tear on converted appliances can mean fewer repairs.

  • You also gain more predictable energy costs which is important for budgeting.

Safety & Long-Term Maintenance

• Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Anytime you’re using LP gas, safety monitoring is important.

• Schedule annual inspections for your propane system. A trained technician should check the tank, regulator, and appliance connections.

• Ask your propane supplier or conversion expert to walk you through what to watch for: flames that look off, hissing sounds, or any smell of gas. All are possible signs that something’s wrong.

Why This Is a Smart Move for Inland Northwest Homes

• Reliability: With propane stored on-site, you’re less at risk during winter outages.

• Efficiency: Converted appliances tend to perform better in cold climates that include water heaters recover faster, stoves heat predictably, and dryers use less fuel per load.

• Long-Term Savings: The ability to lock in propane prices, combined with increased appliance efficiency, makes this a solid long-term investment.

• Safety & Professionalism: When done right by licensed technicians, propane conversion is a very safe, code-compliant upgrade.

Thinking About Switching to LP?

Get the facts, the costs, and the benefits straight from your local heating pros at Prairie Heating and Air.

No Charge Service Calls near Post Falls

Call 208-619-6480 to schedule your no cost heating service call or contact online with any additional questions.