We just determined that our old clothes drier needed to be replaced. Because our old dryer was gas, we decided to keep it that way for the new one. We had to switch the new dryer to propane because we live in a remote location where natural gas isn’t available (LP for short). It’s actually a simple do-it-yourself project. Check out what it takes to convert our new Samsung dryer to LP.
The vast majority of gas appliances on the market are set up for natural gas. This is due to the fact that the majority of the population lives in places where natural gas is available. It’s not difficult to convert your own appliance to LP, and it can save you roughly $75. I’ll walk you through the process of converting our Samsung gas dryer to LP.
Is it possible to convert a dryer to propane?
A qualified installation or servicer is recommended to convert the gas dryer to the right gas source. Our instructions, as well as any codes and requirements of the authority with jurisdiction, must be followed during the conversion.
Natural gas is pre-installed in gas dryers. Most gas dryers can be converted to use LP gas with the addition of an optional conversion kit. Commercial dryers convert in the same way as consumer dryers do.
- The instructions come with the LP kit, which can be purchased separately if one is required.
- The optional LP conversion kit includes all necessary parts as well as installation instructions for converting the dryer effectively.
What is the average amount of propane used by a dryer?
- Each year, gas dryers consume roughly 15-25 gallons of propane. Because of the tiny amount of propane used, the cost per gallon is higher (now at $4.22/gallon). However, if you have more propane-powered appliances and order more, the price per gallon will be lower (about $2.50 per gallon).
- Few gas appliances ($4.22/gallon): $4.22 per gallon multiplied by 25 gallons per year equals $105 per year.
- Several gas appliances ($2.50/gallon): $2.50 per gallon multiplied by 25 gallons per year equals $62.50 per year.
- Electric dryers consume around 3.3 kWH each load. That works out to $.31 per load at an average rate of $.093 per kWh. The average family will spend $1.55 per week, or around $80 per year, if they use 5 loads each week.
Is there a difference between natural gas and propane dryers?
The internal burners for the two types of gas have distinct pressures, heat output, and design possibilities. The fuel information for a gas dryer might be printed on the inside of the door well. Propane gas dryers frequently use a nozzle that is larger than conventional natural gas pipe couplings for safety reasons.
What is the purpose of a gas conversion kit?
When one type of gas is more easily available than another, fuel conversion kits are employed. They convert liquid propane (LP) to natural gas (NG) and vice versa for gas wall and ceiling heaters.
