Propane (LP) Ranges and Dryers: Conversion Kits and Warning Signs
Updated
Short answer
Who this affects
In rural parts of Winnebago and Boone counties, propane is common. The Census's heating fuel table shows tank gas heating most homes in some townships; each town page lists its own share (Census ACS B25040).
Ranges, wall ovens, cooktops
GE: all its gas cooking appliances come ready for natural gas and include an LP conversion kit; it recommends a qualified installer or servicer, in line with the manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and suggests keeping the natural gas orifices in case you convert back (GE Appliances).
Dryers
GE: gas dryers are factory-equipped for natural gas and most can be converted to LP with an LP conversion kit, installed by a qualified installer or gas servicer (GE Appliances).
Warning signs
GE lists flames that are too high, yellow, causing soot or noisy as signs of an incorrect LP conversion, and says to contact the installer or gas company. Tell the repair technician the appliance runs on LP before the visit.
Quick answers
Can a natural gas range run on propane?
With the right conversion. GE says its gas cooking appliances include an LP kit, installed by a qualified installer.
What does a badly converted LP range look like?
GE says flames that are too high, yellow, sooty or noisy.
Rather have someone fix it?
Tell us the appliance, the brand, the model number and what it is doing. A local technician calls back with a time and a price before any work starts.