How to Convert a Dryer from Natural Gas to Propane

Not every household has access to natural gas. Many farmhouses use propane gas rather than natural gas. Gas clothes dryers are typically meant to be run on natural gas. If you would like to use your dryer with propane instead of natural gas, you will need to convert it to use propane. Each make and model is different, so this article will not tell you all the specifics of converting your particular dryer, but rather will give you an idea of the steps involved so that you can be better informed about the process. This will help you know what the serviceman will do when they come to perform the conversion. I rated this topic as moderately challenging NOT because the steps are difficult. They are fairly straightforward. I rated it the way I did because you need to pay careful attention at every step of the way and test for gas leaks at each appropriate point. My advice to you, again, is to hire a professional. It may be illegal for you to do the work yourself (depending on location) so make sure whoever you hire has the correct credentials to perform the job legally.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A gas dryer
• A conversion kit for your model of dryer
• Hand tools

1. Determine the make and model of your dryer. You want to make sure you get the correct conversion kit for your dryer. Get one that is specifically for your dryer, not a universal kit.

2. Buy a conversion kit for your dryer. You will probably find one at a local hardware store that caters to farmers and country folk. You can also find them online. It is probably advantageous to buy it locally because the dealer has experience installing these and can be a great asset. The kit will probably come in an envelope and will be marked something to the effect of "Conversion Kit Nat. Gas to L.P. Gas for XXXX series dryers".

3. Shut off the gas supply to the dryer and make sure the power cord is unplugged.

4. Access the gas controls assembly in the dryer. This will be different for different brands of dryers. The instructions with the conversion kit should tell you exactly how to do this for your dryer.

5. Replace the main burner orifice spud with the replacement orifice provided in the kit. The kit may have more than one replacement in it to accommodate different dryers. Choose the one that is the same length as the orifice spud that you removed.

6. Follow the directions supplied with your conversion kit to determine and adjust for proper manifold pressure. Be certain everything is reassembled and connect the gas line.

7. Turn on the gas supply and check for leaks using a liquid soap solution and / or a leak tester.

8. Activate the dryer gas valve. Check to make sure the manifold pressure is correct and if not, adjust the regulator setting. Again, check for leaks.

9. Adjust the main burner flame as directed in the instructions with your gas conversion kit.

10. Install the label that came with your conversion kit so that it is clear that the modification has been made and exactly what that modification is.

Tips & Warnings

• Make friends with the personnel at your local hardware store. They will know the right people to recommend to perform this procedure for you. They handle these sorts of items regularly.
• Working with natural gas, propane gas, or any other type of gas is DANGEROUS. Hire a professional to perform the conversion for you. This article gave you an idea of what is involved with the process, but cannot provide detailed instructions for your particular dryer.
• Don't use a universal conversion kit. Be sure to get one for your specific make and model of dryer.
• Hire a professional to do this work for you.

[rockymtngrma]

on 8/19/2009 I wish I'd have had access to this article a few months ago. Someone gave me a gas dryer and we live out in the sticks far away from service people. We got it done, but not without a couple of scares. Thanks for the article. You are right--hire a professional--it's the only way to go.