Convert Appliance to Natural Gas

Introduction to Natural Gas and Its Benefits

Many Australian households, including those in Peakhurst, use natural gas for heating, hot water systems, cooking, and outdoor BBQs due to its clean-burning properties.

Compared to other fossil fuels like gasoline or propane, natural gas offers several key advantages:

• Natural gas is energy-efficient, which can lead to savings on utility bills over time.
• Choose natural gas for grilling; it emits about 25% less carbon dioxide than gasoline, favouring environmental sustainability.
• Ideal for built-in BBQs, this conversion to natural gas complements your outdoor kitchen with effortless integration.

A professional can outfit your trolley BBQ with a conversion kit, tapping into the natural gas from your home for convenience. This guide will detail every aspect of converting your propane grill to natural gas for your barbecue, aligning with your pursuit of savings and enhanced grilling convenience.

Evaluating Home Compatibility for Natural Gas

Before switching your BBQ grill to natural gas, check your home’s setup to ensure it can support this fuel type. There are several key factors for determining compatibility:

• Proximity to existing gas lines - Most homes in the Peakhurst area have access to natural gas for heating/cooking appliances, making the gas line connection more feasible. Check whether gas pipes run nearby the planned BBQ location.
• Appliance types - It’s crucial to ensure any other gas appliances, like hot water systems, stoves, and pool heaters are capable of being fueled by natural gas if considering a full conversion.
• Infrastructure - Gas fitting experts can evaluate whether suitable pipes, correct mains pressure of around 37 mbar, and safety valves are in place.
• Supplier services - Provide your email to your gas retailer to arrange turn-on if gas is not already actively supplied, and notify them of any additional demand.

With the typical infrastructure in places like Peakhurst, most homes are well equipped for integrating natural gas-powered BBQs. Our specialists provide a comprehensive assessment and seamless installation for your natural gas BBQ conversion.

Understanding the Natural Gas Conversion Process

Converting your propane grill to natural gas requires installing a suitable NG conversion kit for your model. The NG Signature 3000S kit provides all essential components for a successful transition to natural gas grilling.

The standard BBQ conversion process includes the following steps by a gas fitter:

• Removing the existing propane gas regulator, hose injectors, and other connections
• Fitting a new ng regulator and natural gas jets designed for optimal function
• Fitting an adjustable gas regulator and a durable stainless steel gas hose
• Installing a gas valve with limiter to control burn rate
• Inspecting all fittings for leaks before use

The gas BBQ conversion kit precisely adjusts airflow and gas mix, enabling safe and efficient use of home-piped natural gas instead of bottled propane. Once we install your conversion kit, the gas fitter can connect a permanent line to supply the new gas, equipped with a shutoff valve to fuel the BBQ on demand.

We use high-quality materials for optimal durability and performance over your grill’s lifetime.

The Role of a Certified Gas Fitter

A skilled gas fitter is required for the safe conversion of propane appliances to natural gas. Choose gas fitters with the necessary training and certification for safe BBQ conversion from propane to natural gas.

At Peakhurst Plumbing Pty Ltd, our experienced gas fitters are fully licenced and comply with all regulations set forth by the NSW Fair Trading Department. We specialise in the entire process from inspection to connection for natural gas integration.

A licensed gas professional will:

• Carry out comprehensive evaluations to check your property’s gas system capacity adheres to compliance standards.
• Determine necessary materials and procedures aligned to manufacturer specifications.
• Install regulators, jets, hoses, and valves specifically designed for natural gas.
• Verify sound installations without leaks before completion.
• Provide a Certificate of Compliance after the conversion.

By leveraging gas professionals dedicated to safety and reliability, you can enjoy lower running costs and convenience with natural gas for grilling and beyond.

Obtaining Conversion Kits and Components

Preparing for your propane grill conversion? You’ll need a BBQ conversion kit that’s compatible with your grill’s make and model. Kits contain everything essential to do conversion of the grill to safely utilise natural gas fuel, typically including:

• An adjustable gas regulator paired with a stainless steel flexible gas hose suitable for a high-performance burner BBQ
• Natural gas burner jets sized for optimal combustion
• Gas valve with integrated flow limiters
• Various fittings, seals, and hardware

It is crucial to use a manufacturer-approved conversion kit matched to your grill rather than trying to modify existing propane parts. Never attempt drilling out jets or regulators for natural gas, as this poses serious fire and explosion risks if flow rates and air mixtures are incorrect.

Our technicians can also advise on suitable conversion kit NG options. We perform conversions only with kits that meet Australian standards, ensuring safe and efficient performance.

Step-by-Step Guide for Converting Your BBQ Grill

Converting your new propane BBQ grill to run on handy natural gas involves a straightforward process when performed by a licenced professional. Here are the key steps:

1. Check grill compatibility - Confirm the manufacturer approves your model for conversion and natural gas use. Review requirements.
2. Obtain conversion kit - Purchase a complete conversion kit tailored for your BBQ grill make and model.
3. Replace regulator and hose - A gas fitter removes the propane regulator and fits an adjustable natural gas regulator and stainless steel flex hose.
4. Switch injectors - Technicians replace the propane jets with proper-sized natural gas injectors for optimal combustion.
5. Install gas valve - A valve with an integrated flow limiter is fitted to control gas flow rates.
6. Connect the gas supply - Install permanent rigid or approved flexible piping to channel natural gas from the home to the BBQ.
7. Leak check - All connections are stringently tested for leaks before startup and use.

Following this process, you’ll effectively convert propane grill equipment to be safely fueled by your home’s natural gas supply, realising convenience and cost savings.

Legal and Safety Considerations Before Converting

When planning to convert a propane BBQ grill to use natural gas, there are important legal and safety factors to consider before proceeding:

• Check local council regulations - Most councils have rules regarding home gas installations. Consult with Peakhurst authorities to ensure compliance.
• Adhere to AS/NZS 5601.1 standards - These best-practise gasfitting guidelines must be followed for safe, lawful installations.
• Use a certified professional - Gas conversions require a licenced gas fitter for legal operation. Never attempt dangerous DIY modifications.
• Configure proper ventilation - Adequate ventilation around the BBQ is mandatory to prevent gas buildup.
• Confirm leak protection - Check that gas detectors and auto shut-off valves are fitted as required.
• Validate pressure regulation - Gas regulators must supply the right pressure and airflow for natural gas.
• Inspect fittings and connections - All installed components must be approved for natural gas use and properly sealed.

Adhering to these key legal and safety standards before your BBQ gas conversion helps ensure convenient, cost-effective, and compliant functionality for years to come.

Ongoing Maintenance of Your Natural Gas BBQ

Use a soapy water solution for regular inspections, checking for leaks that could indicate worn seals or connections, especially in high-capacity grills like the 6 burner BBQ.

Secure any loose connections to prevent gas leaks.

Each year, have a certified gas technician check gas train components, including pressure, flow limiters, jet integrity, and venturi tube cleanliness. This technician can also calibrate valves and perform leak detection with sophisticated equipment.

Maintain your BBQ’s performance by ensuring burner ports are clear of debris or nests using a needle. Protect your BBQ from rust by cleaning exterior surfaces and covering it when not in use. Address maintenance issues promptly to avoid hazards or the need for valve or injector replacements.

With professional servicing and diligent care, your natural gas BBQ will offer years of safe and reliable grilling.

The Convenience of Never Running Out of Fuel

One of the best benefits of converting your propane BBQ grill to run on natural gas is never having to worry about running out of fuel or refilling heavy gas bottles again.

With natural gas piped directly from the reliable supply line connected to your Peakhurst home, you’ll always have abundant clean gas to fuel your BBQ on demand.

Switching to natural gas removes the inconvenience of:

• Monitoring propane tank fuel levels
• Disconnecting and transporting cylinders for refilling
• Storing and handling cumbersome tanks
• Paying tank deposits and high bottled gas prices

Your BBQ can seamlessly connect to your home’s natural gas for an uninterrupted supply. Turning a dial is all it takes to fire up the burners and start grilling. The convenience also extends to reducing outdoor equipment clutter and maintenance.

As more Peakhurst households adopt natural gas, converting your BBQ grill complements a contemporary lifestyle. You’ll gain back all those hours normally spent having to acquire and connect replacement propane tanks. That time is better spent gathering around the BBQ with family and friends.