Electric House & Propane?

[Raizinman]

I live in a recently converted all-electric house. The gas company removed the meter and there is no natural gas coming into the house. No more gas bills.

The house still has only a gas fireplace and outdoor gas grille, obviously inoperable now. My question is:

Can I attach a propane tank to the gas line of the house and supply my house with propane for the fireplace and gas grille?

I know that natural gas and propane burn differently, but I don’t think it would make much difference for a fireplace and grille. I also worry that in the winter if the electricity goes out, that it would be nice to have a gas fireplace to keep warm with. Any thoughts?

 

[NetWareHead]

The piping and valves should be compatible with both gases although you might want to check with a plumber to ensure. Where propane and natural gas differ is how it is metered at the appliance. You need different jets to mix the correct fuel/air combo and meter the new fuel properly. Check with appliance manufacturer if they offer an LP conversion kit.

 

[tracerbullet]

You need different jets

Agreed!

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Why bother with the conversion? Just have a local supplier drop off a nat gas cylinder and plumb to it. Or have the local utility put the meter back.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Or have the local utility put the meter back.

Yeah, I don't quite get why service was removed. Is there a minimum monthly charge if you use very little gas?

 

[Raizinman]

Yes, there is a minimum $49 charge every month. So, for the 7 months that we use minimal to no natural gas, we are paying $343. Much better to get off the gas and go all electric. Not to mention the electric company will give a 25% discount to all electric houses for about 5 months of the year. Much better than gas.

 

[highland145]

$49/mo???Are you in Canada? Eff That.

 

[shabby]

Much better to get off the gas and go all electric.

You must work for hydro?

 

[NutBucket]

Seriously. Gas is dirt cheap compared to gas. $49 bucks a month? That's a joke, right?

 

[herm0016]

CRAZY. our minimum for gas and electric is about 25 bucks!

 

[Red Squirrel]

After your first heating month's hydro bill you'll be calling the natural gas company to come and hook the gas back up. Save yourself the trouble and just do that now.