How to Convert Your Electric to a Gas Stove
When it comes an electric or gas stove, there’s no “right” choice – it’s up to the homeowner’s preference. If you have a gas or electric stove, but prefer the alternative, you can convert your stove with relative ease.
If you want to switch from electric to gas, or vice versa, keep reading to learn how it’s done. Because of the nature of working with gas and electrical lines, you’ll probably want to hire a contractor to make the switch. This is what you can expect.
Converting a Stove from Electric to Gas
Due to the voltage required to power an electric stove (240 volts), there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire an electrician to replace the two-pole circuit breaker with a single-pole circuit breaker. Then, they’ll swap out the 240-volt electrical receptacle with a 120-volt replacement.
Next, you need to determine whether a capped gas line already exists. If it does, making the switch is simple — the gas line just needs to be hooked up to the stove.
However, if you need to install a new gas line or use an existing gas line the projects gets a bit more difficult. You’ll want to enlist professional help.
The sizing of the piping in your home is one important consideration, which is why it’s smart to hire a contractor to determine how you’re currently using gas. The contractor will also decide how a line should be dropped in and where it should come from.
Converting a Gas Stove to Electric
If a stove is gas powered electricity is also needed to make things work (electricity ignites the burner’s pilot lights).
Similar to switching from electric to gas, you’ll need to hire an electrician to ensure the work is done safely and properly. Gas stoves use 120 volts, and making the switch to electric will require a larger electrical wire from the circuit breaker. That’s why the electrician will also hook up a new 240-volt receptacle. This switch can generally be handled in a few short hours at a lesser cost than the latter swap.
Don’t forget to cap the gas line at the stove, too!
