How Does Propane Conversion Work for Dryers?

Converting Natural Gas to Propane

• To convert the dryer, unplug it and turn off the gas supply to the dryer. There should be a small lever on the incoming gas line that you can turn. Open up the back of the dryer. You'll see a small brass plug, which is called the "leak limiter." To switch it to propane, remove the plug and replace it with a new plug that has a nylon pin. This functions to help regulate the pressure for the propane.

Manufacturer Conversion Kits

• Conversion kits make the entire process much easier, and you won't have to go searching for individual parts. You can purchase these kits directly from the manufacturer of the dryer. This is beneficial since you'll get exact instructions for your particular model. While gas dryers are all pretty similar in design, each company may have slightly different configurations that can make the conversion process a little confusing.

Vital Precautions

• Brass fittings are used in gas dryers because they're superior at preventing leaks. The soft metal fits around the inner workings and bonds well. However, because brass is a soft metal, you must take care when removing and inserting the new plug. If you over-tighten it, you can destroy the shape, allowing the potential for leaks. Be gentle with this metal and only tighten the plug until it's snug and does not turn anymore. Don't take it past that point.

Why a Professional May Be Necessary

• If you've never tinkered with gas appliances, it's all too common to be a little afraid. We're all familiar with horror stories of people who blow themselves up because of silly mistakes. If you are truly uncomfortable, it's best to call a professional to handle the conversion for you. Since this is a small job, the costs will be relatively low -- and you'll have the peace of mind that someone who knows what they're doing has done the job.