Understanding Natural Gas and Its Benefits
Natural gas outperforms liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cleanliness and efficiency, particularly in barbecue applications, offering a cost-efficient means to reduce home energy costs.
Converting to natural gas eliminates the need for LPG cylinder swaps due to a continuous gas supply line, guaranteeing immediate barbecue readiness.
Hiring a licenced gas fitter ensures they properly convert your barbecue and it meets Australian Gas Standards. A gas conversion kit tailored to the specifications of your barbecue allows use of natural gas, while permitting simple re-conversion if needed. Acknowledging safety protocols with conversion kits simplifies the switch and elevates your barbecuing enjoyment.
Evaluating if Your Home is Suitable for Natural Gas
Checking Gas Line Access and Proximity
Converting to natural gas depends on two main factors:
- Existing gas line infrastructure already connected to your home
- Proximity of gas mains supply lines running near your property
A gas fitter should be engaged to examine your property for existing gas lines or assess the feasibility of connecting new pipes from the mains supply as needed.
Getting Professional Advice
Not every home is appropriate for natural gas conversion. It’s important to seek advice from a licenced gas fitter, who will:
- Assess your site and current gas set-up
- Provide advice about conversion options and costs
- Handle all technical aspects including permits and safety certification
An expert assessment ensures that natural gas is a fitting choice for your home and budget.
Hiring a Licensed Gas Fitter
Hiring a licenced gas fitter is crucial for ensuring your barbecue’s conversion to natural gas complies with code AS/NZS5601.
In NSW, gas fitters must hold a gas work licence issued by Fair Trading NSW. Gas fitters in NSW must complete Certificate III in Gas Fitting, alongside gaining supervised work experience and passing assessments. Licenced gas fitters are the only qualified technicians approved to conduct natural gas installations and modifications legally.
Why Hire a Professional?
Licenced gas fitters, as trained specialists, possess the necessary expertise to install and maintain gas systems safely. Key reasons to hire a licenced professional include:
- Compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1 for gas installations
- Meeting necessary permits and certification requirements
- Converting and testing appliances thoroughly to avoid leaks or other issues
- Providing certified Compliance Certificates once work is completed
Having licenced professionals manage your natural gas conversion assures compliance with Australian gas fitting standards.
Where to Find an Accredited Gas Fitter
The Master Plumbers Association offers a searchable directory of qualified gas fitters to assist with your order in your local area. Alternatively, an inquiry with our knowledgeable team at Guildford Plumbing Pty Ltd opens new possibilities for an obligation-free quote.
Our extensive experience ensures we stay current with industry standards, guiding you through a fully compliant conversion process.
The Natural Gas Conversion Process
When converting your barbecue to natural gas, the key steps performed by a licenced gas fitter are:
- Assessing the barbecue model and port location to select an appropriate gas bbq conversion kit
- Isolating the gas supply and depressurising existing LPG lines
- Disconnecting the LPG cylinder and removing fittings and regulators
- Installing the new hose regulator and fittings based on the required gas pipe size
- Adjusting burner air intakes and replacing existing injectors with calibration-compliant components
- Testing all connections thoroughly for leaks using a certified leak detection solution
- Checking appliance functionality on natural gas supply once certified gas-tight
- Issuing a Certificate of Compliance with relevant gas fitting codes
Natural gas conversion kits include specific fittings and injectors to transition your barbecue to the desired fuel type. Ensure the components in the kits are compliant with Australian Standard AS4617, to ensure suitability for the gas type.
By employing a qualified professional, you can ensure the complex conversion process meets necessary safety regulations. Enjoy faster cooking and consistent performance year-round with the convenience of a natural gas BBQ conversion.
Costs and Timelines
Converting your barbecue from LPG to natural gas involves a modest upfront investment, with the bbq gas conversion kit and professional installation typically costing $150 to $350 depending on barbecue model and complexity.
Typically, the conversion is completed within a single visit to the site. An experienced gas fitter, after evaluating your barbecue and premises, will likely need 2-3 hours to perform the safe conversion and conduct a thorough test, followed by providing the Certificate of Compliance.
When opting for a natural gas barbecue conversion, be sure to use a reputable professional gas fitter like the team at Guildford Plumbing. With over 10 years of experience, we can provide an accurate quote and timeline and deliver a smooth, efficient conversion project.
Safety Considerations
Adhering to safety protocols during conversion is crucial to prevent gas leaks and mitigate explosion risks. As gas fittings can be complex, it’s crucial that only licenced professionals do conversion processes.
Testing for Gas Leaks
A core safety protocol is thoroughly checking all new gas connections for potential leaks. A professional uses leak detection spray or soapy solution to check the new installation thoroughly for any small leaks that need immediate correction.
Compliance with AS/NZS 5601.1
Under Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1, natural gas installations must comply with specific design, construction, testing, certification and documentation criteria. This ensures the converted system is safe for ongoing operation.
Only Use Approved Conversion Kits
Use only custom natural gas conversion kits with components specifically designed for your appliance. Non-compliant parts could lead to gas leaks or damage over time.
Licenced technicians ensure your safety during conversion with strict gas-tight testing and adherence to Australian Standards.
Energy Efficiency
This efficiency means natural gas barbecues offer quicker preheat times and superior temperature regulation. You’ll use less natural gas to power the same cooking tasks.
Greater energy efficiency translates into lower running costs. Switching to a natural gas barbecue could reduce your annual fuel costs by $200 or more versus LPG usage.
On an environmental level, natural gas also emits up to 30% less greenhouse gases than LPG. This gives it a smaller carbon footprint – another good reason to consider making the switch.
Professional conversion enables you to leverage the efficient heating of natural gas, offering an eco-friendly and economical solution for year-round barbecuing.
Compliance and Warranty
Converting a barbecue or household appliances to natural gas must comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations.
Compliance Requirements
Modifications to a gas system must be certified upon completion, in line with Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1. This involves issuing a Certificate of Compliance to validate that:
- A licenced professional performed all installation work
- The converted appliances meet legal gasfitting codes
- Thorough leak testing was conducted with gas-tight results
Fulfilling these gas compliance obligations is mandatory for residential natural gas projects.
Impact on Your Warranty
Converting to natural gas can technically void manufacturer warranties on barbecues and appliances. However, using a certified conversion kit and licenced technician generally satisfies most warranty conditions.
Seeking authority approval also demonstrates due diligence. If unsure, please check with the manufacturer prior to commencing conversion work.
With reputable materials and professional services, your natural gas conversion can maintain appliance warranties alongside full compliance.
Maintaining Your Natural Gas BBQ
Caring for your natural gas BBQ after conversion is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular servicing and maintenance by a licenced gas fitter will help keep your BBQ running safely and efficiently.
Schedule Regular Servicing
Routine maintenance is key to preserving your BBQ’s functionality and safety. Plan annual visits from a licenced gas fitter to inspect your BBQ, clean its components, and verify that connections are secure and leak-free.
Check for Gas Leaks
Regularly inspect for gas leaks by applying soapy water to the connections; bubbles indicate a leak. Turn off the gas supply immediately if this occurs and contact a licenced professional to assess and fix the issue.
Clean Your BBQ Regularly
Maintain your BBQ’s cleanliness to avoid build-up and corrosion by using a soft brush or sponge for scrubbing grates and interiors after each use. Occasionally, taking apart your BBQ for a thorough cleaning of the burner elements, ports, and heat plates is crucial for ensuring an unimpeded gas flow and even heat distribution.
Protect Your BBQ from the Elements
Exposure to rain, wind, and extreme temperatures can damage your BBQ. Invest in a durable cover to shield your BBQ from the elements when not in use. This will help protect its finish and components, ensuring it lasts for years to come.
Monitor Gas Pressure
Ensure consistent gas pressure for optimal performance. Low gas pressure can lead to uneven cooking and poor ignition, while excessive pressure can cause overheating or gas leaks. Consult your BBQ’s user manual for recommended gas pressure settings and have a licenced gas fitter inspect your system if you suspect any issues.
By following these maintenance tips, you’ll enjoy a safe and efficient natural gas BBQ that lasts for seasons to come. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Guildford Plumbing for expert guidance and support.