Propane to Natural Gas Conversion in Ottawa: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Switching

Many homes on the edges of the city, and some rural properties around Ottawa, have relied on propane for years. When natural gas becomes available on the street, homeowners often start asking about a propane to natural gas conversion in Ottawa: what it involves, which appliances can be switched over, and how to do it safely.

This guide walks through the process step by step, so you know what to expect before you book. It covers getting natural gas service to the house, converting or replacing appliances, and why the work must be done by a TSSA-licensed gas technician.

Why Ottawa Homeowners Switch From Propane

Every household's reasons are a bit different, but the ones we hear most often are:

• No more tank deliveries. Natural gas flows from the utility line, so there's no need to monitor tank levels or schedule refills, which can be a hassle during long Ottawa winters.
• Predictable billing. Natural gas is billed monthly by Enbridge Gas based on what you use, instead of paying for each fill-up.
• No tank on the property. Once the conversion is complete, the propane supplier can remove its tank, freeing up yard space.
• Easier to add appliances. With natural gas at the house, adding a gas stove, fireplace, BBQ line or pool heater later is often simpler.

Whether switching makes financial sense for your home depends on your appliances, how much gas you use and the work required. We're happy to walk through it with you honestly.

Is a Propane to Natural Gas Conversion in Ottawa Right for Your Home?

Before anything else, a few questions need answers:

1. Is natural gas available at your street? Enbridge Gas is the utility that supplies natural gas in the Ottawa area. You'll need to contact them to confirm availability and arrange a service connection and meter.
2. What appliances run on propane? Make a list: furnace, water heater, range or cooktop, fireplace, BBQ, pool heater, dryer, generator.
3. How old are those appliances? An older furnace or water heater nearing the end of its life may be better replaced than converted.
4. Where will the meter go? The meter location affects how the new gas piping is routed to each appliance.

We see conversion questions from homeowners across the region, from older homes near Orleans and Nepean to rural properties outside Kanata and Barrhaven where natural gas service has expanded.

How the Conversion Process Works

A typical propane to natural gas conversion follows these steps:

Step 1: Get natural gas service to the house

The homeowner contacts Enbridge Gas to request a new service connection. The utility handles the line from the street to the meter. Timelines vary, so it's smart to start this early.

Step 2: Assess every gas appliance

A licensed gas technician inspects each appliance, checks the model and rating plate, and confirms whether the manufacturer offers an approved conversion kit. This is also the time to discuss whether any appliance should be replaced instead.

Step 3: Review the gas piping

Natural gas and propane are delivered at different pressures, so the piping system needs to be checked for proper sizing. In some homes, existing piping can be reused; in others, sections need to be resized or rerouted from the new meter location.

Step 4: Convert or replace appliances

For appliances that can be converted, the technician installs the manufacturer's kit. This typically involves changing burner orifices and adjusting or replacing the gas valve regulator components so the appliance burns natural gas correctly. Each appliance is then labelled to show it has been converted.

Step 5: Test, adjust and verify

Every converted appliance is tested for proper gas pressure, ignition, flame quality and safe venting. Connections are leak-tested, and the system is confirmed safe before it's put into regular use.

Step 6: Disconnect propane

Once everything is running on natural gas, your propane supplier can be contacted to shut off and remove the tank.

Which Appliances Can Be Converted?

Whether a specific appliance can be converted depends on the manufacturer. Here's a general overview:

If an appliance doesn't have an approved conversion kit, it shouldn't be modified. Improvised conversions are unsafe and not permitted.

Why a TSSA-Licensed Gas Fitter Matters

A propane to natural gas conversion in Ottawa is not a DIY project. In Ontario, any work on gas piping, appliances or venting must be done by a TSSA-licensed gas technician. Here's why that matters:

• Incorrect orifices or pressure can cause poor combustion, sooting and carbon monoxide.
• Undersized piping can starve appliances of gas, especially when several run at once on a cold night.
• Leaks at new connections are a serious fire and explosion risk.
• Insurance and resale can be affected if work isn't done by a licensed professional.

If you ever smell gas (a rotten-egg odour) or your CO alarm sounds, leave the home immediately with everyone, including pets. Don't use switches or phones inside. From outside, call the Enbridge Gas emergency line or 911.

Planning Your Switch

A conversion is a good opportunity to plan ahead. Many homeowners combine it with:

• Replacing an aging furnace or water heater with a new, properly sized natural gas unit.
• Adding a natural gas BBQ line to the deck or patio.
• Running a gas line for a new stove in a kitchen renovation.
• Hooking up other gas appliances such as a fireplace or dryer.

Costs vary with the number of appliances, whether they can be converted or need replacement, piping changes and your home's layout. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you'll know exactly what's included before work begins.

Book Your Propane to Natural Gas Conversion in Ottawa With KAD

KAD Mechanical & HVAC handles propane to natural gas conversions across Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orleans and surrounding areas. Our certified, TSSA-licensed gas technicians bring more than 10 years of local experience and 500+ completed projects. See examples of our work in the project gallery.

Call (613) 790-2675 or request a free quote to start planning your switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by the KAD Mechanical & HVAC team

Certified, TSSA-licensed heating, water heater and gas technicians serving Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven and Orleans for 10+ years.

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