There’s no doubt that propane is among the cheapest and readily available sources of fuel to use. But the question is what happens if you use propane on a natural gas stove? The main answer is propane is known to produce a colorless gas called carbon monoxide. Using propane means that you are likely to inhale this gas which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
It’s crucial to observe safety precautions when using any source of fuel. In this post, we will explore the effects of using propane stoves. Keep reading below.
What Happens If You Use Propane On A Natural Gas Stove?
A question that people often ask but before that let’s learn more about Propane and natural stove.
Using of Propane Stove Indoors
It’s safe to use propane on a natural stove. However, when you choose hooking up a gas stove to propane inside your house, you need to observe certain precautions. Propane can be dangerous if you use it in an enclosed room; it might build up insider your home, camper, or cabin.
Propane doesn’t burn cleanly the way methane does. Propane, therefore, experiences incomplete combustion. Due to not burning up completely, propane produces carbon monoxide. You might want to exercise some safety practices when using propane of a natural stove.
Safety Precautions When Using Propane On Natural Stove
If you have to use propane on a natural stove, you need to exercise the following safety measures.
Ensure that your kitchen is well ventilated
Your cooking space needs enough airflow since your stove is going to emit carbon monoxide, which is dangerous. If you didn’t install windows in your room, it would be great to use a vent fan above the natural stove.
Use a natural stove designed for indoor use
Some natural stoves are written, “do not use indoors” in their safety label. You can trust the manufacturer and buy them. Remember, other stoves are designed to be used outdoors, like camping stoves. Using stoves meant for indoor use helps you to be safe.
Get carbon monoxide detectors
Propane produces a lot of carbon monoxide. This gas is colorless and odorless. You need to install detectors for carbon monoxide near your stove, which will help you know the state of air in your kitchen. Most hardware stores sell propane detectors, and they are also inexpensive.
Observe the behavior of the flame
When using your propane stove, you need to check on how the flame looks. For example, it can be too strong, that is large and yellow, or too weak. When it’s too weak, flames tend to lift away from the burner.
A lot of soot may also appear on the stove. With such signs, it means that your stove might be malfunctioning and needs more attention.
Turn it off after use
Immediately you finish using your stove, turn it off. Leaving it on might make your house full of carbon monoxide, which could harm you later.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
The following signs should help you know that there is no complete combustion in your natural stove.
Metallic taste
Do you feel like there’s a metallic taste or smell in your mouth? The taste or smell could arise from aldehydes. Aldehydes are produced together with carbon monoxide. That’s a clear sign that you might be inhaling this dangerous gas.
Dead plants
You might not experience the effects of carbon monoxide from propane immediately. But after sometimes, you might notice some house plants dying despite your efforts to keep them hydrated.
Your animals, like pets, may also get sick faster and lose weight. If this happens when you are using propane in a natural stove, find out if it’s the cause.
Dizziness and headaches
You inhale too much carbon monoxide immediately, and you might start feeling dizzy, headaches, and even nausea. Remember, carbon monoxide is a slow killer, and you might not notice that your situation is getting worse. Dizziness, when using this type of fuel, signifies that your room has a lot of this dangerous gas.
If you suspect that your house might be having carbon monoxide, open the windows immediately or turn on the fun. Open all doors and windows and also get out immediately for some fresh air.
You might want to get assistance from your nearby fire department to confirm whether it’s safe to stay inside your house.
FAQ
When should you use a propane stove?
It’s not safe to use a propane stove daily in your kitchen. We have just seen what happens when you use propane on a natural stove. It produces carbon monoxide, which has terrible effects in your room doesn’t have proper ventilation.
You can use propane in your natural stove occasionally when there’s an emergency. You can as well use propane during outdoor activities since it’s safer to use there.
What Are Other Alternatives For Propane?
If you think of something else that you can use in your kitchen instead of propane, you can use solar as your fuel source. It is environmentally friendly, but it isn’t suitable for camping.
You might want to try electric stoves, especially if you like gourmet cooking or anything that needs elusive variations of heat.
What is the difference between propane gas and natural stove?
Natural gas and propane are familiar sources of fuel. You might wonder which option to choose between the two. There’s a difference between natural gas and propane stove.
It would help if you understood that both of them are fossil fuels. Propane is sold in portable canisters and also compressed to be in liquid form. Natural gas is in the form of its gaseous form and is delivered through a pipeline to your home.
Conclusion
Using propane on a natural stove isn’t safe enough for daily use. This means that you need to consider other types of fuel like electricity if you are looking for something to use in the long run. In this case, you should use propane on your natural propane stove once in a while or outdoors.
I hope we answer your question on what happens if you use propane on a natural gas stove. Please read our next article regarding gas ranges have built in regulators.
