From cooking on the stove or the BBQ to heating water or running appliances, gas is an incredibly versatile resource. But, with different types of gas available it can be confusing to know which type you will or won’t need for your home appliances.

So, what happens if you do buy an exxy appliance, like a natural gas heater, only to later move to a home that doesn’t have natural gas mains connection? Can you switch it to LPG? Or are you doomed to put your flash new rig on Facebook Marketplace?

In this Canstar Blue guide, we explain whether it’s possible to use LPG with a natural gas heater and set out the options available to you.

The main difference between natural gas and LPG is the way that these gasses are produced and supplied. LPG is produced during oil refining or extracted during the natural gas production process. It is usually made up of a combination of propane and butane gas – in Australia it’s mostly propane-based – and provides high levels of heat in less time than natural gas. In order to be stable for transport LPG is put under pressure to form a liquid and stored in a high-pressure tank. You know those white gas canisters you can buy and swap at your local servo or Bunnings? That’s LPG. It also comes in bigger canisters that can be delivered to your house by an LPG supplier.

Natural gas is slightly different in that it’s extracted from the earth and can contain ethane, propane, butane and pentane. According to a recent Energy Networks Australia report, 50 per cent of Australian homes use natural gas for their hot water, appliances and heating systems. Unlike LPG, natural gas is delivered via pipelines (known as the gas mains) directly to your home. It tends to be more convenient for the larger systems required in the home, such as hot water systems. You also don’t have to keep track of how much gas is left or swap out bottles because it’s connected straight to the source.

Read more: Natural Gas vs LPG: What should you get?

No, the two different gases operate at different pressure points, meaning that LPG and natural gas appliances are not interchangeable and have to be converted. However, not all gas appliances are able to be converted due to design or certification requirements.

If you try to use LPG in an appliance designed for natural gas without converting the appliance, the appliance may not be able to handle the pressure. This could cause it to malfunction in a way that could cause it to explode. That’s why it’s important to ensure you are using the right fuel or have a professional convert the appliance.

To see what fuel type your heater uses or to see if it can be converted from one gas type to another, it’s best to check the owner’s manual or look on the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer directly to see what it recommends. It’s best to not convert your heating system without the help of licensed gasfitter.

To convert an appliance, such as a heater, from natural gas to LPG you’ll require the help of a licensed gasfitter. They’ll check that the appliance itself is suitable for conversion, as well as checking the gas source itself. It’s extremely important that you don’t attempt to do this yourself as if it is not done correctly it could lead to serious injury and/or death.

To find a local, licensed gasfitter in Victoria, New South Wales or South Australia – go to the Australian Gas Networks website where you can put in your postcode and see gasfitters and gas appliance stores within a 70km of your home.

The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland has a similar service for Queenslanders, but its website covers a wider range of specialist tradespeople and produces results in a 30km radius of your home.

Likewise, the Tasmanian Government has a search feature for all kinds of trades and professional building services, from gas fitters to architects, that Tasmanians can use. Once you put in your postcode it will show you all of the businesses in the area that are relevant to the search categories you select.

The Master Plumbers’ Association of SA/NT also has a similar function when you put in your postcode, and has an advanced search filter that lets you choose between businesses that operate within standard business hours or those available for emergency services.

There are pros and cons to both natural gas and LPG use in the home. While choosing the best option for your lifestyle will come down to a number of personal factors, we’ve listed some of the pros and cons of both fuel types to help you with your research.

Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for NSW. These estimated annual costs are based on the Jemena Gas Network in Sydney and yearly gas usage of 18,542MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for WA. These estimated annual costs are based on the ATCO Network in Perth and yearly gas usage of 27,620 (units), but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for SA. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Adelaide and yearly gas usage of 11,875MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for QLD. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Brisbane and yearly gas usage of 6,842MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Overall, whether you decide to convert your natural gas appliance to run on LPG will depend firstly on whether you heater can, indeed, be converted, and also on personal circumstances, such as gas usage, household size and local climate. If you do decide to convert your heater, it’s important you contact a licensed professional for further assistance.

Alternatively, it may even be simpler and more cost-efficient to purchase a new heater. If you are on the hunt for a new gas-powered heating system for your home, check out our latest portable heating ratings below. We asked real buyers to rate the portable heaters they purchased in areas such as effectiveness, reliability, value for money, functionality and overall satisfaction.

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To our knowledge, all information in articles on the Canstar Blue website was correct at the time of publication. This information may have changed over time. Refer to the product fact sheet (or relevant similar documentation) before making any purchase decision. Canstar Blue's website terms and conditions apply.