Gladiator Electric LLC - Licensed Electric
 
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN BERGEN COUNTY NJ | Lic# 17661
Lic# 17661

Why Should You Convert Gas Stove Into Electric?

Should you switch from using a gas stove to an electric one? That’s the burning question (pun intended)! First, it’s possible to do so, thanks to technological advances. But there’s a difference between “can” and “should.”

While popular for their precision heating, gas stoves carry the burden of being notorious for emitting air pollutants. When used, these stoves release a plethora of hazardous substances, i.e., nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, contributing to indoor air pollution and potentially impacting the health of everyone living inside.

Meanwhile, the perception of electric stoves being inefficient is rapidly changing. With technology making monumental strides, modern electric stoves offer energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and safer cooking alternatives. Electric stoves have come a long way from induction cooktops that heat food more evenly to smart stoves that cut off electricity when not in use. Therefore, transitioning from a gas stove to an electric one seems increasingly appealing as everyone moves towards a more sustainable approach.

Here’s a rundown of the reasons to convert:

1 – Safety

One of the most compelling reasons for transitioning from a gas to an electric stove is the elimination of the risk associated with gas leaks. Gas leaks are hazardous for your health, emitting harmful pollutants, and pose a significant safety risk due to the potential for explosions or fires. With a gas stove, there’s always the looming need to ensure the gas is turned off completely after every use.

On the other hand, electric stoves remove this worry as no combustible gases are involved in their operation. Simply put, converting to an electric stove means prioritizing the safety of your household by eradicating the risk of gas leaks.

2 – Health

Switching to electric stoves has proven to affect indoor air quality positively. During combustion, gas stoves release harmful pollutants, and when inhaled over a long duration, it’ll lead to severe health issues, i.e., respiratory problems, allergies, and even neurological damage.

That said, electric stoves, with their non-combustion-based heating mechanism, won’t emit any pollutants, thereby maintaining a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. They operate on electricity and heat food through electric coils or induction, which doesn’t involve any form of burning. No byproducts are released into the air, keeping your kitchen and home free from any potentially harmful substances.

Also, the lack of flame means no particulates or soot is produced, which usually accumulates in the kitchen over time, leading to eye irritation or exacerbating respiratory conditions.

3 – Cost

While the initial cost of acquiring an electric stove may be higher than a gas one, the long-term savings are considerable. With time, the cost of electricity tends to be more stable than natural gas, which suggests that electric stoves are a more economical choice. Electric stoves are generally more energy-efficient as they lose less heat during cooking, resulting in lower energy consumption and, consequently, lower utility bills.

Moreover, maintenance costs for an electric stove are expected to be less than those for a gas stove. Gas stoves require regular maintenance to keep the burners clean and to check for gas leaks, which adds up over time. In contrast, electric stoves have fewer parts that’ll need repair or replacement, which is why they’re less expensive to maintain in the long run.

4 – Maintenance

Electric stoves are significantly easier to clean and maintain compared to gas stoves. With a smooth, flat surface, electric stoves offer a more straightforward cleaning process. There are no grates or burners to remove; cleaning up spills and splatters is as simple as wiping the surface with a gentle cleaning solution and a cloth.

Gas stoves, with their intricate parts and grates, are the complete opposite when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Food particles and spills easily fall into unreachable areas, which is time-consuming and frustrating to clean. The burners on gas stoves require regular attention to prevent clogging and ensure an efficient flame, adding to the overall maintenance effort. In contrast, electric stoves require minimal maintenance, saving you time, and there’s a reduced need for professional servicing.

How The Conversion To An Electric Stove Works

Although there’s always an option of completely removing the old gas stove and installing a new electric one, the process of conversion is much more straightforward than that. Here’s what you need to proceed:

Step 1 – Dealing with the Gas Line

The first step in converting your stove from gas to electric involves addressing the existing gas line. There are two primary options to consider:

Option 1: Removing the Gas Line

This option involves comprehensive removal of the gas line, which a professional typically does to ensure safety. The process includes detecting and disconnecting the gas line from the main supply, followed by meticulous dismantling and removal. Given the potential risks associated with gas leaks or explosions, hiring a professional with expertise in safely handling gas lines makes the most sense.

Option 2: Hiring an Electrician to Close the Valve and Cap the Pipe

If you prefer not to remove the gas line entirely, your second option is to close the gas valve and cap the pipe. This essentially locks the gas line and cuts off the gas supply to the stove, making it safe to install an electric stove. A professional should also perform this task to guarantee a secure closure and avoid any potential gas leak. The expert will close off the valve and then cap the pipe, making it safe while maintaining the option to revert to a gas stove in the future if desired.

Step 2 – High-Capacity Wiring and Outlet

Electric stoves require more electricity than the average appliance. Hence, your kitchen must be equipped with high-capacity wiring and a 220-volt outlet to support the demands of an electric stove. Standard electrical outlets in many homes are rated for 110 volts and may not be able to handle the electrical load of an electric stove safely. A 220-volt outlet doubles the amount of electrical current supplied, making it suitable for an electric stove.

Alongside this, high-capacity wiring, capable of transmitting the increased electrical current without overheating, is necessary. Remember that a licensed electrician should install a 220-volt outlet and high-capacity wiring to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes.

Step 3 – Circuitry

You’ll need a circuit breaker to protect the wiring from overloads. It’s recommended that a dedicated circuit be installed for an electric stove as it requires more electricity than your other appliances. Doing so will guarantee that your kitchen’s existing circuits are not overloaded by the demands of the electric stove and that no other appliances or lights stop working when you use the stove.

Step 4 – Installation and Final Check

Once the necessary wiring and circuitry have been installed, you can proceed with installing your electric stove. You’re better off hiring a professional for the obvious reason of safety.

So, that’s about it. After the installation, an electrician or a plumbing inspector should inspect the gas line to ensure it’s not leaking. You want nothing short of this before you use the electric stove.

 

Last Thoughts On Converting Your Cast Stove Into Electric

Converting your gas stove to electric is an investment not only in your home but also in your health and the environment. Electric stoves offer precise temperature control for cooking, are easier to clean, and eliminate the risks associated with gas leaks and combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide. They are also a more eco-friendly option, especially if you’re sourcing your electricity from renewable sources.

As we move towards a future increasingly defined by the need to reduce our carbon footprint, making the switch to an electric stove is a small but impactful way to contribute to this global effort.

So why hold on to an outdated gas stove when you can opt for a safer, more efficient, and greener alternative? Upgrade to an electric stove and take a meaningful step towards a better future. If you have any questions about how to convert your gas stove into electric, please give Gladiator Electric a call or just fill out our contact form.

Mike Pecoraro | Gladiator Electric
Owner of Gladiator Electric at Glaidator Electric | 201-381-6942 | [email protected] | + posts

Mike has been in the industry since 2000 and is the owner of Gladiator Electric. After working for local Bergen County established electrical contractors and completing a 5 year state-sanctioned apprenticeship program, Mike become a foreman for a large company where he remained for over a decade. As an accomplished Martial artist in Brazilian jiu jitsu , Muay Thai & boxing Mike has learned focus, tolerance, fairness, humbleness, discipline and personal growth.