Thinking of upgrading to a gas range stove from your old electric one? You’re in the right place.

Gas stoves are becoming more popular among Calgary homeowners. They heat up faster, you can set them to a more accurate heat level, and they cost less to run. They also have better heat distribution and allow for techniques like charring, flambéing, and grilling directly over the flame. Simply put, gas stoves are superior to electric ones in almost every way.

The only downside? It’s not as simple as swapping out stoves—it requires planning, professional expertise from a trusted gasfitter, and an understanding of Calgary’s gas fitting regulations.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about upgrading to a gas stove, including the benefits and costs, and help you understand what’s involved in the conversion process.

Let’s get into it.

Why Upgrade to a Gas Stove?

Many of our Calgary customers have made the decision to upgrade to a gas range stove. When you look at the benefits, it’s easy to see why.

1. Superior Cooking Experience

Gas stoves heat up the instant you turn on the flame. They also give you precise temperature control. You can see the flame, making it easy to gauge your heat levels and fine-tune your cooking. This lets you simmer sauces, sear meat, and saute vegetables like a pro chef in a fine restaurant. Gas stoves give you ultimate control of your cooking and consistent, professional-level results.

Gas stoves also cool down the second you turn them off (though the metal burner protectors will take a minute!).

2. Cost Savings

While installing a new gas stove does cost up front, natural gas is cheaper than electricity in Alberta. On average, gas stoves cost 10-20% less to operate compared to electric ones, with some reports suggesting up to twice as expensive to run electric stoves.
If you cook at home often, these savings add up over time. And with electricity prices rising, switching to gas can help keep your household expenses stable and predictable.

3. Greater Efficiency

Gas stoves are more energy-efficient than electric ones. They provide direct heat the second you turn them on. While electric stoves waste energy as they’re taking time to heat up an element, gas stoves start heating your food immediately. Cooking using natural gas takes less time and less energy.

4. Environmental Impact

Natural gas stoves create less emissions compared to electricity generated from coal.
In Alberta, where electricity is still mostly generated by fossil fuels, switching to a gas stove can lower your home’s carbon footprint.

What You Need to Know Before Switching

Already convinced? Before you make a decision, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

1. Gas Line Requirements

A gas stove will need a professionally installed and tested gas line. This line must be installed and inspected by a professional gas fitter. Some homes might already have a gas line installed for a furnace or water heater, but even in that case, the kitchen will likely need a gas line extension.

• Gas Line Sizing: If you do have an existing gas line, it must be able to accommodate the additional demand from your new stove. A gas fitter will test your line and determine whether adjustments are needed.
• New Gas Line Installation: If your home doesn’t already have a gas connection in the kitchen, a new gas line will need to be installed.

A thorough on-site assessment by a licensed gas fitter is important to understand the requirements and potential challenges.

Discussing these details early can help you avoid surprises during the installation process.

A professional will be able to tell you exactly what you need, and do the required work safely and to code.

2. Permits and Safety Regulations

In Calgary, new gas line work requires permits and must be done to code. A professional gas fitter will handle the necessary permits and make sure your gas line meets building codes. Ignoring these regulations is a bad idea. You could end up with fines, issues with your insurance coverage, and problems down the line when you go to sell your home. And that’s on top of the gas leak, fire, and explosion risk.

3. Kitchen Layout and Appliance Compatibility

Not all kitchens are built to immediately accommodate a gas stove. Your kitchen will need:

• Ventilation: Gas stoves need proper ventilation. A range hood or vent fan is needed.
• Enough Clearance: There must be enough space between the stove and surrounding cabinets and other appliances. If there isn’t enough space, metal sheeting can be used to create a barrier.
• Electrical Connection: Gas stoves usually need an electrical outlet for ignition and oven lights.

4. Cost Considerations

Here’s what you can expect to spend on installing a new gas stove.

• Gas Stove Price: A quality gas range stove will cost between $800 and $2,500, with higher end ones costing as much as $7000.
• Gas Line Installation: Professional gas line work typically costs between $300 and $1,000, depending on what you already have installed and the complexity of the new installation. Sometimes, running the line requires cutting into walls or ceilings, or running it externally through the wall, which can increase costs.
• Ventilation Upgrades: If your kitchen needs a new range hood or venting system, this will add to the overall cost.
• Rebates: The Province of Alberta and Government of Canada sometimes offer rebates and incentives when you upgrade your home to be more energy efficient.

5. Seasonal Planning

In Calgary, there tends to be a rush on new gas stove installations right before holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. If you’re considering a gas stove upgrade, planning ahead of the holiday rush can help avoid delays and make sure there’s an availability of professionals.

Post-holiday seasons often see a spike in plumbing and appliance repair requests. Planning your upgrade before and around these busy periods can help you secure a smoother installation process.

The Gas Stove Conversion Process

There’s quite a bit of specialized work involved in installing a new gas range stove. Here’s a detailed look at the process.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Setup

A professional gas fitter will go over your kitchen with you to determine whether you need a new gas line, an extension, or a line upgrade. They’ll also check for proper ventilation and clearance, and make recommendations for work you’ll need done to be up to code.

Step 2: Get Permits

Your gas fitter will apply for and get all the necessary permits you’ll need for the gas line work. This can take a few days.

Step 3: Remove the Electric Stove

Your old electric stove will be safely disconnected and removed. The space will be prepared for a gas line installation if one is needed.

Step 4: Install or Extend the Gas Line

The licensed gas fitter will:

• Install a new gas line or extend an existing one to your kitchen.
• Size the line correctly to accommodate the new gas stove.
• Test the gas line for leaks.

Step 5: Install and Connect the Gas Stove

The gas fitter will securely connect your stove to the gas line and thoroughly test it. They will test all connections, burners, and features.

Step 6: Final Testing and Safety Checks

The installation will be tested and inspected for compliance with Alberta’s building and safety codes. A certified gas fitter will check for leaks, proper ventilation, and safe operation.

Timeframe: On average, aside from obtaining permits, the conversion process can be done in one day, usually taking 3-6 hours of work depending on your kitchen layout and new gas line requirements.

 

Comparing Gas and Electric Stoves

Let’s directly compare gas range and electric stoves.

1. Cooking Performance

• Gas Stoves: Give you instant heat the second you turn on the burner, precision temperature control, and better cooking consistency. Ability to use techniques like charring, flambéing, and grilling directly over the flame. For serious home cooks.
• Electric Stoves: Takes time for elements to heat up and cool down. More difficult to get the temperature you want and use advanced cooking techniques.

2. Operating Costs

• Gas Stoves: Run on cheaper natural gas. Monthly bills should be lower.
• Electric Stoves: Cost more to run if you cook often.

3. Safety Considerations

• Gas Stoves: Come with safety features like automatic shut-off valves and flame sensors.
• Electric Stoves: Can be left on by accident.

4. Durability and Maintenance

• Gas Stoves: Typically more durable and easier to maintain. As long as you have proper ventilation and regularly clean the burners, they will last 15-20 years.
• Electric Stoves: Heating elements need to be replaced every few years. Also fairly durable and will last 13-15 years.

 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Upgrading to a gas stove does come with some challenges. Let’s go over them, as well as some solutions as well.

1. Up-front Installation Costs

Installing a gas stove means paying up front for the stove itself, plus the needed gas line work and ventilation system. It’s definitely something to consider.

Don’t forget, if you cook at home often, you will save on your utility bills over time, eventually making up the cost. This can help justify the investment.

Also, look for financing options and government rebates to lower your upfront costs.

2. Adjusting to Gas Cooking

If you’re new to cooking on a gas stove, the open flame and precision controls can feel unfamiliar at first. Start slow, and practice using low and high flames for different types of cooking. Watch YouTube videos to learn more advanced techniques as well.

3. Clearance Issues

If your cabinets, walls, or other appliances are too close to your new stove, a professional gas fitter can install metal sheeting to create a safe heat barrier. A gas stove typically needs 30 inches of clearance above the burners and 18 inches on either side.

4. Think About Safety

It’s important to have proper ventilation set up in your kitchen. You can install a carbon monoxide detector in the area for extra peace of mind.

Remember to schedule annual inspections of your gas line to check for leaks or other issues.

A professional gas fitter will make sure your new stove, venting, and gas line setup is safe and worry-free.

 

Why Hire Professional Gas Fitters in Calgary?

If you’ve decided to make the switch and upgrade to a gas range stove, it’s important to hire a professional to handle your gas permits and gas line work.

Son-Rise Plumbing and Gasfitting has been a family-owned and trusted name in Calgary for over 30 years. We know the Calgary area and regulations like no one else.

Our team of gas fitters are fully licensed and dedicated to providing you craftsman quality, safe, and 100% guaranteed work. That’s why our customers keep choosing us.

 

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to a gas stove can be a great investment that improves your daily life and cooking experience, saves on energy costs, and lowers your carbon footprint.

Ready to make the switch? Give us a call and talk to one of our friendly experts or request an on-site quote.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to install a gas stove in Calgary?
   A quality gas range stove will cost between $800 and $2,500. Professional gas line work (if needed) can cost between $300 and $1,000. Installing or upgrading hood vent and a ventilation system will cost extra, and additional materials or complexities can adjust your final costs.
2. Is natural gas safe for home use?
   Yes. Modern gas stoves include safety features like automatic shut-offs. Your gas lines must have a permit and be installed to code, then tested and inspected. Regular maintenance and inspections will make sure your gas system stays safe over time.
3. What maintenance does a gas stove require?
   Gas stoves are fairly low-maintenance.
   They do need:

• Routine burner cleaning.
• Good ventilation with regular ventilation checks.
• Annual inspections of your gas line system.