Can You Convert A Natural Gas Water Heater To Propane

The density difference between propane and natural gas means that propane gas appliances such as furnaces and ranges must be converted to handle the lighter natural gas.

Can you convert a natural gas water heater to propane.

Kits for converting gas tankless water heaters from natural gas to propane or vice versa are available for most models. You will want to check the coding for your appliance to make sure that the conversion is possible. Most but not all appliances can be converted from natural gas to propane. Please have your installer or service provider call us at 1 800 621 9419 to find out if your model qualifies and to obtain a detailed step by step conversion instruction kit.

If you can safely convert an appliance or furnace then switching to propane as a fuel source requires some appliance modification including replacing parts using a conversion kit. Some propane appliances such as water heaters cannot be converted and must be. Conversion kits are available for many gas appliances but the actual conversion work should be done by a licensed installer. Rinnai offers a limited field conversion program.

You can convert some appliances but others are designed to burn only natural gas. While converting natural gas to propane is quite simple some city codes mandate that it be done by a professional. It is possible for a natural gas water tank to be converted to propane. Propane gas has a higher energy content than natural gas and will burn hotter.

Some units can be converted and some cannot. The water heater must be labeled as convertible and only a licensed gas technician should convert the appliance. Conversion involves replacing the propane regulators and orifices in the appliance with ones designed for natural gas. The biggest sticking point is that natural gas is kept at a lower pressure and some appliances can t handle the higher pressure of propane even with adjustments.

On top of that you want to do it correctly and to manfacturer specs. Always check with the heater manufacturer.