Are you considering making the switch for your water heater’s fuel type? This article explains all about the feasibility and methods of converting your water heater from liquid propane (LP) to natural gas, and vice versa. With a clear breakdown of the process along with the potential benefits and drawbacks, we provide all the information you need to make a well-informed decision.
Understanding LP and Natural Gas
In the realm of water heaters, two types of gas are often used – LP (Liquefied Petroleum) and Natural Gas. You’ve likely heard of these gases before, but understanding their differences and functions will help you make informed choices for your water heating needs.
Defining LP Gas
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or simply LP gas, is a flammable hydrocarbon gas that is used as a fuel in various appliances, including water heaters. This gas is largely composed of propane and butane, which, when pressurized, can convert to liquid form. LP gas is commonly stored in cylinders or tanks, ready for use in your appliances.
Defining Natural Gas
On the other hand, natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture that consists predominantly of methane. It is used commonly in homes for cooking and heating purposes, including water heaters. Natural gas is typically supplied through a piped network, offering a continuous supply without the need for storage.
Differences Between LP and Natural Gas
Despite both serving as fuels for appliances, the fundamental differences between LP and natural gas lie primarily in their chemical compositions and delivery methods. Natural gas is primarily methane, while LP gas consists of propane and butane. As mentioned earlier, natural gas is supplied through a network of pipes, offering a constant supply, while LP gas is stored and replaced when used up. These differences can also affect efficiency, cost, and compatibility with your water heating system.
Conversion of Water Heaters from LP to Natural Gas
If you are currently heating your water using liquefied petroleum gas, you might have considered the possibility of converting to natural gas. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding The Conversion Process
The conversion process from LP to natural gas is not overly complex, but it does require expert knowledge. It involves adjusting or replacing the gas valve, burner jets, and possibly the venting system of the water heater. The aim of these adjustments is to match the fuel requirements of natural gas.
Potential Benefits of Converting
Opting for natural gas over LP gas can have a myriad of benefits. Natural gas is typically cheaper than LP gas and is delivered via a pipeline, eliminating the need for onsite storage. This makes the fuel supply more reliable and less cumbersome to manage.
Risks and Dangers of Conversion
However, this conversion comes with risks and potential dangers you should consider too. Doing the conversion incorrectly could result in gas leaks or appliance malfunctions. Consequently, it is always recommended to hire an experienced professional for the conversion process to ensure safety and efficiency.
Conversion of Water Heaters from Natural Gas to LP
While converting from LP to natural gas is common, the reverse is also possible. It can be particularly useful for those living in areas without access to natural gas.
Understanding The Conversion Process
Similar to the LP to natural gas conversion, converting from natural gas to LP also involves adjustments to the burner jets, gas valve, and possibly the venting system. Again, these adjustments help your system work efficiently with the new fuel.
Potential Benefits of Converting
One of the key benefits of converting to LP gas is its energy density, which could potentially lead to higher-efficiency heating. Also, LP gas can be a life-saver in areas lacking the infrastructure for natural gas supply.
Risks and Dangers of Conversion
As with any conversion, there are risks to consider. It’s crucial to remember that natural gas and LP gas have different energy densities, so using the wrong type of gas may lead to overheating, poor performance, or even cause dangerous situations like gas leaks or fires.
Safety Considerations During Conversion
The safety of you and your home should be paramount during any kind of water heater conversion. Therefore, taking precautions and understanding possible hazards is of utmost importance.
Importance of Expert Assistance
Whether you’re converting to or from natural gas or LP gas, it’s crucial to get expert assistance. Professionals have the keen eye, skills, and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively handle the conversion process.
Safety Measures to Observe
Among the safety measures to observe include turning off your gas supply during conversion, ensuring you have appropriate ventilation, and performing leakage tests after the conversion. Of course, all these should be handled by the professional conducting your conversion.
Identifying Potential Hazards
Recognizing potential hazards is key to preventing accidents. Common issues include gas leaks, poor venting or incompatible parts. Don’t hesitate to ask your professionals to explain any potential hazards and how they intend to manage them.
Equipment Needed for Conversion
Different types of equipment are required for the conversion from LP to natural gas or vice versa. Actual needs may vary depending on your specific water heater.
Tools Required
Tools for a conversion typically include wrenches, screwdrivers, and tape measures among others. Depending on your model of heater, you may also need specific burner orifices, conversion kits or gas valves.
Sourcing the Necessary Equipment
You could source your equipment from a range of places, including physical stores or reputable online merchants. It might be wise to check with your professional, as they may already have tools and be able to source any needed equipment.
Checking the Compatibility of Equipment
Even before buying or sourcing equipment, you must ensure its compatibility with your water heater. Consulting your heater’s manual or conversing with the expert handling your conversion can help you determine the compatibility.
Cost Aspects of LP to Natural Gas Conversion
Understanding the costs involved in the conversion process will ensure you do not face any financial surprises.
Initial Considerations
The initial costs may include hiring a professional, purchasing conversion kits, adjusting existing infrastructure or buying new equipment. It’s important to budget for these expenses in the beginning.
Long-Term Financial Implications
Conversely, consider the long-term implications. Natural gas is generally cheaper than LP gas and may lead to lower energy bills over time. Moreover, natural gas doesn’t require storage, which could also save you money.
Factoring in Cost of Gas Supply
The cost of the gas supply should also be considered. While converting may have an initial cost, the ongoing cost of your chosen gas will play a bigger role in the long run.
Cost Aspects of Natural Gas to LP Conversion
Just as with LP to natural gas conversion, changing from natural gas to LP also has financial aspects to consider.
Initial Considerations
Initial expenses may include cost for professionals, conversion kits, or a new gas valve if necessary. Also, as you will now require storage, there may be costs associated with installing a tank or cylinders.
Long-Term Financial Implications
In the long-term, your ongoing costs may rise as LP gas tends to be more expensive than natural gas. However, it could be offset by the possibility that LP burns more efficiently, which might reduce your usage.
Factoring in Cost of Gas Supply
The cost of an LP gas supply could be a significant factor, especially considering that LP gas prices can fluctuate more than natural gas prices. You should factor this into your budget while planning the conversion.
Efficiency of LP Water Heaters Vs. Natural Gas Heaters
The efficiency of your heater may play a big role in your decision to convert.
Comparing Heating Efficiency
While natural gas heaters tend to be cheaper, LP gas heaters may be more efficient due to their higher energy density. This could result in faster and more thorough water heating.
Lifespan of Both Types of Heaters
The lifespan of the heaters can depend on various factors, not just the type of gas used. Regular maintenance, correct installation and quality of water can all play a role.
Fuel Accessibility and Flexibility
LP gas can be delivered and stored in tanks, giving you more control over your supply. It can be a more flexible option if you live in an area without natural gas pipelines.
Environmental Impact of LP Versus Natural Gas
Both gases have different environmental impacts, and considering these might influence your decision.
Gaseous Emissions
Natural gas burns relatively clean with fewer carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels. However, it’s primarily composed of methane, a potent greenhouse gas if leaked. LP gas burns cleanly as well, though it does produce slightly more carbon dioxide when compared to natural gas.
Impact on Energy Conservation
Due to its higher energy density, LP gas may contribute to greater energy conservation, because it provides more heat per unit than natural gas.
Long-term Environmental Implications
Both gases have long-term environmental implications due to carbon emissions and risks of leakage. However, both are cleaner options than other fossil fuels like oil or coal.
Concluding Remarks on Water Heater Conversion
Weighing the Pros and Cons
When considering a conversion for your water heater, weigh the pros and cons of both gases carefully. Consider aspects like the upfront and long-term costs, efficiency, environmental impact, and local availability of supply.
Quick Recap of Key Points
LP gas is stored in tanks, potentially offers higher heating efficiency, but may cost more in the long run. Natural gas, on the other hand, is piped directly, generally cheaper but may offer less heat per unit. Conversions must always be carried out by a professional due to potential safety risks.
Personal Preferences and Context Considerations
Ultimately, your choice may depend on your personal preferences and context. Depending on where you live, your infrastructure, financial situation, and priority on environmental factors, either gas could be the best choice for you. Whatever you choose, ensure a safe and efficient conversion by turning to experienced professionals.
Can you convert the water heater from LP to natural gas or natural gas to LP? Yes, you certainly can. However, understanding what this entails will empower you to make informed decisions to best meet your heating needs.
