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I am converting my two year old State water heaters from propane to natural gas. The State representative says they do not sell a conversion kit. Some plumbers have told me they can convert my present water heaters with non State parts and, while, the warranty may be voided, there is no problem. Others have told me that it is not safe to convert and that I should purchase new water heaters. What shoud I do?
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Conversion of water heaters from one gas to another is seldom practical. To use another manufacturers parts is asking for trouble and can be dangerous. The cost of conversion may be close to, or exceed the cost of replacement.
*I would try going direct to State for an answer, the rep might be mistaken. They make heaters for both propane and natural gas (units have basically same part number except for one letter), so I'm guessing that they can supply the proper parts for conversion. Normally the only change is an orifice, which is usually easily replaceable. Their web site is http://www.stateind.com.Good luck. Rich.
*Try your local gas company for information also.In my area, they can tell you everything you need to know about conversions, and where to get the parts.James DuHamel
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John;
Years ago I made a conversion from natural gas to propane for my garage furnace.As you know natural gas has less BTU's than propane so the burner orifices should be changed.And since the natural gas and propane are delivered at different pressures the inlet valve spring needs to be swapped.I did none of these things because the conversion kit was not available yet my unit has worked well for 8 years now.Inlet pressures work on inches of water column and in my case they must have been close enough to be compatible.I did run the unit outside for many cycles to convince myself that it was safe.
Don L.
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I am converting my two year old State water heaters from propane to natural gas. The State representative says they do not sell a conversion kit. Some plumbers have told me they can convert my present water heaters with non State parts and, while, the warranty may be voided, there is no problem. Others have told me that it is not safe to convert and that I should purchase new water heaters. What shoud I do?