Can I Convert My Gas Appliances to Use a Different Fuel?

“Can I convert my natural equipment to propane (or vice versa)?”

It’s a question we get asked quite often from our Massachusetts customers, and the short answer is “maybe” – as long as the work is done by a professional, licensed technician.

Converting an appliance from one fuel to another is not as simple as it used to be – in fact, it’s not always possible. That’s because modern home comfort equipment is engineered to work specifically with one type of fuel; as a result, a conversion involves multiple components of the appliance, including:

• Appliance regulators – Natural gas and propane appliance regulators operate with different inlet and delivery pressures; if you use the wrong type of gas appliance regulator, the pressure will either be too high or too low for the appliance (imagine watering a plant with a fire hose, or watering your lawn with a drinking straw and you’ll get the idea). Always remember: If you must change, service, or replace a regulator, the work should always be done by a licensed professional–NEVER attempt to do this work yourself.
• Appliance burners – Appliance burners are designed to work with the delivery pressure supplied by the regulator; if improperly matched, complete combustion may not occur, and permanent damage could be done to the burners.
• Burner air shutter – A burner air shutter helps mix air and gas inside your appliance, controlling the ratio of the two to achieve a proper, sustainable flame for your burner. This essential mechanism is designed for use with one type of fuel, and it must be adjusted so that complete combustion occurs.

The bottom line: it is often cheaper (not to mention safer) to buy new equipment than it is to properly convert one that is designed for use with another fuel. If a conversion kit is available for a specific type of equipment that you’re interested in, make sure the conversion work is done by licensed technicians so that all needed adjustments can be made prior to connecting and using your appliance.

Thinking about converting a natural gas appliance to propane? We can help you sort out the details. Contact the pros at Pioneer Oil and Propane today to discuss propane conversions and replacement equipment options for your Massachusetts home.