How to Convert a Propane Radiant Heater to Natural Gas

Changing your propane radiant heater to natural gas may potentially save you money. Even though you may burn more natural gas than propane, the cost per BTU is typically lower (as of May 2009). If you do decide that you want to convert your propane radiant heater to natural gas, you should use a manufacturer-approved conversion kit, since it is not legal to do so without one.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Socket wrench and socket set
• Philips-head and flat-head screwdrivers
• Conversion kit from your dealer
• 50/50 soap and water solution

1. Unhook the connections and hoses that feed propane to the heater.

2. Open the access panel on the heater and remove the orifices from the burner unit. These components look like "rings," and they are responsible for feeding gas to the system. Since natural gas uses different-sized orifices, you need to take the ones made for propane out of the heater.

3. If you have adjustable orifices supplied in the conversion kit, adjust them to the specs provided according to the make and model of your heater. Otherwise, simply slide the new orifices in where the old ones used to be.

4. Locate the gas regulator on the heater and remove the connections to it. Replace it with the natural gas regulator. This component will control the flow or rate at which gas is fed into the system.

5. Attach the natural-gas-specific connectors and then connect the natural gas piping from the house to your heater.

6. Check all connections by spraying them with a 50/50 soap and water solution. Turn on the gas and check for bubbles. Any bubbles indicate a leak in the system, which you will need to check and retighten.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have a professional who is experienced in working with gas help you or check your work. Improperly making connections, or a gas leak, can be fatal.