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To change from natural gas to propane, follow these steps:
1. Determine the compatibility of your appliances: Check if your appliances can be converted from natural gas to propane. Some appliances may require different parts or adjustments.
2. Contact a professional: Consult with a licensed professional or a gas company to ensure a safe conversion. They will be able to guide you through the process and make any necessary adjustments to your appliances.
3. Install a propane tank: If you don’t already have one, you will need to install a propane tank on your property. The size of the tank will depend on your energy needs and the appliances you will be using.
4. Disconnect the natural gas supply: Contact your natural gas provider to disconnect the supply to your home.
5. Retrofit or replace appliances: Depending on the compatibility of your appliances, you may need to retrofit them with conversion kits or replace them with propane-compatible models.
6. Test for leaks and safety: After the conversion is complete, perform a thorough inspection of your propane system to ensure there are no leaks and that all safety measures are in place.
Remember, it is crucial to consult professionals and follow all safety guidelines when making this conversion to ensure a smooth and safe transition.
Converting a gas appliance, like a furnace, from natural gas to propane requires specialized knowledge and skills in dealing with gas-burning appliances. While some appliances can be converted, others are specifically designed for natural gas use only. If it is safe to convert your appliance or furnace, switching to propane as a fuel source will involve modifying the appliance and replacing certain parts using a conversion kit.
Converting the Furnace
Step 1: Preparing the Furnace
To start, turn off the gas supply and disconnect the electrical power to the furnace. Then, remove the screws holding the burner access door and take off the door. Disconnect all electrical wires attached to the natural gas control valve.
Step 2: Accessing the Gas Control Valve
Next, remove the rollout switch and the flame sensor wires connected to the control valve. Slide out the manifold pipe to access the gas control valve. Unscrew the regulator adjustment cap and remove the pressure regulator adjustment screw and the spring from the gas control valve.
Step 3: Installing the New Parts
Install the new spring in the control valve. Screw the new pressure regulator adjusting screw in the same place where the old one was. Make sure the pressure regulator adjusting screw is even with the surface of the control valve.
Step 4: Replacing Orifices and Burner Assembly
Turn the regulator screw clockwise 11 turns and install a new “O” ring into the new adjustment cap provided in the kit. Replace the orifices in the manifold with the new ones from the kit. Remove the screws attaching the burner assembly to the flue panel.
Step 5: Adjusting the Burner Assembly
Carefully slide the burner assembly out of the compartment, ensuring support for the opening inlet plate on the burner. Remove the two screws holding the air shield in place. Use the spoiler screws from the kit to secure each burner, making sure the screw heads are even with the surface of the burner.
Step 6: Finalizing the Furnace Conversion
Replace the top air shield and then reattach the burner assembly. Reconnect all the electrical wires to the gas control valve, rollout switch, and flame sensor. Finally, replace the burner access door.
Attaching the Gas Connections
Step 1: Gas Supply Installation
Connect the outdoor propane gas supply to the gas supply line. Install a manual gas shutoff valve on the line, and include a test gauge upstream from the shutoff valve. Connect the propane gas supply to the furnace, ensuring that the pipe connections are sealed with thread sealant.
Step 2: Checking the Gas Pressure
Confirm that the manual shutoff valve is in the “Off” position. Remove the inlet pressure tap on the control valve and attach a 1/8 inch NPT connector for the pressure gauge. Turn on the gas supply by switching the manual shutoff valve to the “On” position.
Step 3: Final Checks
Reconnect the electricity to the furnace. Increase the thermostat setting until the furnace burners ignite. Check the gas pressure to ensure that it is at least 11 inches of water column. Turn off the electricity to the furnace and switch the main gas shutoff valve to the “Off” position. Remove the pressure gauge tube and the hose connector on the main gas line.
Step 4
Put the pressure tap back on the gas control valve and switch the gas shutoff valve to the “On” position. Test all connections of the gas supply pipe by using a foaming leak-detecting solution. If bubbles form on the pipe, indicating a leak, turn off the gas and tighten or seal any joints.
Adjust Input Rate
Step 1
Turn off the electricity to the furnace. Use a screwdriver to remove the burner access door and manually switch the gas control to the “Off” position. Take out the outlet pressure plug on the gas valve.
Step 2
Attach the pressure gauge to the 1/8 inch NPT outlet tap and wait for at least 5 minutes. Switch the gas control to the “on” position and turn on the electricity to the furnace. Increase the thermostat until the furnace ignites.
Step 3
Ensure that the pressure reading shows 10 inches water column pressure. If the gauge shows less or more than that, turn off the electricity to the furnace to adjust the manifold pressure.
Step 4
Take off the cap on the gas control valve to expose the regulator adjuster screw. To increase pressure, turn the screw clockwise; to decrease gas pressure, turn it counterclockwise. Before disconnecting the pressure gauge, turn off the gas control.
Step 5
Replace the tap plugs and regulator cap on the gas valve. Switch the gas control back to the “On” position and put the burner access door back on. Increase the thermostat until the furnace ignites to test the operation. Once proper operation is verified, return the thermostat to the desired setting.
