Navien Tankless Water Heater Convert To Propane – Your Complete Safety
So, you’re thinking about making the switch. Maybe you’ve moved to a beautiful new home that’s off the natural gas grid, or perhaps you’re looking for a more stable and efficient fuel source. Whatever the reason, you’ve probably found yourself wondering about the process to navien tankless water heater convert to propane. It’s a common scenario, and you’re in the right place.
We get it. Working with gas lines and high-efficiency appliances can feel intimidating. But here’s our promise to you: this guide will demystify the entire process. We’ll walk you through it just like a seasoned technician would, covering everything from the must-have safety checks to the step-by-step conversion itself.
You’ll learn why converting can be a fantastic upgrade, what you need to do before you even touch a tool, and how to handle the conversion with confidence. We’ll also cover the common problems that can pop up and, most importantly, when to pause and call in a professional. Let’s get that endless, efficient hot water flowing on propane!
Why Make the Switch? The Benefits of a Navien Tankless Water Heater Propane Conversion
Switching from natural gas to propane isn’t just about necessity; it often comes with some impressive perks. Understanding these benefits can help you feel even more confident in your decision.
Energy Independence and Accessibility
The most common reason for conversion is simple: no natural gas lines. If you live in a rural area, propane provides a reliable, self-contained energy source. You’re not dependent on municipal infrastructure, giving you greater control over your home’s energy supply.
High-Efficiency Fuel
Propane packs a punch. It has a higher energy content per cubic foot than natural gas, meaning it can heat your water very efficiently. When paired with a high-tech Navien unit, a sustainable navien tankless water heater convert to propane project can lead to excellent performance and potentially lower energy consumption compared to older, less efficient electric or oil heaters.
A Cleaner, Eco-Friendly Option
For those focused on an eco-friendly navien tankless water heater convert to propane solution, you’re on the right track. Propane is a clean-burning fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act. It produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, fewer particulates, and is non-toxic, so it won’t contaminate soil or groundwater in the rare event of a leak.
Before You Begin: The Essential Pre-Conversion Checklist
Hold on there! Before you grab your tools, a successful and safe conversion starts with preparation. A good technician never rushes the setup, and neither should you. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist.
1. Confirm Your Navien Model is Convertible
This is the absolute first step. Not all Navien models can be converted. Trying to convert a non-convertible unit is dangerous and will damage the appliance. Check the rating plate on the side of your water heater or consult your owner’s manual. It will explicitly state if the unit is “field convertible” to LP (Liquefied Petroleum) gas.
2. Get the Right OEM Conversion Kit
Don’t even think about using a generic kit. You must use the official Navien conversion kit designed specifically for your model number (e.g., NPE-A2, NPE-S2 series). This kit contains precisely machined gas orifices and the correct components to ensure safe operation. You can order this from a certified Navien supplier or a local HVACR parts distributor.
3. Gather Your Tools and Safety Gear
Having everything on hand prevents frustrating mid-project runs to the hardware store. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Appropriate wrenches (pipe wrench, adjustable wrench)
- Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
- Nut drivers
- Safety glasses and work gloves
- A gas leak detection solution (soapy water in a spray bottle) or an electronic gas sniffer
- A copy of your Navien installation manual and the conversion kit instructions
4. Read the Manual. Then Read It Again.
We can’t stress this enough. The instructions that come with your Navien conversion kit are your ultimate guide. Our article provides a general overview and pro tips, but the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model is the law. Follow it to the letter.
How to Navien Tankless Water Heater Convert to Propane: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, you’ve done your prep work and you’re ready to go. Remember, this process involves gas fittings. Work slowly, deliberately, and double-check every step. If at any point you feel unsure, stop and call a licensed professional. Your safety is worth more than any DIY project.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Before starting, you MUST shut off all utilities to the water heater. Failure to do so can result in gas leaks, fire, explosion, or serious injury.
- Power Down the Unit: Go to your electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker that powers your Navien water heater.
- Shut Off the Gas Supply: Close the main gas shutoff valve to your home. Then, close the smaller manual gas shutoff valve located on the gas line leading directly to the water heater.
- Turn Off the Water: Close the main water shutoff valve to your home, or at least the cold-water inlet valve for the water heater. Open a hot water tap somewhere in the house to relieve pressure.
Step 1: Access the Internals
First, you’ll need to get inside the unit. Remove the screws holding the front cover of your Navien heater in place and carefully lift it off. This will expose the burner assembly, gas manifold, and control board.
Step 2: Replace the Main Burner Orifices
The heart of the conversion is changing the gas orifices. These tiny brass nozzles control the amount of gas flowing to the burner. Propane requires smaller orifices than natural gas due to its different pressure and density.
You will need to carefully remove the burner assembly to access the gas manifold where the orifices are screwed in. Using the correct size nut driver, unscrew each natural gas (NG) orifice and replace it with the corresponding liquid propane (LP) orifice from your kit. Do not overtighten them; snug is perfect.
Step 3: Adjust the Control Board DIP Switches
Your Navien’s brain needs to know it’s running on a new fuel. On the main control board (PCB), you will find a small bank of switches called DIP switches. Your conversion kit manual will show you a diagram of which switch needs to be flipped to change the gas setting from NG to LP. This is a critical step; if you miss it, the unit will not operate correctly.
Step 4: Apply the Conversion Labels
Your kit includes stickers for a reason! Place the “Converted to LP Gas” label on the unit near the original rating plate. This is a crucial safety measure that informs any future technician that the unit is no longer configured for natural gas.
Step 5: Carefully Reassemble the Unit
Work backward, carefully reinstalling the burner assembly, ensuring all gaskets are seated correctly. Re-secure any panels you removed and finally, put the main front cover back on.
The Pro Finish: Critical Safety Checks & Best Practices
You’ve completed the physical conversion, but you’re not done yet. These final checks are what separate a safe, reliable job from a dangerous one. This is one of the most important navien tankless water heater convert to propane tips we can offer.
1. Restore Utilities and Check for Leaks
Turn the water supply back on first. Then, slowly reopen the main gas valve and the valve at the unit. With the gas on, spray every single joint you touched with your soapy water solution. If you see any bubbles forming, you have a leak. Shut the gas off immediately, tighten the fitting (usually just a quarter turn is enough), and test again. Do not proceed until you are 100% leak-free.
2. Power Up and Test Operation
Once you’re certain there are no leaks, turn the circuit breaker back on. The unit should power up. Open a hot water tap fully. The unit should fire up, and you should see a steady, blue flame through the viewport (if your model has one). A lazy, yellow, or sooty flame is a sign of a major problem—shut the unit down immediately.
3. Verifying Gas Pressure & Combustion (The Professional Step)
While a skilled DIYer can perform the mechanical swap, the final commissioning should ideally be done by a qualified technician with a manometer and a combustion analyzer. They will verify the incoming and manifold gas pressures are correct for propane and analyze the exhaust gases to ensure the unit is burning safely and at peak efficiency. This is the ultimate peace of mind and one of the most important navien tankless water heater convert to propane best practices.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Navien Tankless Water Heater to Propane Conversion
Even with careful work, you might hit a snag. Here are a few common issues and what to check.
- Issue: The unit won’t ignite. Check your work. Did you forget to flip the DIP switch? Is the gas valve fully open? It can also take a few tries to purge all the air from the gas line.
- Issue: You get an error code. Navien error codes are very specific. Look up the code in your manual. It often points directly to ignition failure or gas supply issues, helping you pinpoint the problem.
- Issue: You smell gas. SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN IMMEDIATELY. Do not turn any lights on or off. Evacuate the area, and call your propane supplier or the fire department from a safe distance.
- Issue: The flame is yellow or creating soot. This is a sign of incomplete combustion, which creates carbon monoxide. Shut the unit down, ventilate the area, and call a professional immediately. Do not operate the unit.
Your Sustainable Navien Tankless Water Heater Propane Care Guide
Congratulations on your conversion! To keep your heater running efficiently for years, follow this simple navien tankless water heater convert to propane care guide.
Annual Professional Service: Have a qualified technician service the unit once a year. They will clean the burner, check the combustion, and ensure all safety systems are working correctly.
Check Your Vents: Regularly ensure that the intake and exhaust vents outside are clear of debris, leaves, snow, or insect nests. Proper airflow is key to performance.
Descale Annually: If you live in an area with hard water, flush the unit annually with a descaling solution to prevent mineral buildup, which kills efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Converting a Navien to Propane
Can I convert any Navien tankless water heater to propane?
No, this is a critical point. You must verify that your specific model is designed to be field-convertible. This information is always on the unit’s rating plate and in the installation manual. If it doesn’t say it’s convertible, it isn’t.
Is converting a Navien to propane a good DIY project?
This depends entirely on your skill and comfort level. While the steps are straightforward for a mechanically inclined person, the work involves gas lines, where errors can have severe consequences. For most homeowners, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed and insured gas technician. It’s the safest path to a successful conversion.
Will converting my Navien water heater to propane void the warranty?
If you use the official OEM Navien conversion kit for your model and the conversion is performed correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it should not void your warranty. However, any damage caused by an improper installation or using non-approved parts would almost certainly void it.
How much does a Navien conversion kit cost?
The cost can vary depending on the model and supplier, but you can typically expect an official Navien conversion kit to cost between $50 and $150. It’s a small investment for ensuring the job is done right.
Converting your Navien tankless water heater to propane is a fantastic way to get reliable, efficient, on-demand hot water, especially when natural gas isn’t an option. By following this guide, prioritizing safety, and knowing when to call in a pro for the final checks, you can ensure your system provides comfort and peace of mind for years to come.
Enjoy that endless hot water, and stay safe out there!
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