Can you convert a natural gas heater to LPG?

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From cooking on the stove or BBQ, to heating water or running appliances, gas is an incredibly versatile resource. With different types of gas available, however,it can be confusing to know which type you will need for your home appliances.

So, what happens if you buy an appliance such as a natural gas heater, only to later move to a home that doesn’t have a connection to the gas mains?

In this Canstar Blue guide, we explain whether it’s possible to use LPG with a natural gas heater and discuss the options available to you.

What’s the difference between natural gas and LPG?

The main difference between natural gas and LPG is the way these gasses are produced and supplied. LPG is produced during oil refining or extracted during the natural gas production process. It is usually a combination of propane and butane gas – in Australia it’s mostly propane-based – and provides high levels of heat in less time than natural gas. In order to be stable for transport, LPG is put under pressure to form a liquid and stored in a high-pressure tank. You’ll recognise it as the gas canister usually seen next to the barbeque. It also comes in larger canisters that can be delivered to your house by an LPG supplier.

Natural gas is slightly different as it’s extracted directly from the earth and can contain ethane, propane, butane and pentane gases. A 2022 Energy Networks Australia report found that 49 per cent of Australian homes use natural gas for their hot water, appliances and heating systems. Unlike LPG, natural gas is delivered via pipelines (known as the gas mains) directly to your home. It tends to be more convenient for the larger systems required in the home, such as hot water systems. And unlike with LPG, you don’t have to keep track of gas levels or swap out bottles because it’s connected straight to the source.

Read more: Natural Gas vs LPG: What should you get?

Can you use LPG with a natural gas heater?

The short answer is no. LPG and natural gas operate at different pressure points, meaning LPG and natural gas appliances are not interchangeable and have to be converted. However, not all gas appliances are able to be converted due to design or certification requirements.

If you try to use LPG in an appliance designed for natural gas without converting it , the appliance may not be able to handle the pressure. This could cause it to malfunction or explode. That’s why it’s important to ensure you are using the right fuel or have a professional gasfitter convert the appliance for you.

To see what fuel type your heater uses or to see if it can be converted from one gas type to another, it’s best to check the owner’s manual or look on the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer directly to see what it recommends.

How do I convert my natural gas heater to LPG?

To convert an appliance, such as a heater, from natural gas to LPG you’ll require the help of a licensed gasfitter. They’ll check if the appliance is suitable for conversion, as well as checking the gas source. It’s extremely important that you don’t attempt to do this yourself as if it is not done correctly it could lead to serious injury or death.

To find a local, licensed gasfitter in Victoria, New South Wales or South Australia – go to the Australian Gas Networks website where you can put in your postcode and see gasfitters and gas appliance stores within a 70km of your home.

The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland has a similar service for Queenslanders, but its website covers a wider range of specialist tradespeople and produces results in a 30km radius of your home.

Tasmanians can access the Tasmanian Government website, to search for all kinds of trade and professional building services, from gasfitters to architects. And if you’re in South Australia or the Northern Territory, Master Plumbers’ Association of SA/NT also has a similar resource where you can use your postcode to find tradespeople and services in your area.

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Natural gas vs LPG: Which is better?

There are pros and cons to both natural gas and LPG use in the home. Choosing the best option for your lifestyle will come down to a number of personal factors, so we’ve listed some of the pros and cons of both fuel types below.

LPG pros:

• Convenient and efficient: LPG is easy to transport and store and can reach higher heating levels than natural gas due to its higher energy content. This means that less LPG is required to produce the same amount of heat. It is also consistent and efficient, particularly when it comes to cooking.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions: While LPG is considered a fossil fuel, it produces less greenhouse emissions than other gas sources.
• Easily accessible: For those who live in rural or remote areas, connecting to the gas mains may not be possible. LPG may make gas more accessible, as it is able to be delivered directly to homes and businesses.
• Potentially cheaper: Because you only have to pay for a refill when you need it, LPG may be cheaper to use than natural gas. This is only if you have smaller gas usage requirements. If you burn through gas quite quickly, mains gas may be more cost efficient.

LPG cons:

• Canisters require disposal: LPG suppliers either require you to swap the bottles out yourself or arrange to have a company do it for you. This takes time and can require planning and strategically monitoring your gas usage so you don’t run out before your new supply arrives. .
• More maintenance: With LPG, homeowners will need to regularly check their gas levels to ensure they’ve got an adequate supply.
• Potentially more expensive: LPG can’t power everything in the home, only certain appliances, which makes it more expensive to use in large quantities.

Natural gas pros:

• Less maintenance: Because natural gas is connected directly to your house, there’s no need for tank disposal or to track gas levels to make sure you don’t run out of gas.
• Eco-friendly-ish: Natural gas is the most eco-friendly fossil fuel because it burns cleaner, according to the Australian Gas Networks. This means that it emits 50-60 percent less carbon dioxide than regular oil or coal-fired power plants and the greenhouse gases that are emitted have a lower life cycle.
• Potentially cheaper: While it’s true that with LPG you only have to pay for gas as you need it, the time and travel required to switch out the tanks has to be taken into consideration.

Natural gas cons:

• It’s still a fossil fuel: While natural gas is more eco-friendly than other gas sources, it’s still a non-renewable resource.
• Less accessible for those in remote or rural communities: Because natural gas has to be connected directly to the house, it may not be accessible to remote or rural communities. LPG may be a better option due to its ability to be easily stored and transported.
• Daily supply charges: Most natural gas customers are charged both for usage and supply, as you can see in this average natural gas bill. This means that users are charged a fee for the gas they use and for being connected to the network. So even if a customer doesn’t use any natural gas on that day, they’ll still  pay a fee for being connected to the mains network.

Should I convert my natural gas heater to LPG?

Whether you decide to convert your natural gas appliance to run on LPG will depend on whether your heater is able to  be converted. It can also depend on personal circumstances such as gas usage, household size and local climate. If you do decide to convert your heater, it’s important you contact a licensed professional for further assistance.

Alternatively, it may be simpler and more cost-efficient to purchase a new heater instead of converting the one you have. If you are on the hunt for a new gas-powered heating system for your home, check out our latest portable heating ratings below. 

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