Navien LP to NG conversion - not possible?

[kwadz]

Ok, so when I bought my house, I knew I'd be converting to NG within a few years. Our old tank wh was leaking so we replaced it with a Navien NR-240A (LP model) tankless. Our plumber told us that Navien's rep directly told him it was convertible to NG (and we unfortunately did not get this in writing). Well, we now have NG in the house and when we contacted Navien to see if they had a conversion kit, they told us the unit is NOT convertible and that we would have to buy a brand new unit...and our "old" one is only 2 years old!

I know, shame on us for not verifying everything and trusting our plumber. Our plumber insists, however, that #1 - Navien originally told him it was convertible and #2 - even though they now say it isn't, he can and will convert it for us by just changing the orifice.

I need to understand from those of you "in the know" what will or may happen if he "converts" it by just changing the orifice to allow more NG into the unit (to make up for its difference from LP). Will the unit catch fire, blow up, destroy our house, annihilate our county? Or will it just stop working? Or will nothing happen and it may continue to run for years without any problems?

At this point, unless there's a safety issue involved, we're at a loss anyway so I see no harm in just letting him convert it the way he thinks it will work. Any input? Don't worry - I'm not a lawyer and I won't legally hold anyone to his opinion on here if anything does happen. My wife is just worried and wants to know what we're facing. Thanks in advance!

 

[johnjh2o]

I would go by the manufacture not the plumber. If there is ever a problem such as a fire or explosion will your plumber stand behind is work? You putting yourself and your family at risk.

 

[kwadz]

I see what you mean. I guess the purpose of my post was to see if anyone who knew these devices better than me had any insight on what the risks actually are if we go ahead and convert. Of course the manufacturer won't tell me any details on it other than "it's not supported". I explicitly asked him whether there was physical damage risk or if it was just a risk that the unit would stop working and he kept repeating the "it's not support" line...hence this post.

 

[IFIXH20]

John is giving you great advice. I can tell you that your plumbing is not an expert on converting Lp to gas if he is adamant that it ONLY takes ORFICES to convert the two. Ask your plumber how he/she intends to get the WC (Water column) at it's new working pressure. I would recommend taking John's advice.

 

[emacha]

Ok, so when I bought my house, I knew I'd be converting to NG within a few years. Our old tank wh was leaking so we replaced it with a Navien NR-240A (LP model) tankless. Our plumber told us that Navien's rep directly told him it was convertible to NG (and we unfortunately did not get this in writing). Well, we now have NG in the house and when we contacted Navien to see if they had a conversion kit, they told us the unit is NOT convertible and that we would have to buy a brand new unit...and our "old" one is only 2 years old! I know, shame on us for not verifying everything and trusting our plumber. Our plumber insists, however, that #1 - Navien originally told him it was convertible and #2 - even though they now say it isn't, he can and will convert it for us by just changing the orifice. I need to understand from those of you "in the know" what will or may happen if he "converts" it by just changing the orifice to allow more NG into the unit (to make up for its difference from LP). Will the unit catch fire, blow up, destroy our house, annihilate our county? Or will it just stop working? Or will nothing happen and it may continue to run for years without any problems? At this point, unless there's a safety issue involved, we're at a loss anyway so I see no harm in just letting him convert it the way he thinks it will work. Any input? Don't worry - I'm not a lawyer and I won't legally hold anyone to his opinion on here if anything does happen. My wife is just worried and wants to know what we're facing. Thanks in advance!

The only naviens that are convertible are the new npe series. They actually come with the conversion kit. I am factory trained and certified in Navien, Rheem, and rinnai. If you hassle tech services enough, they will send you a new heater to fill your needs. Just make sure any time any one comes out to even look at the heater, tech services is contacted, so there is a case built. They will eventually help you out. They are a great company that stands by their products.