Ive read many comparisons between propane and natural gas, but had a
question that i havent found answered anywhere yet.

i am in the process of purchasing a building in massachusetts. it
currently has three propane tanks which provide the fuel for the
heating systems. i am converting the building into loft spaces for
living - the project is large and i am phasing it - in the first
phase, i would like to just use the existing propane tanks as fuel but
eventually, in a later phase, convert to natural gas.

my question is, will the system installed to heat the spaces with
propane (ie piping, meters, boilers, etc) be easily converted to
natural gas at a later date?

for example, will the piping run through the building for propane work
for natural gas as well, or is different diameter or type piping
required?

as for the boilers, it sounds like propane boilers are easily
converted to natural gas, but what about the meters?

any input would be appreciated!

evangelion wrote:

Ive read many comparisons between propane and natural gas, but had a
question that i havent found answered anywhere yet.

i am in the process of purchasing a building in massachusetts. it
currently has three propane tanks which provide the fuel for the
heating systems. i am converting the building into loft spaces for
living - the project is large and i am phasing it - in the first
phase, i would like to just use the existing propane tanks as fuel but
eventually, in a later phase, convert to natural gas.

my question is, will the system installed to heat the spaces with
propane (ie piping, meters, boilers, etc) be easily converted to
natural gas at a later date?

for example, will the piping run through the building for propane work
for natural gas as well, or is different diameter or type piping
required?

as for the boilers, it sounds like propane boilers are easily
converted to natural gas, but what about the meters?

any input would be appreciated!



Lots of "ifs".

The burners *may* be convertible.
You'd have to ask the mfr.

In Mass. You will have to work with the
Bldg Dep't and the utility, esp. with regard
to the suitability of the existing piping.

Are these meters for sub-metering purposes
of the tenants? Will that be permitted
by the utility? The meter mfr will know
what mods would be needed.

Start now chasing around thru the bureaucratic maze
to get the answers you'll need.

Jim

evangelion wrote:

as for the boilers, it sounds like propane boilers are easily
converted to natural gas, but what about the meters?

Meters? I have never seen propane systems with meters.
No reason it can't be metered, but it's usually purchased
by the tank full, or metered off the truck, not in the
building. Does this building have meters already?

In any case, normally with natural gas the gas company
supplies their own meters, so I would not worry about
that, and the gas company will be able to tell you if
the in-place piping is sufficient. A good plumber will
be able to tell you also, I would think.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va