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Converting a LP Morflo Polaris to natural gas

johnlobb
johnlobb Member Posts: 23
in Gas Heating
A friend of mine owns a Polaris (24 years) and it works well but natural gas is coming by the home and he would like to convert. He called Morflo and they said "It would not be cost effective". I know the lawyers have ruined many good opportunities and many good products, so anyone have any experience with converting one of these fine water heaters to natural gas?

Comments

  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    They weren't fine where I worked. Maybe where you are.

    If the manufacturer says it isn't worth it, they might know what they are talking about.
    RobG
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,642
    A lot of different water heaters are not convertible. if they say not convertible doing so may present a safety issue.
  • johnlobb
    johnlobb Member Posts: 23
    Well, it's an early induced draft unit but I guess I do not see why one could not just change an orifice.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,642
    YOU ACCEPT FULL LIABILITY AND NO ONE WILL SUPPORT YOU IF YOU GO AGAINST THE MANUFACTURERS STATEMENT THAT IT CAN'T BE CONVERTED. AS SOMEONE WHO HAS OVER 50 YEARS INTHE GAS BUSINESS DO NOT DO IT !!!
    RobGZman
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,472
    Its not just a simple orifice swap. You also need to swap out the regulator. I looked into doing this w/ a induced draft WH 3 yrs ago. The parts to do it were 75/80% of the cost of a new heater that was 10 yrs old...let alone 24 yrs old, he is on borrowed time. Your friend is better off going w/ a new set up and get a good rebate if one is available. Is the Polaris just used for domestic hot water? we can help w/ some suggestions ...
  • johnlobb
    johnlobb Member Posts: 23
    No, he uses it only for heat as he has pretty nasty water. He told me he is also going to buy a new water heater. (gas). I just thought this would be a good place to get some knowledgeable opinions. OK, if this does not work, I have been out of the heating business for a while, maybe you could just suggest a boiler to do the same job. I always liked the Slantfin boilers but looking at their website, there's all new stuff there. Any thoughts?
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,472
    What does he have for a heating system... baseboard? radiators? radiant floor?
  • RobG
    RobG Member Posts: 1,850
    edited November 2014
    I would be scared to touch a 24 year old Polaris (barring tearing it out) much less convert it. The ones I typically see are in condos for hydro air. If that's the case I would recommend a combi unit. He should be grateful for 24 years of loyal service.
  • Jeff W_2
    Jeff W_2 Member Posts: 57
    You might want to read the Post a few lines above this one about the CO death in NC. The manufacturer said don't convert fuels and they did it anyway- leading to the death of an 11 yo boy. Sad.

    href="http://http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/152288/what-would-have-prevented-this#latest">http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/152288/what-would-have-prevented-this#latest
  • johnlobb
    johnlobb Member Posts: 23
    He has a hot water coil in a air handling unit that blows the heat throughout the home.

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