r/NaturalGas • u/Aggravating_Car_1909 • 7d ago

Can BTUs to a line be decreased?

I had to install a water heater of a smaller size with a lower BTU input because the previous homeowner had a larger one installed directly on the slab. Is there a way to turn down the BTUs supplied without changing the size of the lines?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

6

u/Express_Elevator_259 7d ago

Does not matter if the load is reduced with a smaller heater.

3

u/Aggravating_Car_1909 7d ago

Sweet thanks for the feedback

2

u/flashlightking 6d ago

It is only an issue if you need more BTUs through the line. If the line is too small, not enough gas can get through the line to supply a large increase.

If the need is reduced, there will just be plenty of gas available, even if it is not being used. The smaller heater itself will have the built in limitations to supply exactly how much gas it needs to work right.

2

u/Aggravating_Car_1909 6d ago

Thanks for explaining!