Otis Singleton
RV furnaces are an essential component of any recreational vehicle, providing warmth and comfort during cold weather camping trips. While some RVs may have heat pump systems or dual water heater/furnace setups, the most common type of furnace in an RV is a forced-air propane furnace. These furnaces require both propane and electricity to function, with the propane providing heat and electricity powering the fan in the blower. The question of whether these furnaces can run on 110V electricity is an important one, as it impacts the power source options available to RV owners.
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What You'll Learn
RV furnaces run on electricity and propane
RV furnaces typically run on propane, with electricity needed for the ignition and to power vent fans. Propane is ignited within the furnace, creating heat, and a blower pushes this warm air through a ducting or vent system in the RV.
Most recreational vehicles come with some type of forced-air furnace built-in. The furnace in an RV is powered by electricity (either 110v AC or 12v DC power), with the heat being provided by propane. They work in coordination with a thermostat. As the air in the vehicle becomes colder than the desired setting on the thermostat, the furnace turns on.
The blower then pushes the hot air through ductwork and out vents in the vehicle in a forced-air system. Electricity is used for the operation of the fan, so it is essential to keep the hot air circulating. If your RV furnace runs continually, it will burn, on average, 1/3 of a gallon of propane per hour. That means one gallon of propane will be used every three hours.
There are two main types of RV furnaces: electric and propane. The vast majority of RV furnaces are propane. However, electric RV furnaces are available as an alternative. In addition, some RV owners are opting to replace their propane-fuelled heaters with ones that run on alternative fuel sources or add in some additional heating options. For example, some RVs have a hybrid system that can switch between gas and electric modes, providing a versatile solution for heating.
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Propane is more popular than electricity for RV furnaces
While RV furnaces run on electricity (either 110V AC or 12V DC power), propane is the most popular fuel source for RV heaters. The majority of RV furnaces are propane-powered, and while electricity is required for the ignition and to power vent fans, a simple 12-volt house battery can enable these functions. Propane is also more cost-effective than electricity, with a gallon of propane costing less than $4.47, compared to the higher electricity consumption of electric heaters. Propane furnaces are also perfect for boondocking as they can be used without electric hookups.
Although electric RV furnaces are available as an alternative, they are not as common. They are a good option for those seeking to avoid the fumes and expense of propane. However, electric heaters are much more difficult to use when camping off-grid, and they do not heat the plumbing, which can be an issue in freezing temperatures.
Some modern RVs come with heat pumps, which pull heat from outside and carry it into the vehicle. These run on electricity and do not require propane. However, they are ineffective in temperatures below 40°F, making them unsuitable for cold-weather camping.
RV owners need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of propane and electricity for their furnaces. While propane is generally cheaper and more popular, electric heaters are quieter, and if electricity is included in campground fees, they can save money. Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the RV owner.
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Electric RV furnaces are available as an alternative
Another option is the CheapHeat Add-On system, which can be used with your existing propane furnace to provide a reliable heat source. This system communicates with your wall thermostat and fan motor, allowing you to select between Electric or Gas modes with a simple switch. It is designed with safety in mind, featuring built-in safety sensors and automatic shut-off mechanisms to protect against overheating and other potential hazards.
It is also possible to convert your RV propane furnace to run on electricity. Kits are available that allow you to switch between gas and electric power, offering flexibility and the ability to save propane while connected to shore power. However, the cost of these kits can be significant, sometimes approaching the price of a new unit that offers both gas and electric capabilities.
When considering an electric RV furnace, it is important to keep in mind that they can draw a lot of current, which may limit your other power usage. Additionally, if the power goes out, you will be left without heat. As such, some RV owners opt for a dual-fuel system, using electric power as a supplement to their propane furnace to minimize propane consumption and electrical costs.
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RV furnaces require electricity for ignition and fans
RV furnaces typically run on propane, with electricity required for ignition and fans. Propane is the most common fuel source for RV furnaces, although electric alternatives are available. The majority of RVs use forced-air furnaces, which work in coordination with a thermostat. As the air in the vehicle drops below the desired temperature, the furnace kicks in. Propane is ignited within the furnace, creating heat, and a blower pushes this warm air through a ducting or vent system.
Electricity is required to power the fan in the blower, and propane provides the heat. The furnace will not work without electricity, as it is needed to ignite the propane and power the fan. The fan ensures the hot air continues to circulate throughout the RV. If the fan is not working, there is likely an electrical issue, such as a blown fuse or a problem with the thermostat, module board, motor, or relay fan.
RV furnaces can be powered by 110V AC electricity, which is supplied to the 12VDC system through a converter. The converter changes the voltage to 12V, which is what the furnace operates on. The 120V shore cord will supply the converter, which then provides the 12V the furnace needs. This is the standard house plug, and it is possible to run everything in the RV except the air conditioning with this power source.
Lithium-ion batteries are a good option for powering RV furnaces, as they can discharge to about 20% without damage and have a higher usable capacity than lead-acid batteries. They are also lightweight and long-lasting, although they are more expensive and require specific charging precautions in freezing weather.
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RV furnaces can be powered by lithium-ion batteries
RV furnaces can be powered by electricity or propane. The electricity used is usually 110V AC, which is converted to 12V DC to power the furnace and other electrical appliances in the RV.
Lithium-ion batteries are a great option for powering RV furnaces, offering several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries. Firstly, they have a higher usable capacity and can discharge to about 20% without sustaining damage. This means you can safely discharge them to zero percent battery capacity without worrying about causing permanent damage to your battery bank. In contrast, lead-acid batteries can only be discharged to about 50% before requiring recharging.
Lithium-ion batteries also offer a higher discharge rate, providing twice as much power as lead-acid batteries. This means that a fully charged lithium-ion battery can provide around 200 amp-hours, which translates to about 10 hours of heating, depending on the furnace's amperage consumption. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, last longer, and require minimal maintenance. They are safer to use as they do not produce toxic fumes and are made of nontoxic materials, making them much safer for human health.
However, it is important to note that lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries and require specific charging precautions in freezing weather. Lithium-ion batteries should not be recharged when temperatures are below freezing, as this can cause permanent damage.
When using any type of battery to power an RV furnace, it is essential to monitor battery levels closely and have a backup plan, such as propane, to ensure adequate heating during extended stays. Additionally, running an RV furnace on battery power can drain power quickly, especially in extremely cold temperatures, so it is recommended to have a backup power source or multiple batteries for longer durations of heating.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, RV furnaces can run on 110v electricity. However, a converter is needed to change the voltage to 12v, which is what the furnace operates on.
The majority of RV furnaces use propane as their primary power source. Some also use diesel or lithium-ion batteries.
Propane furnaces can be used without electric hookups, making them ideal for boondocking or off-grid camping. They also provide uniform temperatures throughout the RV.
Propane furnaces produce combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide and water vapour, requiring proper ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors. They also have high running costs and can be less efficient than electric furnaces.
If your RV furnace is turned on and the temperature is below the thermostat setting, you should hear the blower motor kick on. If you don't hear it, there may be an electrical issue, such as a blown fuse.
