Forum Discussion

RonWSl's avatar
RonWSl
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018

Heat Strip and Furnace Issue

Even Florida is cold!!! Anyway, I have a coleman ac with heat strip in it and a propane furnace. The thermostat has a setting for gas heat and electric heat (Coleman RV Comfort.HP) which came with the camper when we bought it. When I turn on the electric heat both the propane/gasfurnace and the electric heat from the ceiling ducts also comes on. I suspect that I should only get electric heat on that setting and not both - am I correct? Assuming I am, does that mean that there is a problem with how the thermostat is wired or is it simply the wrong thermostat? As always, thanks in advance for any insight.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2018
    In the extreme cold tonight you want to ensure your gas furnace is running. An electric heat strip in the A/C will only heat the top of your rig. You want to circulate the heat down below if your furnace does that.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 05, 2018
    From what I've read on this site in the past, that is exactly how the system is supposed to work. The heat strips are not intended to be a sole means of heat, just an addition to the furnace. So they both run at once.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 05, 2018
    Heat rises, Ron. Heat strips in the AC on the roof may not keep the tanks and pipes unfrozen as us Westerners have learned.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jan 05, 2018
    Mine did not run both heat strip and furnace at the same time.

    I added a second thermostat for the furnace only, so that I could run both at once as needed.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025