RV Electric Fireplace vs Spaceheater

We enjoy the built-in electric fireplace in our 38 ft fiver. When the temps get below 50 deg outdoors, I'll start the furnace. If the OAT is warmer than that, the fireplace tosses enuff warm air up into the bedroom to keep us toasty all night long.

grahampconrad wrote:
Just wondering, which appliance is more energy efficient in a 38 ft. fifth wheel. Fireplace - space heater or propane furnace? Opinions please.

If you choose space heater - can you recommend a good brand and where you purchased it?

Thanks again!

When you compare fireplace and space heater, compare the BTU's of each along with the cost of each. You will be surprised how much you pay for that fake flame.

I have one of these.

It keeps the 5'er toasty warm in the early spring and late fall or until the temps drop below 32. If it's going to be below freezing, we turn the furnace on so it heats the underbelly, but supplement it with the electric.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Taking,

Replace the return air grill on the furnace with a fan. On my rv that circulates warm "living space" air under the cabinets and pushes some air along the furnace duct work. I chose to use a dual window fan unit which is controlled by a mechanical thermostat that lives beside the water pump next to the outside wall of the RV.

The fan unit draws just 23 watts and works better than a 1500 watt fan based heater which I tried using inside the cabinet.

TakingThe5th wrote:
I've been toying with the idea of installing an electric RV Furnace Enhancer from RVComfortSystems.com. It's pretty pricy but it would throw some heat into the basement and would be safer and more efficient.

Never thought of that....may steel that idea in the future.....

Hi Taking,

Replace the return air grill on the furnace with a fan. On my rv that circulates warm "living space" air under the cabinets and pushes some air along the furnace duct work. I chose to use a dual window fan unit which is controlled by a mechanical thermostat that lives beside the water pump next to the outside wall of the RV.

The fan unit draws just 23 watts and works better than a 1500 watt fan based heater which I tried using inside the cabinet.

TakingThe5th wrote:
I've been toying with the idea of installing an electric RV Furnace Enhancer from RVComfortSystems.com. It's pretty pricy but it would throw some heat into the basement and would be safer and more efficient.

X3 what wski said. When amps permit, I stick a ceramic heater in the basement on a low setting. Just make sure you clean out your heaters once a month or so. They will accumulate dust and clog. I take mine outside and blow them out with compressor air. Good Luck

wski wrote:
We use our fireplace and a couple small space heaters. Keeps the coach nice and toasty. You are already paying for the electric, but the propane is your expense. ;)

X2. I've been toying with the idea of installing an electric RV Furnace Enhancer from RVComfortSystems.com. It's pretty pricy but it would throw some heat into the basement and would be safer and more efficient.

We use our fireplace and a couple small space heaters. Keeps the coach nice and toasty. You are already paying for the electric, but the propane is your expense. ;)

Hi,

The fireplace and electric heater are more or less 100% efficient. Many campgrounds don't charge for power. Propane is always on your dime.

I prefer 1/2 size oil filled electric heaters as they are inherently safer than other types. I can tuck them away in otherwise unused space. They do lag behind, which is sometimes a good thing particularly if you are in 30 amp rv--which sometimes requires some load balancing.

There are easy ways to allow heating to be done 100% electrically.

The furnace is about 80% efficient.