Forum Discussion

Explorer

Dec 06, 2018

Is it cheaper to heat my RV on propane or electric?

I'm paying for both the propane and electricity.

43' fifth wheel with four slides- around 400 sf or so. 2013 Dutchmen. Winters here in NW FL are mild. We get 40-50° temperatures at night typically. Occasionally it will get into the 30's and we will have a few days of subfreezing weather per year.

I have a heat pump in the main ac but the reversing valve has failed so it's just an ac for now.

I have two 1500W electric fireplaces and they seem to do a good job of keeping the place warm enough for me and my Golden Retreiver.

But would I save money if I use the propane furnace instead?

24 Replies

DustyR
Explorer
Dec 06, 2018
I paid apx .21 per KWH in the RGV and heated with electric or propane. Mild winters cost per month was pretty much equal electric or propane. Apx $48 per month.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Dec 06, 2018
Prove it to yourself.

Even if electricity was dirt cheap at ten cents a kilowatt hour just your two heaters would mean thirty cents per hour -- ten hours three dollars -- ninety dollars per month.

But ten cents per kWh is like the days of the buck and a quarter breakfast special and grocery store Ten For A Dollar chicken pot pies.

The actual cost is more like three times that. I remember my aunt in Seattle hooting "We pay three cents per kWh for power!" That was sixty years ago.

Your propane furnace probably has 500% more heating power available.
valhalla360
Navigator
Dec 06, 2018
If you pay per KWH, propane is cheaper.

If electric is included in the sit, electric is cheaper.
HadEnough
Explorer
Dec 06, 2018
Propane is cheaper.