propane consumption

Hi,

Yes the Platinum Cat has a vent--that is one reason why it is better, and safer.

The wave units also require venting and the best way is a window and roof vent. There goes all that nice heat.

Quote:
If you're looking for propane savings, you'll probably be very disappointed. A catalytic heater MUST have outside ventilation (open windows) in the living space to prevent health problems; and adds moisture to the unit, which can cause condensation problems.
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A very exaggerated statement. Yes, except when wintering in the south, there is more condensation, but never a real problem.

Open windows ?? In reality, these Cat heaters need very little ventilation. Both of mine have oxygen sensors on them, and even w/ everything completely closed, neither has ever shown any sign of lacking oxygen. Most times I barely crack a vent for needed ventilation, keeping in mind that all RVs are not air tight anyway.

Propane savings, you won't be disappointed one bit. For me, it was not the money near as much as the packing up,.... and finding it.

Seems strange, home heaters what.....96% efficient now ? RVs still at 65% ?

If you're looking for propane savings, you'll probably be very disappointed. A catalytic heater MUST have outside ventilation (open windows) in the living space to prevent health problems; and adds moisture to the unit, which can cause condensation problems. The furnaces in a RV are about 60% efficient, but don't need outside ventilation into the space, and are designed to heat the tanks if enclosed.

The only benefit of a catalytic heater I can see would be if you are dry camping and battery consumption is a problem (their quietness would be a nice advantage also).

Regards,
Doug

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Go to a Platinum Cat instead. It is safer and will use even less propane than the wave--because it has a thermostat.

Doesnt the platinum have to be vented?

Hi,

Go to a Platinum Cat instead. It is safer and will use even less propane than the wave--because it has a thermostat.

I installed a Wave 6 last year before winter but we never got to use it since the weather out here on the western side of America saw very little cold in 2013. But I started it up a few times while parked in the yard and it seemed to be nice and toasty. Although I dont know how well its going to maintain "warm and toasty" in the snow. Maybe, but at the very least its going to help the furnace out considerably.

Being as they don't have a fan to move the air, in a 30ft, I would really recommend 2 smaller, rather than 1 large one. We make do w/ 2 wave 3s, but we seldom camp in freezing weather. When we do, the forced air helps out.
Will they pay for themselves in propane savings in a relatively short time ? Yep. I have been using these Olycats for 38 yrs.

Note, your LP furnace air circulation system is designed to heat your basement compartments. A heater inside the living will not heat your compartments.

-Tom, W3TLN

pdogg wrote:
if you consider that the wave heaters are close to 100% efficient, the RV furnaces are something like 60%-80%... where a large portion of the heat they produce is vented outside.

you're saving propane...

I bought the Wave8 for my 30ft fiver, it's too small, but it keeps us warm enough..

I have a 30ft motorhome that sets on a narrow track p30 chassis.Do you think i should go with the wave 8 instead of the 6?

if you consider that the wave heaters are close to 100% efficient, the RV furnaces are something like 60%-80%... where a large portion of the heat they produce is vented outside.

you're saving propane...

I bought the Wave8 for my 30ft fiver, it's too small, but it keeps us warm enough..