Did anybody actually timed water heater recovery time?We do have not-metered electricity at the park, so anticipating it, I added electric element to my gas WH. When I start the electric first time, after 20 minutes the water was still FREEZING. Anyway, I set the thermostat to pretty high and add some insulation to WH, where manufacturer left holes, so we are comfortable with taking several minutes long shower, even back to back, but once the water turn cold, it takes very long time to recover. I read that some owners, to get fast recovery turn the electric at gas at the same time, but how much that actually helps?

First off........Recovery time is VERY dependent on temp of water supply source temp and amount of heat used.Your 'ADD ON' element is what 325W/450W?OEM electric element is 1400WAnd YES 'fastest recovery' is using BOTH electric and propane at same time.WH Rated Recovery Times...based on 70*F inlet water Electric only...... 6 gal/hrPropane only...... 11.5--13.5 gal/hr (depends on burner size)BOTH.............. 18-20 gal/hr

What OEM has 1400W ?The only element I could find was 350W. I was considering one of those 450W design for 10 gallons WH, but not being sure it will fit, I gave up. We stay in 40-50'F weather and the fresh water has to be in this range. So judging on my 20 minute test, I think it takes long hours to get WH to set 130F, but I am not willing to sit and wait.

Kayteg1 wrote:What OEM has 1400W ?The only element I could find was 350W. I was considering one of those 450W design for 10 gallons WH, but not being sure it will fit, I gave up. We stay in 40-50'F weather and the fresh water has to be in this range. So judging on my 20 minute test, I think it takes long hours to get WH to set 130F, but I am not willing to sit and wait.OEM.....Original Equipment Manufacturer Atwood and Suburban WHs that come with electric are 1400W elements.Your 350W will take HOURS to re-heat your 6 gal WH with 40-50*F inlet water.USE BOTH for faster recovery.....and that small electric to maintain

Hi KayTeg1,From an ambient of 68 f to first cycle on a ten gallon water heater on electric is 90 minutes. My OEM draws 1231 watts. That is about 6300 BTU's.If no water is drawn then the heater cuts back in after 4 hours and takes about 15 minutes to cycle.

I don't know about you guys,but when we decide to take showers, we turn on the gas, or gauz were ever you say it. the recovery is very good and we do not linger but have very good showers. As workers in parks we get dirty and sweat so every evening shower, who has a problem . Some don;t have gas ?? or too frugal to turn it on?Works for us. Have a hot water on me.Cheers and safe travels....:B

Water heater recovery time? | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 29, 2017
Kayteg1 wrote:
What OEM has 1400W ?
The only element I could find was 350W. I was considering one of those 450W design for 10 gallons WH, but not being sure it will fit, I gave up.
We stay in 40-50'F weather and the fresh water has to be in this range.
So judging on my 20 minute test, I think it takes long hours to get WH to set 130F, but I am not willing to sit and wait.

OEM.....Original Equipment Manufacturer

Atwood and Suburban WHs that come with electric are 1400W elements.

Your 350W will take HOURS to re-heat your 6 gal WH with 40-50*F inlet water.
USE BOTH for faster recovery.....and that small electric to maintain
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2017
What OEM has 1400W ?
The only element I could find was 350W. I was considering one of those 450W design for 10 gallons WH, but not being sure it will fit, I gave up.
We stay in 40-50'F weather and the fresh water has to be in this range.
So judging on my 20 minute test, I think it takes long hours to get WH to set 130F, but I am not willing to sit and wait.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 29, 2017
First off........
Recovery time is VERY dependent on temp of water supply source temp and amount of heat used.

Your 'ADD ON' element is what 325W/450W?

OEM electric element is 1400W

And YES 'fastest recovery' is using BOTH electric and propane at same time.

WH Rated Recovery Times...based on 70*F inlet water
Electric only...... 6 gal/hr
Propane only...... 11.5--13.5 gal/hr (depends on burner size)
BOTH.............. 18-20 gal/hr

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Water heater recovery time?

23 Replies

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