A/C with Heat Pump, worth it?

[Bellpr]

We continue to shop for a new 5er. We see many manufacturers offer a A/C unit with a heat pump option.

1. Do you have that option?
2. Do you think it was worth it?
3. I assume it has limitations just like home heat pumps?

[Teacher_s_Pet]

In 10 years we are on our third Coleman Heat Pump in the front of our Phaeton. Have only had to put a hard start capacitor on the rear unit. We use ours all the time when NOT parked at our winter lot under our 36x45 canopy. Way too noisy under the metal roof, switch to our Wave heater and the two furnaces when needed.

[RustyJC]

pianotuna wrote:
No, the cheap heat is not as efficient as a heat pump.

8ntw8tn wrote:
I'd probably go with the Cheap Heat option. I think it would be just as, or more, efficient that the heat pump

Not as efficient in terms of watts converted to BTUs, but more efficient in terms of constant heat output as ambient temperatures fall and heat pump heat outputs drop.

Rusty

[pianotuna]

If my air conditioner dies I`ll want to upgrade to a heat pump model.

I do use the heat strip.

Does anyone know if heat pumps for RV`s use heat strips to allow them to be used in truly cold weather (-37 c)?

[pianotuna]

No, the cheap heat is not as efficient as a heat pump.

8ntw8tn wrote:
I'd probably go with the Cheap Heat option. I think it would be just as, or more, efficient that the heat pump

[retispcsi]

Have two heat pumps. Along with the fireplace keeps rig nice and warm into the high 30's. Part of how cozy your rig is also depends on your rig construction. If you want to camp in cold weather, near freezing you can use the furnace in conjunction with the heat pumps and fireplace. Otherwise cheapest is a good option.

[Michelle_S]

Yes we have the heat pump option on both ACs. Yes it was well worth it the last week in Northern PA with rain and daytime highs in the mid 40s to low 50s. At those temps the Fireplace could keep up, but the Heat Pumps sure could and we didn't have to burn our propane.

[8ntw8tn]

We purchased our RV new but didn't order it. It came with the heat pump and we use it a lot when we winter in Texas. I like it a lot but, given the choice, I'd probably go with the Cheap Heat option. I think it would be just as, or more, efficient that the heat pump and wouldn't be affected by the temp going below 40 degrees. Hope this helps.

[RustyJC]

Rather than the heat pumps, our RV came with the CheapHeat electric heating system that piggy-backs onto the propane furnace. This system provides basement heat just like the propane furnace with no reduced efficiency at lower ambient temperatures like a heat pump and without using propane. The furnace can be switched between propane and electric heating with a simple toggle switch mounted in the same cabinet as the thermostat.

Used in conjunction with the electric fireplace, it's kept us nice and toasty down to 30 degF so far with capacity in reserve as the furnace and fireplace were still cycling.

Rusty

[dahkota]

Bellpr wrote:
We continue to shop for a new 5er. We see many manufacturers offer a A/C unit with a heat pump option.

1. Do you have that option?
2. Do you think it was worth it?
3. I assume it has limitations just like home heat pumps?

Yes, it came with the RV.
Well, free, yes. Would I pay for it? no.
We have used ours twice. It is as loud as the A/C and takes entirely too long to blow warm air. And, it is only useful with hook ups. Maybe, if we only had the furnace, we would use it more. But we also have a fireplace. Yes, it is electric and looks kind of fake. But it is incredibly quiet and puts out more heat than our heat pump. If we ever buy another RV, it will have the fireplace and not the heat pump.

[Home_on_Wheels]

Before someone corrects me, let me correct myself......once our heat pumps go out, we will not replace with heat pumps. We will only get the A/C.

[Home_on_Wheels]

If and when our A/Cs go out, we will not be replacing with heat pumps. Under 40 degrees you cannot use them as previously stated.

[ZOSO]

Our main living room AC has a heat strip in it. Works good. It's also ducted so you can direct the heat into the upstairs as well. Between it and the electric fireplace things warm up very well. Great too if you're not paying the electric! 😉 Although that seems to be a rare occurrence anymore.

[Bumpyroad]

if you are at a campground that charges extra for electric heat, it is a little obvious if your rooftop ac is pumping away in the middle of the winter.
bumpy

[Gib3633]

They sure are great when you have a furnace problem . The fire place is also great but we have two heat pumps so that gives a wider range than the fire place. I think the only problem if real low temperatures is they don't heat the basement like a furnace. In answer to original questions yes to all three and handier than carrying electric heaters not fastened down.

[Ivylog]

Mine are 11 years old (no problems) and will work down to 30 degrees. Most efficient way to heat, even when it's below 40 degrees outside. X5