CheapHeat installation costs?

[8ntw8tn]

I've been investigating the possibility of adding a CheapHeat system to my Suburban furnace. One of the guys in our park ordered it as an option on his new Excel trailer and he really likes it. I know the cost of the unit from the manufacturer is just under $500, but that doesn't include installation. Has anyone on the forum had it installed as an after market device and would you want to share what the installation costs were. Thanks.

[stillcampin]

Slightly off topic, but ...

Has anyone checked to see if this system can be added to a
2014 Montana 3900FB? IE:Is there the necessary space around the stock furnace?

Would rather depend on your experience than take the time myself to find that it wont fit. 😉

[Hunter11]

We plan on having the Cheap Heat system installed this year. The mobile RV tech we use is going to do the install.

[Cummins12V98]

As I get older it's less important to chase nickels! I will love the Cheap Heat and the wife will love the fireplace that actually puts out heat. I will mostly use the propane to run the built in generator. Can't wait!!!!

[8ntw8tn]

I'm looking at it mostly as an economical way to reduce propane usage. Maybe not so important now that the cost of propane is lower than in previous years. Though that could change, too. Self-installation is a possibility, but something I wouldn't tackle until after returning north in the spring.

[RustyJC]

It all depends - if your electricity isn't metered, the heat is effectively free since you've already paid for the electricity in your site fee. If it is metered, then (ignoring the convenience of not having to fill propane tanks) the economy comes in being able to select the least expensive heating medium in one's particular circumstances - either electricity or propane.

We've been down to freezing, and the CheapHeat system along with the fireplace keep the MS at a comfortable 71 degrees without any problem. The furnace is still cycling, so it has heating capacity in reserve. The only propane we use is for the range, and we don't use much of that as my wife does most of her cooking in the convection microwave, and the residential fridge is powered off the batteries by an inverter when we're traveling.

Rusty

[Paw_Paw_John]

You could install it yourself. I installed mine about five years ago and it took me about 15 hours. That was working about four nights about one to two hours a night and finished it up on Saturday. I paid $686.00 for the controller,switch,phloem & the coil unit. I had to purchase a 60 amp disconnect and wiring from the 50 amp shore plug to the controller. That cost me under $100.00, well worth the hassle. I have a 2004, 36 foot Mobile Suite and love this unit. If you can read and follow instructions you can do this. Good luck!!!!

[John___Angela]

8ntw8tn wrote:
Those numbers are what I was afraid I'd confront. If they are typical then I would expect to take at least the next three years to break even. I'll have to consider this further and decide if it's worth the effort and expense. Thanks for the responses.

I don't think I have ever considered the system on the merits of "cheap heat" but rather as a very nice, quiet, even heat alternative to a furnace. Kind of a nice to have, not so much as a need to have. Kinda like a 50 inch flat screen.

We already have an alternative approach installed so it isn't for us but otherwise I like the system and would consider it for the next rig. I was impressed with the low speed operation mode. Anybody we talk to that has it loves it though.

Like I say, don't think I would do it to save any money though.

[8ntw8tn]

Those numbers are what I was afraid I'd confront. If they are typical then I would expect to take at least the next three years to break even. I'll have to consider this further and decide if it's worth the effort and expense. Thanks for the responses.

[John___Angela]

Talked to a fellow last year who had it installed somewhere in the Yuma area and seems to me it was around 1200 installed. Nice option.

[Cummins12V98]

Having it installed at Rolling Retreats on our new MS 39TKSB3. The price was $1,500 installed.