A Propane Use Question

[USMC46]

In the interest of conserving propane, does it use less propane to leave the propane water heater on full time during the day when out and about; or is better to shut it down and then turn it on when you need it and wait for the hot water ? The wait is not an issue and this question assumes we are dry-docking with no electric water heater. It seems to heat up fast. Is it a waste to have it cycling on and off all day and night when you're not using it ? Thoughts ?

[rockhillmanor]

Turn on only when needed. Senseless to heat water all day and night not being used. Those tanks are small and it will keep coming on and off 'often'.

It's not the cost of propane for me it's the pain in the butt to have to go and find a place to refill the propane and a place that can accommodate my MH. That's why I refuse to let a HWH eat up my propane for nothing!

[Beverley_Ken]

Our water heater (propane only) is turned on before we leave for a trip and turned off when we get home. For about 70 nights a year camping, we use about $25-30 a year, for hot water, cooking, furnace the odd time, and fridge on when traveling.
We have been relaxing near the RV, we have heard the water heater (NO hot water usage) cycle on periodically, maybe ever every 2 hrs or so. and then it is only on for less than 2 minutes.
That said, its a very small cost for the convenience (forget to turn on be use).

Beverley and Ken

[FormerBoater]

Turn it off, your HWH will keep it nice and hot while you are away unless your coach builder did not insulate the unit.

When you are ready to shower or do dishes, turn it on and you wil have a nice hot water supply.

[robsouth]

It ain't worth worrying about, but it will save a little.

[Fulltimers]

Yes but, how much will it save? Is it worth worring about?

[Old-Biscuit]

Burning propane to reheat water that is not being used uses propane to reheat water that is not being used.

Convenience costs.

[BigBlockTank]

It can be a waste of LPG, and if the wait doesn't bother you, you answered your own question. I was a RV tech and now own one, I leave mine off until we Ned hot water for whatever reason. The water stays pretty warm for a while and it only takes a few minutes for it to cycle back to full hot.

[MountainAir05]

Turn on when you need it.