RV propane water heater

[balfre1946]

Which is more efficient, cost effective during the winter (Charleston, SC so seldom below 40-50) keep the propane heater going to maintain water temp or only turn it on when we shower? We heal mosts all other water in our kettle.

[DSDP_Don]

I think several missed what the poster was asking.

He's asking is it more efficient to let his water heater run all day, which means it will come on every so often to maintain temp, or turn it on just before his shower and then off when he is done.

Personally, I think it would be more efficient to leave it running. They are well insulated and will hold heat for quite awhile.

[toedtoes]

Not a Clue wrote:
We have a propane only WH. We turn it on when we get set up and turn it off when we are leaving. It takes so little propane I can't even tell the level has changed.

That's what I do and I have the same results on the propane use. In addition, I have hot water with which to wash my hands, etc. no matter when I need to do so.

[xctraveler]

Let's see. Running microwave when gen is on to charge batteries actually uses more fuel since the load on the gen goes up with the use of the mwave. Maybe not noticeable but there is no such thing as a free lunch.

When we were dry camping in our former coach with propane/electric water heater we turned it on 15 minutes before we expected to use it. For normal warm water to wash hands etc the tank usually would be fine even though it had been off of a few hours, it is very well insulated, thus you are not heating from cold each time.

We were less interested in the cost of propane than in preserving it so we didn't have to break camp and drive to town to refill. In the scheme of total cost of operations propane is small potatoes.

[Not_a_Clue]

We have a propane only WH. We turn it on when we get set up and turn it off when we are leaving. It takes so little propane I can't even tell the level has changed.

[doxiemom11]

We do the same as we do in a house. We keep it on electric and always have hot water available. You may use more power to keep reheating the water than you would to just keep it hot.

[BobR]

rjxj wrote:
We only run it for showers and use a kettle to boil water for dishes, coffee etc.

We do the same except microwave water to clean dishes. Need to run generator to charge batteries when off grid or use electricity in a campground so there is not extra cost to heat cleaning water.

[BTPO1]

We only turn it on when we need it. I see no since in heating water for no reason. It on takes about twenty minutes or so to heat it. JMO

[Dale_Traveling]

If you are use the propane stove to heat water for cooking, and other personal needs get an electric kettle such as This One. It will boil water in a few minutes. Also an Airpot will keep water hot for hours.

[K_Charles]

rjxj wrote:
We only run it for showers and use a kettle to boil water for dishes, coffee etc.

Is the propane for your stove cheaper then the propane for your water heater?

[azrving]

We only run it for showers and use a kettle to boil water for dishes, coffee etc.

[Dale_Traveling]

Turn it on maybe 30 minutes before anticipated need, first thing in the morning and when you sit down for dinner if desired for after dinner clean up. If it is duel fuel (propane and electric) leave it on electric but if propane turn it on only when needed.