1981 Hydro-Flame VS Vented Platinum Cat Heater ?

[BFL13]

I am trying to understand the difference between my 1981 "old-time" (doesn't seem that long ago!) Hydro Flame furnace in the used TC we just got and a new Vented Platinum Cat.

They both use propane, they are both radiant heaters for the RV, and they both vent to the outside so they are safe.

I get that the Platinum may be more efficient than the 'flame' type heater, but is there any essential difference otherwise?

Interested in case it comes to having to replace the 1981 furnace with something else if it has "issues". You can get these old-time furnaces for under $100 when people junk their old campers.

http://ventedcatheater.com/6.html

Thanks.

[BFL13]

Doug's right. I should be looking at woodstoves like this guy has 🙂

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/1980-dodge-motorhome--with-woodstove-_23932674

[dougrainer]

"Interested in case it comes to having to replace the 1981 furnace with something else if it has "issues". You can get these old-time furnaces for under $100 when people junk their old campers".

WHY would anybody buy a 25 to 35 year old worn out furnace and install it in their RV?????? Would you buy a 35 year old Natural or LP residential furnace and then install it in your Home?????? The odds are the combustion chamber is NOT up to specs and there will be lots of corrosion. Doug

[beemerphile1]

The Plat Cat uses expensive catalyst that can be fouled by dirt thus making it more expensive and more fragile than the old style furnace.

[jrnymn7]

Specs

[BFL13]

The HydroFlame BRC10A we have says it is Input 10,000 BTUH and Output is 7,000 BTUH. It does have a thermostat for maintaining room temperature as set. (Don't know if our thermostat works--to be determined!)

I am unclear on a Vented Platinum Cat for BTUs vs price etc. It has to be easier to light than this BRC10 beast though! 🙂

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I'd expect the old furnace to do more btu's than the Platinum Cat. The Cat does have a working thermostat.