Check out that AC of yours before winter hits, if you are planning on traveling and camping in your RV during cool or cold weather. You can save some money, if you do.

Almost all RV’s, especially motorhomes, have roof Air Conditioners on them.

And for the past dozen or more years these AC units have been Heat Pump designs, similar to what you have in your home.

These AC units function very well on your RV as your heat source, at outside temperatures down to just above freezing. A good rule of thumb for this heating limit is 40-degrees Fahrenheit.

So, now that you know this little fact, and even though you might have a gas (propane) furnace, you can save money and avoid burning your furnace any more than necessary by understanding the following little known fact about your RV Climate Control system.

On your Comfort Control panel, set your heat to ELEC mode (electric, or heat Pump mode) and let your AC units keep your RV nice and warm.

Most of the RV heating/cooling systems will automatically switch over to your GAS mode (propane) when the outside temperatures reaches this efficiency limit and then your furnace will run until the outside temperature goes back up to a warmer level (over 40-degrees fahrenheit).

At this point, the controller will automatically switch back to the ELEC mode of heating.

There is one reality that you will have to accept as an RV owner.

If you have used a Heat Pump before, you will notice that the air may well be at the set temperature, but it will “feel” cooler.  Alternately, when your gas furnace is running, the air will “feel” warmer.

But, use this function when camping in your RV and you can save on your heating bill and on your Propane usage.

by Don Bobbitt, November, 2015

Copyright, Don Bobbitt, November 2015, All Rights Reserved

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