RV Heat Pump vs Furnace: Which Is More Effective for Heating Your RV?
Exploring just isn’t about roaming and tripping, it’s also about having a good time while doing so. And to keep yourself comfortable, you’ll require compact yet powerful heating systems to maintain a comfortable temperature across a range of outdoor conditions. The two most common heating systems used in RVs are furnaces and heat pumps. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to efficiency, performance, cost, installation, and maintenance. Therefore, have a look at the following detailed comparison that’ll help you to decide which system better meets their needs.
How RV Furnaces Work
RV furnaces are self-contained systems that burn propane or diesel fuel to generate heat. The process begins when a burner ignites the propane/diesel. This produces hot combustion gases that are blown across a heat exchanger using a blower fan and ductwork throughout the RV interior. The heated air is circulated until the thermostat reaches the desired temperature. Most RV furnaces require roof vents or access to outside air for proper combustion and ventilation. RV furnaces provide tried and true heating solutions found in most traditional RVs.
How RV Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps operate on the principles of refrigeration in reverse. Instead of using electricity to remove heat for cooling, heat pumps use electricity to absorb existing heat and transfer it from one place to another using a refrigerant. This allows them to provide both heating and cooling from a single system. The main components are a compressor, evaporator coils, expansion valve, and condenser coils. The refrigerant absorbs heat as it passes through the evaporator coils outside or in the surrounding air. It is then compressed and passed through the condenser coils, releasing the heat into the RV interior to provide warmth.
Source: delcohvac
Temperature Control and Comfort of RV Heat Pump and Furnace
Furnaces provide consistent, comfortable heat by generating new heat as needed. The combustion process allows them to maintain air temperatures even in freezing conditions. Heat pumps lose efficiency as outdoor temperatures drop, making them less suitable as a primary heating source in very cold climates. Heat pump heating capacity is also limited by the size of the installation based on the RV’s dimensions. The forced-air distribution can lead to hot and cold spots unless the ductwork is arranged appropriately. Furnaces typically deliver more stable temperatures throughout the RV.
Which One Is More Effective Between RV Heat Pump and Furnace?
Heat pumps are more efficient as they simply move existing heat rather than having to generate new heat directly. Furnaces lose a significant portion of their heating potential from venting requirements and imperfect combustion. The coefficient of performance, in other words, COP is used to rate heat pump efficiency — the higher the COP, the less electricity is needed to produce and transfer a given quantity of heat. Though the COP drops in very cold weather, correctly sized heat pumps can operate efficiently across a wide range of temperatures. However, they cannot match the raw heating power of propane/diesel furnaces when conditions are frigid.
Space Requirement of RV Heat Pump and Furnace
Heat pumps require external evaporator coils and condenser units mounted on the RV roof or sides along with interior air handlers. This can make them difficult to incorporate into existing RV designs compared to standalone furnace units with roof vents. Furnaces offer simpler replacements for old or defective RV heating systems. Their self-contained construction keeps ducting and space requirements to a minimum.
Upfront and Operating Costs of RV Heat Pump and Furnace
Though more expensive to purchase initially, heat pumps offer cost savings over time from lower energy consumption for heating. Electricity costs are also typically more stable than propane/fuel prices which can fluctuate seasonally. The breakeven point where heat pump savings offset the higher initial investment depends on energy rates and usage patterns. With properly sized systems and moderately cold winters, heat pumps can recoup the extra expense in under 5 years of regular use.
Key Differences Between RV Heat Pump and Furnace
To determine a better product between two products, it’s always better to understand the key differences between them. Here our two products are the RV heat pump and the furnace. So, let’s find out the key differences between them, shall we?
| Parameter | Furnace | Heat Pump |
| Fuel Source | Propane/Diesel | Electricity |
| Efficiency | 60-80% | 200-300% (COP 2-3) |
| Heating Method | Combustion | Heat transfer |
| Temperature Control | Consistent across range | Decreases dramatically in extreme cold |
| Initial Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Operating Costs | Variable based on fuel rates | Typically lower long-term |
| Install Requirements | Contained system with vents | Mounting space for external components |
| Maintenance | Annual professional tune-ups | Semi-annual by qualified HVAC tech |
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Installing a heat pump requires modifications to the RV roof and/or sides to mount the exterior coils/condenser along with an interior air handler. A furnace is a self-contained system that only needs proper ducting and venting. Professional installation is recommended for both heating systems. Heat pump maintenance includes checking refrigerant levels/pressures, electrical connections, operating pressures, and air filtration every 6 months. Furnaces require yearly tune-ups to inspect exhaust venting, burners, propane lines, current draw, and airflow.
What to Consider While Choosing One Between Them?
Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide, requiring exhaust venting and CO detectors. Heat pumps carry the risks of overheated components and leaking refrigerant. Preventative checks by qualified technicians along with testing and recertification of LP gas systems can mitigate associated hazards during operation and storage/winterization.
Expected Lifespan of RV Heat Pump and Furnace
With proper maintenance, RV furnaces typically operate reliably for 15-20 years before requiring replacement. The lifespan of a heat pump depends on factors like climate, usage patterns, and installation quality but generally falls in the 10-15 years range. Heat pump performance and efficiency tend to decay over time as components wear out.
Relevant Questions
Can you install both systems in an RV?
Yes, having backup heating offers flexibility and redundancy for harsh weather and seasonal extremes. Integrating multiple heating systems requires proper sizing and control mechanisms.
Which is better for winter camping trips?
Furnaces can provide more raw heating power in freezing temperatures. But heat pumps maintain function better across a wider cold-weather range versus extreme lows. Using them together balances capabilities.
What about off-grid/solar heating?
For off-grid operation, furnaces are the only stand-alone option though solar power can run heat pumps. Combining solar panels with propane/diesel furnaces or wood stoves extends self-sufficiency.
Final Verdict
RV heat pumps and furnaces both have their performance advantages. Furnaces offer powerful, consistent heating even in the bitter cold at the cost of lower electrical efficiency and ventilation losses. Heat pumps provide very efficient electric heating across a range of conditions but lose cost-effectiveness at temperature extremes. For mild to moderately cold climates with access to shore power, heat pumps offer lower operating costs long-term. But furnaces allow self-contained heating with diesel/propane for remote sites and extreme weather. Using both systems together balances efficiency and guarantees capacity regardless of conditions. Carefully evaluating climate needs, usage, budgets, and lifestyle factors allows selecting the right standalone or combined heating solution for any RV application.
