Using a portable tankless hot water heater for your recreational vehicle is an excellent way for still having dependable and convenient hot water, even when you aren’t using it. As you may have already discovered, there are many positive aspects to owning a tankless hot water heater. For one, you don’t have to waste time waiting for the water to heat up because it’s always on! Secondly, you aren’t depending on anyone else to heat up your water, and you save money by not having to pay a huge water bill each month. And third, when you aren’t using your RV to go camping, you can enjoy your RV like it was new instead of being stuck in a stuffy campground with no entertainment or rest. However, the best electric tankless water heaters for rv will also have several power sources, enabling them to still be quite as energy-efficient as larger models meant for residential use.
There are several factors you should take into consideration when looking at the best RV heater. First, you need to look at the heating capacity, or the number of gallons that a heater can heat up. The best electric tankless water heaters have between three and seven GPM, so make sure you choose one based on the size of your RV. A heater with a larger GPM will cost more but may be able to heat more gallons.
Another thing to take into consideration is the propane flow rate, or how fast the propane flows through the water heater. The best electric tankless water heater for rv has a high propane flow rate, which allows the hot water to stay inside the water heater and doesn’t escape to the air. Higher flow rates may require some upgrading to your plumbing, but generally speaking, you’ll get more value out of the cost by upgrading. In some cases, you may even be able to upgrade to a higher flow rate without changing out the entire heater, depending upon the particular model and the manufacturer. Make sure that the propane that is used in the heater comes from a reputable source.
When it comes to comparing electric heating units for your recreational vehicle, you also need to compare the features offered. Look at both the quantity and the temperature of the water that you want to heat. You may be able to save money by choosing a smaller tankless heater, which will allow you to heat less gallons per minute. On the other hand, if you want a high flow rate but not enough gallons per minute to warrant a larger tank, you’ll probably want a larger tank less expensive model. The size of the tank will affect both the size of the heater itself and the size of the space you have to heat it in. Be sure that you leave at least 4 inches between the top of your water heater and any furniture, decking, or other fixtures that you may have outside.
Take a look at the pros and cons of the units. Of course, the biggest advantage is that you don’t need to lug around a large, hot water tank any longer. If you’re only using your RV to go camping and back and forth to the campground, then this may not be an issue. However, if you’ll be taking your RV with you on trips into different climates, you may find that the heating capacity benefits of a larger tank to make it worth the investment.
The type of electric water heater that you choose will depend upon where you use your RV. For example, if you live in an area where daytime temperatures are often below freezing, then an electrically heated portable heater may be the best choice. These types of models are extremely energy efficient, even in comparison to propane models. Also, these models require virtually no maintenance. The only service that you’ll need to complete is to change the water filter every few months or so. Also, these models have a very long operating life and will pay for itself over time.
However, if you like to take your RV camping and enjoy spending time outdoors, then you may want to consider a portable propane tankless heater. These units are designed for long-term outdoor use and provide you with up to four hours of ice and freeze protection. Because these units have no water storage tank, they must be plugged into an electric outlet. While they are smaller than the portable models, they still pack a powerful punch. In fact, they can easily heat an entire RV tank.
Keep in mind that there are several different sizes of these popular portable heaters. So, before you buy any propane tankless water heaters, be sure to research the different sizes that are available. Don’t forget to check out reviews of the brands you’re considering as well. This way, you can ensure that you are making the best purchasing decision.