Some RV owners find electric water heating more convenient than the propane heating system. Particularly, because of the difference in the financial costs. But, whatever your reason might be – switching the RV water heater from propane to electric is rather simple.
RV water heaters are designed in a way that they can heat water using either electricity, propane, or both simultaneously. If you are camping, using propane to power the water heater can be beneficial in more ways than one: the hot water will not just let you clean the dishes better but also let you enjoy a nice warm shower.
However, if you have electricity at your disposal, that might just be a much more efficient and economical option to run the water heater with. This article discusses in detail how to switch the RV heater from propane to electricity.
What Is an RV Heater?
An RV water heater is installed in the RV to provide hot water for the dishwashing sink and the bathroom. The RV water heater is available with various fuel source options providing RV owners with multiple choices that can vary depending on their needs.
The RV water heater can run on propane, electricity, propane-and-electricity, and engine heat. Furthermore, a water heater that runs on propane also provides the option of either buying it with or without a tank. The tank water heater has the capacity of storing 8-10 gallons of water at a time. The tankless water heater provides continuous hot water on demand at all times.
What Are the Differences Between an Electric Water Heater and a Propane One?
The main difference between the two is in the features. Check them out below:
Feature
Electric RV Water Heater
Propoane RV Water Heater
Energy source
Electricity
Propane gas
Price
Less expensive
More expensive
Installation
Needs electrical wiring
Needs gas supply
Energy Efficiency
Efficiency dependent on electricity rates
Highly efficient
Operational cost
Less costly
More costly
Fuel availability
Readily available
May require gas refills
Maintenance
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Heating speed
Slower
Faster
Carbon footprint
Contributes to grid emissions
Is typically cleaner
Steps to Switch Propane to Electric in an RV Water Heater
To switch RV water heater from propane to electricity, you have to follow the following steps:
Turn “Off” the Propane Supply
To begin with, you have to turn “Off” the supply that provides propane to the water-heater. For this, you would have to locate the propane valve on the water heater and then turn it to the “Off” position.
Disconnect the Supply
Then, you have to disconnect the supply providing the propane gas to the water-heater. This is a simple step where you only need to unscrew the propane supply pipeline from the inlet located on the water heater.
Remove Heater
After completing Step 2, you should just simply remove the propane RV water heater.
Place Electric Heater
Once you remove the propane RV water heater, there is space for the electric heater which is relatively easy to install.
After placing the electric heater in this space, you will have to connect it to the electrical connections and wiring. Meanwhile, you must ensure that the plumbing connections are intact.
Switch It On
After you complete the installation process of the electric water heater, you can switch it on and ensure it is properly functioning.
In case the water heater does not work, you must switch-off the power-supply before you make any changes required for it to work properly.
Pros of Switching RV Heater From Propane to Electric
Budget-friendly
The biggest benefit of switching the RV water heater from propane to electricity that you will notice is that it will help cut-down the cost of camping.
RV campsites are known to include electricity charges in the daily or weekly rates. This means you don’t have to pay extra money to use electrical appliances. So basically, you can save money when you want to heat water – for washing dishes or for showering.
24/7 Hot Water Supply Even if Propane Runs Out
While using propane in the RV water heater, there is a chance that you may run out of propane gas. In dire circumstances, getting a refill may also be nearly impossible.
Therefore, if you have installed an electric water-heater kit in your RV – or if you are using a generator in case you are off-grid – you can continue to have hot water at your disposal.
Save Space and Get Rid of Extra Weight
If your camping site provides electricity 24/7, then there is no need to use propane as a source of heating water. You can switch off the propane valve and disconnect the propane gas supply from the water heater.
Without any more need for propane, you can remove the propane tank and create space that you can utilize for other things. In addition, removing the propane tank means getting rid of extra weight.
Converting RV Water Heater From Propane to Electric
If you don’t find removing the propane gas kit convenient or easy, you also have the option of converting the same RV water heater from propane to electricity.
To do this you have to begin by removing the radiator cap first. Then, install the diverter spout into the radiator in-let according to the instructions. Next, turn on the water and start the engine. It should take 10 minutes for clear water to come out of the diverter spout.
Turn off the engine and remove the diverter spout. Following this, loosen the radiator drain petcock and let the water drain out in the catch-pan. Finally, close the petcock.
Tips to Maintain an RV Electric Water Heater
To ensure that your RV electric water heater lasts a long time, you must regularly perform maintenance of the unit. Rust is one of the biggest threats to an RV electric water heater that you must be aware of.
To deal with this, manufacturers have designed an “anode” to prevent the risk of rusting. Therefore, we would suggest that you regularly inspect the anode and replace it every 6-12 months, if needed.
FAQS
How does an RV water heater work on propane?
Propane water heaters work by utilizing a pilot-light or a dark-spark ignition for heating the water that is filled in the tank. The propane water heaters pull the heated water from the tanks and supply the hot water to the pipelines that are connected to the sink or bathroom. When you have finished using the hot water, you have to give some time to the heater for reheating the new round of water available in the tank.
There are a few RV owners who have a tankless water heater. The tankless water heater is known for providing a continuous supply of hot water. It must be noted though, that the tankless RV propane water heaters are comparatively more expensive as they require more propane than the regular propane water heaters.
Is it safe for me to use a propane water heater in my RV?
It is best to follow the guidelines if you wish to reap maximum benefits from it. Meanwhile, you must ensure that the water heater poses no threat to you or the surroundings. In addition, it is advised to keep flammable substances away from direct contact or from close proximity to the propane gas supply as it is an extremely flammable gas.
How can I use an RV water heater on electric?
To use your RV water heater on electric you must locate the cover placed on its control panel. Then remove the cover to find the on-and-off switch on the control panel. You can commonly find the on-and-off switch on the bottom left side of the control panel.
Is it ok for me to leave my RV heater on?
In most cases, leaving your electric heater on will not lead to any issues. However, the same does not apply to a propane water heater. You must avoid leaving a propane heater “On” in your RV as it can lead to a fire or other unfortunate events.
Final Thoughts
Switching the RV water heater from a propane to an electric energy source is a trouble-free process. In this article, we have included easy-to-follow steps that can help you smoothly make the transition.
However, you must first ensure that your RV has all the required electrical connections for installing an electric water heater.
Nonetheless, installing an electric heater means you can enjoy uninterrupted hot water for as long as you have an electricity supply. When you decide to go off-grid for camping, you can easily switch to a propane gas connection.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
