RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Does anyone have a handle on costs of catalytic heaters vs. electric heaters? Our furnace blower is so loud we turn it off when watching tv and use a small electric heater. I was wondering how the catalytic heaters compared to electric heaters in the way of heat produced and cost of operation. Thanks.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
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jay2003
San Joaquin Valley, California
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Cost will vary with electricity depending on how you're getting your electical power. Obviously if you're using a generator costs will be higher due to gasoline costs.
All in all though the little cat heaters are probaby cheaper as they can run for hours on very little propane. On the other hand though they are less efficient since they don't have a fan or blower on them so it's more a radiated heat. Personally from experience though I stoped using my cat heater inside because I didn't like the smell that it created. Although supposedly safe to use indoors the smell wasn't something I wanted to deal with.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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In a campground, the cost of operation for me using an electric catalytic heater is zero. that is one problem with the heat strip in air conditioners. when that is running the campground manager can tell that you are using electric heat and bill you accordingly. the other problem is those heat strips are inadequate, you lose heat in the duct work, the fan is excessively loud, etc.
bumpy
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eisleyr
Milton, Pa, USA
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I have a Pro-con 3 panel radiant heater I got from Harbor Freight. It is WAY over rated for the camper and will easily roast you out but it only uses about 10 pounds of propane for heating in the Spring and Fall each year. I got the 'leg' kit for it and set it on the dash when using it. I have the thermal windows except for the windshield and side windows up front so the location works great for me. Cost? With the price of propane now, probably more then electric but MUCH quieter then the furnace!
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eisleyr
Milton, Pa, USA
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Here's the web site: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?f=bylogo&logourl=PRO-COM.gif&brand=Pro-Com. This shows the 5 panel, guess their out of the propane 3 panel ones right now.
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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I'd be more concerned about the safety of a propane powered heater unless you can't hook up to the campground electric.
Dick_B
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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I have both, if Im in a CG with a hook up and power, we will use a 1500 watt electric with a large quiet fan. If were Boondocking and have no AC power, we use a Big Buddy LP Gas unit set on low, and keep the furnace thermostat on and set down so it will operate only as a backup if the Buddy cant keep it warm. But my furnace, like most has a noisy blower, so its the heat choice of last resort.
Per the Buddy heater Mfg, this type of LP Gas heater is safe indoors, it has safeties for this use, plus we crack two windows. They do produce lots of silent heat.
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ORbiker
Eugene, Oregon
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I love my Wave 3 cat. heater.
It is used together with the main furnace. The wave does most of the heating, unless it can't keep up in the cold (below 15F).
There should be NO SMELL and a window should be cracked to let a little fresh air in. I crack 2 windows; one high and one low. This lets condensation out.
If I have a place to plug in, the little cube heaters (set on 750W) are on when heat is necessary. I have a cube in the basement and another one in the main living area.
I (2-10-05) bought a 2002 F350 CC SWD PSD and a new 2003 Citation 10'8. Rancho 9000X & Toyo M55's.I have been a tent camper all my life. I wanted more comfort while doing my Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol & Crater Lake Ski Patrol duties.11
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Clickable link to Harbor Freight
RV.net blog
For those of you looking for expert advice, here ya go!
Frank
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ryanallie1
Magalia, Calif
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Hi All.
Since we mostly do Dry-Camping/RV'ing, we don't even know what an RV Furnance sounds like anymore. One thing we do remember though is that they sure make a lot of noise. And they burn up lots of propane, plus eat one battery a night. We gave up RV Furances many years ago. We use a cat Wave #6 Heater, and a Mr Heater as well, if needed. Do to the size of our 5er, we can stay very comfortable down to just about any temps that we want to. We also enjoy the peace and quite of these two heaters. Both of them sure do use a lot less propane than any RV Built Furance. Most of the time, just our Wave #6 heater is all that we need. And at times, even on the low setting, it gets to warm inside a smaller 5er. We also have taken care of the problems of the darn noisy bathroom fan, and the fan on the stoves hood. No more noisey cheap RV Fans for us. Good Luck. Happy Camping. Dan & Jill
1997 Ford F-250, H.D. Extended-Cab, Short Bed, 7.3 PSD, K&N Air Filter, 5000 lbs air bags w/on board compressor w/guage, SuperChips Tuner/Programer. 1996 Nash 24fter 5er, 15K "Lil" Rocker Hitch w/BedSaver, Twin EU2000i Gen's W/Kit. Nam-Vet, 33 Months.
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