Leaving Electric Water Heater On In Camper: Safe?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to leave your electric water heater on in your camper. Firstly, it is generally safe to leave an electric water heater on all the time, just like at home, but it is important to ensure there is always water in the heater. If your tank runs empty while still on, it will likely ruin the heating elements. Additionally, you should turn off the water heater before moving your camper. Leaving the water heater on has pros and cons; you will have hot water ready to go, but you may incur higher fuel costs and increase your environmental impact.

Safety considerations for propane water heaters

Propane is a highly flammable gas that can be dangerous if used incorrectly. When burned, propane produces carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that can cause death if inhaled in high concentrations. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions when using propane heaters. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Proper Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when using propane heaters indoors. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home or RV and check them regularly. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, so detectors are essential to alert you to dangerous levels.
• Oxygen Depletion Sensors: Choose a propane heater with an oxygen depletion sensor, which will turn off the heater if oxygen levels get too low.
• Right Size and Placement: Select a propane heater that is the right size for your room or space. Place it on a non-combustible surface, away from walkways and combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, and bedding.
• Maintenance and Inspections: Regularly maintain your propane heater according to the manufacturer's instructions. Have vented propane heaters inspected annually by a professional to ensure they are functioning safely.
• Never Leave Unattended: Never leave a propane heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep Away from Children and Pets: Propane heaters can be a safety hazard for children and pets. Keep them away from the heater at all times.
• Avoid Using Near Flammable Materials: Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, and clothing, away from the propane heater.
• Automatic Shutoff: Choose a propane heater with an automatic shutoff feature. This will turn off the heater if it tips over or malfunctions.
• Yellow or Orange Flame: If you notice a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one, stop using the heater immediately and contact a technician. This could indicate incomplete combustion, leading to carbon monoxide production.
• Never Use for Drying Clothes: Do not use a propane heater to dry clothes or other items. This can be a fire hazard and can also lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
• Avoid Spraying Aerosols: Never spray air fresheners, deodorants, aerosol cleaners, or hair spray near a propane heater. These products can be flammable and increase the risk of fire or explosion.

Cost implications of leaving the heater on 24/7

Leaving an electric water heater on at all times will have cost implications for the user. Water heaters are among the highest energy-consuming appliances in a home. In the US, households spend between $400 and $600 on heating water every year, making water heaters the second most energy-consuming appliance in the home.

A small amount of heat escapes when the water heater is turned on, and this loss of energy is about 10% of the bill. If you turn off your water heater, you could save that 10% and prevent additional energy loss.

The average water heater runs at around 1125 watts, and some more powerful heaters can use up to 4000 watts. The higher the wattage, the more electricity is being used, and the higher the cost will be.

The average cost of electricity in the US is 16 ¢/kWh. For a 30-gallon water heater running for 2 hours per day, this would result in an annual cost of $182.40. For a 40-gallon heater, the cost would be $243.20, and for a 50-gallon heater, the cost would be $304.

If the heater is left on 24/7, these costs would increase significantly. For example, if the 30-gallon heater were to run for 24 hours per day, the annual cost would increase to $2,188.80. This is a substantial increase and would result in a much higher electric bill for the user.

Therefore, it is not cost-effective to leave an electric water heater on 24/7. It is more efficient to turn the heater on when hot water is needed and to use a timer to ensure that the heater is not running continuously. This will help to reduce energy consumption and lower the user's electric bill.

Maintenance tips for your water heater

Water heaters are essential appliances, providing hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. Regular maintenance is crucial for their longevity and efficiency. Here are some detailed tips to help you maintain your water heater and keep it running smoothly:

Understand Your Water Heater

Firstly, it's important to understand the basics of your water heater. There are several types of water heaters: tank-style, tankless, heat pump, and solar. Most water heaters have standard components such as a tank, heating element or burner, anode rod, temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve, and a dip tube. Knowing these components will help you service your water heater effectively.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

Keep an eye out for signs that your water heater needs attention. Rusty water, visible corrosion on the tank exterior, water leaks, inconsistent water temperature, strange noises, and a reduced hot water supply are all indications that maintenance is required.

Safety Precautions

When performing maintenance, always put safety first. Turn off the power, shut off the cold water supply, allow the water to cool, wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles, and ensure proper ventilation if you have a gas water heater.

Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide

• Test the TPR valve by placing a bucket under the discharge pipe, lifting the valve's tab, and checking if water flows freely and stops when the tab is released.
• Inspect and replace the anode rod if it's less than 1/2 inch thick or coated with calcium.
• Flush the tank and remove sediment by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve and opening the valve to drain the water. Open the cold water supply briefly to stir up any remaining sediment and continue flushing until the water runs clear.
• Adjust the temperature settings to improve efficiency and safety. Locate the temperature dial and adjust it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Insulate the pipes and the heater tank to reduce heat loss and improve performance. Use self-adhesive foam pipe insulation for the pipes and an insulation blanket for the tank.

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks can be done yourself, there are times when you should call a professional. This includes replacing the anode rod, repairing or replacing the TPR valve, addressing internal tank corrosion, annual inspections for gas water heaters, and replacing heating elements in electric water heaters.

Best Practices to Extend Your Water Heater's Lifespan

To maximize the lifespan of your water heater, perform regular maintenance, address issues promptly, consider installing a water softener if you have hard water, and keep the area around your water heater clean and free of dust and debris.

Pros and cons of leaving the heater on

There are several pros and cons to leaving your RV water heater on all the time.

Pros of Leaving Your RV Water Heater On All the Time:

• You will have hot water ready to go whenever you want it.
• It is one less thing to worry about with your RV.
• The cost is not substantially higher than turning it off and on.
• There is less risk of the heating element burning out.

Cons of Leaving Your RV Water Heater On All the Time:

• You must remember to turn off the propane hot water tank when travelling and entering gas stations.
• Higher fuel use is worse for the environment.
• It may cost more to leave the heater on all the time.

Additional Considerations:

• It is safe to leave your electric-powered RV water heater on all the time, whether stationary or on the road.
• It is not safe to leave your propane-powered RV water heater on all the time while travelling.
• If you are staying at an RV park with shore power, the park will absorb your electricity costs.
• RV water heaters require very little care with semi-annual maintenance.

How to operate an RV water heater

Operating an RV water heater is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, there are different types of RV water heaters: propane (LP) only, gas + electric, tankless, and MotorAid. The type you have will determine how you operate it. Here are some general instructions on how to operate an RV water heater:

Filling and Prepping the Tank:

• Hook a hose to the RV's water intake valve, usually located on the outside of your RV with a blue handle.
• Attach the other end of the hose to a water source, such as a garden hose spigot or a pump at a campsite.
• Turn on the water source and open the intake valve if necessary.
• Fill the water tank up to the fill line, then close the water heater bypass valve to direct water into the water heater.
• Turn on the hot water tap on one of your sinks to bring water through the water heater and ensure the system is working correctly.

Lighting a Propane Heater:

• Open the propane tank on the outside of your RV by turning the knob counterclockwise.
• For an electronic auto-start heater, flip the "Water Heater" switch inside your RV to ignite the pilot light.
• For a manual start heater, open the control panel on the outside of your RV and turn the knob to "Pilot."
• Ignite the pilot light with a long barbecue lighter by pressing the control knob to release propane and sliding the lighter up to the pilot light.
• Once the pilot light is lit, switch the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" to ignite the main heater.

Starting an Electric Heater:

• Connect the RV to a power source by running a power cable to a campsite hookup or another power source.
• Turn on the water heater power switch, usually located inside the cabin and labelled as "Water Heater."
• Wait for the water to heat up, which can take around 60-90 minutes for electric heaters.

Additional Tips:

• Always read the instructions that come with your specific RV water heater model, as different models may have unique operating procedures.
• Remember to turn off the water heater when not in use to conserve energy and ensure safety.
• Perform regular maintenance on your RV water heater, including draining the tank and cleaning the system.
• In cold weather, be sure to winterize your RV water heater to prevent freezing and potential damage.
• Consider using an anode rod to help prevent corrosion and extend the life of your water heater.

Frequently asked questions