When it comes to RV water heaters, one of the most common questions that come up is whether or not it is safe to leave them on all the time. Some people argue that leaving the water heater on is convenient and ensures that hot water is always available, while others believe that it is safer to turn it off when not in use. So can you leave your RV water heater on all the time?
Yes, as long as the water heater is properly maintained and there are no signs of damage or wear, it is generally safe to leave your RV water heater on. Just make sure to always keep water in the heater and to turn it off before moving your RV.
There are other factors to consider, all of which we’ll cover in this guide.
Should I Leave My RV Hot Water Heater On?
Many RV owners wonder whether they should leave their RV hot water heater on all the time. The answer is that it depends on the situation.
When To Leave Your RV Water Heater On
If you want hot water available at all times, you can leave your RV hot water heater on. This is especially useful if you have a large family or if you use hot water frequently throughout the day. However, keep in mind that leaving your RV hot water heater on all the time can be costly in terms of energy usage.
When To Turn Your RV Water Off
If you are planning to drain your RV hot water heater or if you are going through tunnels that require you to turn off your propane appliances, you should turn off your RV hot water heater. This will prevent damage to your hot water heater and ensure your safety. Also, you should generally not leave your RV water heater on when the RV is moving.
Safety
It is generally safe to leave your RV hot water heater on as long as there is water in the tank. However, if the tank runs dry, the elements in the hot water heater can burn out, which can be costly to repair. For this reason, it is important to make sure that there is always water in the tank before leaving your RV hot water heater on.
Convenience
Leaving your RV hot water heater on can be convenient, as it allows you to have hot water available whenever you need it. However, keep in mind that this can be costly in terms of energy usage. If you are trying to conserve energy or if you are camping in a location with limited resources, you may want to consider turning off your RV hot water heater when you are not using it.
Pros of Leaving the RV Water Heater On All The Time
Leaving your RV water heater on has its benefits. Here are some of the advantages of keeping it on:
You’ve Always Got Warm Water Ready To Go
One of the biggest advantages of leaving your RV water heater on is that you’ll always have hot water ready to go. This is especially useful if you’re someone who takes frequent showers or if you have a large family. With the water heater on, you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water, which can be a real inconvenience.
Lower Risk Of Burning Out Your Heating Element
Another advantage of leaving your RV water heater on is that it can help reduce the risk of burning out your heating element. When you turn your water heater on and off frequently, it causes the heating element to expand and contract, which can eventually lead to it burning out.
By leaving the water heater on, you’ll reduce the amount of wear and tear on the heating element, which can help extend its lifespan.
Not Having To Turn The Water Heater On And Off
Finally, leaving your RV water heater on means you won’t have to worry about turning it on and off every time you need hot water. This can be a real time-saver, especially if you’re someone who uses hot water frequently throughout the day.
By leaving the water heater on, you’ll be able to get hot water whenever you need it, without having to wait for the water heater to warm up.
Cons of Leaving the Water Heater On
Higher Energy Use
Leaving the RV water heater on all the time can result in higher energy use. The average RV water heater in an RV consumes about 10-12 amps of electricity per hour, which can add up over time. This means that if you leave the water heater on for an extended period, you may see a significant increase in your energy bill.
If you are using a propane-powered water heater, leaving it on all the time can also result in higher propane consumption. This can be a concern if you are dry camping in a remote area with limited access to propane.
It’ll Cost You A Little More
Another disadvantage of leaving the RV water heater on all the time is that it can cost you a little more. The water heater’s elements can be burned out if the tank empties while it is still running.
This means that you need to be careful to restart the heater and the water supply after turning off the hot water tank in your RV. This can increase the cost of maintaining your RV water heater.
Additionally, leaving the water heater on all the time can also result in more wear and tear on the equipment. This can lead to more frequent repairs and replacements, which can add up over time.
Top 7 Things You Need To Know About RV Hot Water Heaters
RV hot water heaters are an essential part of any camping situation, providing hot water for showers, washing dishes, and other needs. Here are some top things you need to know about RV hot water heaters:
Keep The Water Tank Full During Travel
It’s important to keep the RV hot water tank full during travel to avoid damaging the heating element. If the tank runs dry while the heater is still on, it can cause the element to burn out. Be sure to turn off the hot water heater and refill the tank before hitting the road.
Leaving An RV Hot Water Heater On Won’t Shorten Its Lifespan
Contrary to popular belief, leaving an RV hot water heater on won’t shorten its lifespan. These heaters are designed to be left on for extended periods, and turning them off and on frequently can actually cause more wear and tear. However, it’s still a good idea to turn off the heater when you’re not using it to save on energy costs.
Don’t Run Your RV Hot Water Heater Empty!
Running an RV hot water heater empty can cause serious damage to the heating element. The element is designed to be used in water, and running it without water can cause it to burn out. Be sure to refill the tank before turning on the heater.
Turn Off Your Hot Water Heater Before Traveling (Propane and Electric)
It’s important to turn off both propane and electric hot water heaters before traveling to avoid damage. Propane heaters should be turned off at the tank, and electric heaters should be turned off at the circuit breaker. This will prevent the heating element from burning out due to lack of water.
Leaving Your Water Tank On Won’t Give You Longer Showers
Leaving your water tank on won’t give you longer showers. The size of your water tank determines how long you can shower, not whether the tank is left on or off. However, leaving the tank on can help maintain a consistent water temperature.
Remember To Flush The Tank Every 6 Months
It’s important to flush your RV hot water tank every six months to remove sediment and prevent buildup. This will help extend the life of your heater and maintain water quality.
Replace Your Hot Water Heater’s Anode Rod Every Year
The anode rod in your RV hot water heater helps prevent corrosion and should be replaced every year. This is an easy and inexpensive maintenance task that can help extend the life of your heater.
Energy and Cost Considerations
When deciding whether to leave an RV water heater on all the time, energy and cost considerations are important to keep in mind. This section will explore the differences between electric and propane water heaters, fuel consumption, and the financial impact of leaving an RV water heater on.
Electric vs. Propane Water Heaters
There are two main types of RV water heaters: electric and propane. Electric water heaters use electricity to heat the water, while propane water heaters use propane gas.
Electric water heaters are generally more energy-efficient than propane water heaters, but they also take longer to heat up the water. Electric water heaters are a good choice if you plan to stay at a campsite with electrical hookups.
If you plan to boondock or dry camp, propane may be a better option. Propane water heaters are more expensive to run than electric water heaters, but they are also more efficient at heating water.
Fuel Consumption and Costs
Leaving an RV water heater on all the time can have an impact on fuel consumption and costs. Propane water heaters use propane gas, which can be expensive. If you leave your propane water heater on all the time, you may end up using more propane than you need to, which can be costly.
Electric water heaters use electricity, which is generally cheaper than propane. However, if you leave your electric water heater on all the time, you may end up using more electricity than you need to, which can also be costly.
To save on fuel consumption and costs, it’s a good idea to only turn on your RV water heater when you need hot water. If you’re not using hot water, turn off your water heater to conserve fuel and save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time an RV hot water heater should run depends on the size of the tank and the desired temperature of the water. On average, it takes about 20-30 minutes for an RV hot water heater to heat up the water. Once the water has reached the desired temperature, the heater will turn off automatically. It is important to note that leaving the hot water heater on for extended periods of time can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment.
Most RV hot water heaters can run on both gas and electric. The choice between gas and electric depends on the individual’s preference and availability of resources. Electric hot water heaters are more energy-efficient, but they require a reliable source of electricity. Gas hot water heaters, on the other hand, are less energy-efficient but can run on propane, which is readily available at most RV parks.
There is no need to turn off an RV water heater at night. RV hot water heaters are designed to turn off automatically once the water has reached the desired temperature. If you are concerned about conserving energy, you can turn off the hot water heater when you are not using it.
Yes, most RV hot water heaters are designed to turn off automatically once the water has reached the desired temperature. This feature helps conserve energy and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment. Note that leaving the hot water heater on for extended periods of time can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment.
Check out our other helpful RV repair and troubleshooting guides while you’re here:
How To Switch An RV Water Heater From Propane To Electric
No Hot Water In RV: How To Fix It
What To Do If Your RV Water Pump Keeps Running