RV Propane Heater vs. Electric Furnace: Which Heating Option Is Right for Your RV?
Choosing the right RV heating system depends on how and where you travel. An RV propane heater remains the generally excepted choice for trips without shore power, while electric heat suits stays with a power hookup.
RV Comfort Systems offers electric and hybrid heating options for different RV setups. Our CheapHeat Hybrid Add-on System lets you easily switch between gas and electric heat, and our standalone system provides electric heat for RVs where an add-on does not fit.
How Do Propane and Electric Heat Work?
A propane furnace burns fuel to create heat and has a flue that exhaust ruffly 40% of all of the energy you put in to it out the flue. In both cases the blower moves warm air out through the RV ducts. But the Electric heat uses heating coils to warm the air and has no flue so its 100% efficient, because all the heat goes directly in to the RV duct system even though it uses the same Ducting as the gas furnace. With our Hybrid Add-on System you can add electric heat to a existing gas furnace, and it’s compatible with most propane RV furnaces. Plus It comes with a simple wall switch that lets you select gas or electric, and it works with your existing thermostat and fan motor.
Which Heating Option Fits Your Camping Style?
Start with where you spend most of your trips, then compare the options below:
| Feature | RV Propane Heater |
Standalone Electric Furnace |
CheapHeat Hybrid Add-on System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat source Type |
Propane | Electric heating elements | Propane or electric, selected with a wall switch |
| Best for | Off-grid camping |
Powered campsites and Storage, Freeze Protection |
Powered campsites and Storage, Freeze Protection |
| Shore power needed |
No | Yes | Only for electric heat |
| Shore Power requirements |
None | DH18: 30 or 50 amps Shore Power, or DH37 and DH50: 50 amps Shore Power |
DH18: 30 or 50 amps Shore Power, or DH37 and DH50: 50 amps Shore Power |
| Power levels | Not applicable | 1,800, 3,750, and 5,000 watts, depending on your RV's electrical service |
1,800, 3,750, and 5,000 watts, depending on your RV's electrical service |
| Fan and ducts | Furnace blower and RV ducts |
Its own fan and cabinet, with existing duct or plenum setup |
Existing furnace fan and duct system |
| Furnace compatibility |
Not applicable | Does NOT need a gas furnace in the system. All-Electric |
Select Suburban, Dometic, or Furrion Furnaces |
| Propane use | Primary fuel | None Uses Electric only | Only when Shore power is not available. |
What Makes Electric Heat Useful in an RV?
An electric furnace for RV creates heat with electrical heating elements. Our standalone system has its own fan and cabinet, so it does not need a gas furnace in line with the heater. Its multi-position cabinet also suits RVs with limited space. Electric heat removes the need for a gas flame during electric operation.
For RV owners who want cheaper heating for RV; shore power that benefit. Plus most campgrounds include electricity in the site fee, so using it helps reduce and/or eliminates propane use during those stays.
When Does a Hybrid System Make Sense?
We recommend a hybrid system when you want two heat sources in one setup. Our CheapHeat Add-on System mounts after a compatible gas furnace, and its heating coils use 120 or 240-volt AC power. The existing furnace fan then moves warm air through the duct system.
Power levels of 1,800, 3,750, and 5,000 watts are available, depending on your RV's electrical service.
The system works with both 30-amp and 50-amp shore power setups.
Compatible furnaces include most Suburban, Dometic, and Furrion models.
An RV propane heater still has a role on off-grid trips, while electric heat takes over when shore power is available.
Does Shore Power Change the Decision?
Yes, shore power plays a key role in electric heating. Our DH18 standalone model works with 30 or 50 amps, while the DH37 and DH50 models require 50-amp service. So check your RV's power rating, available space, and duct layout before installing an RV electric furnace conversion.
What Should You Check Before Installation?
Review these details before selecting a system:
Existing furnace model
Available installation space
Duct or plenum layout
Shore power rating
Our standalone system measures 10 inches high, 17.5 inches wide, and 19.5 inches deep, and the ducting discharges off of the front or bottom depending on the application. We recommend confirming furnace compatibility before ordering an add-on system.
How Does Electric Heat Compare During Cold Weather?
Our standalone system provides direct electric heat without a flue. Its models are sized to match different gas furnaces. The DH18, for example, is comparable with a 20,000 BTU furnace and the DH50 is comparable with a 40,000 BTU gas furnace. Electric heat needs shore power or an adequately sized generator, while propane remains an option off-grid. Our hybrid system gives you access to both.
FAQs
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A propane furnace burns gas to create heat and operates at only about 60% efficiency, while an electric furnace is 100% efficient and uses heating coils to warm the air. At RV Comfort Systems, we offer hybrid and standalone systems for RV owners who want electric heat.
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That depends on your camping style. Propane fits off-grid travel, while electric heat fits powered campsites. That said the hybrid heating for RV owners offers both heat sources and more flexibility on every trip.
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Operating cost depends and is generally cheaper, how much cheaper depends on local energy prices and campsite power rules. Electric heat makes 100% use of shore power. Our CheapHeat system also eliminated the heaters propane use when electric heat is available, which helps lower fuel costs during campground stays.
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Electric heating is supplied by electricity and is 100% efficient because it has no flue. Your final operating cost (if any when included in the space rent) still depends on local energy rates and how often you run the system.
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Yes, a standalone electric system replaces a gas furnace in suitable RV layouts. We offer a standalone system with its own fan and cabinet for this type of RV installation. Check your space and electrical capacity first.
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Electric heating needs an electrical supply with enough capacity for the selected system. We offer models for 30-amp and 50-amp service. Available power determines which model fits your RV, so review your electrical rating before ordering.
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Propane use varies with furnace size, run time, weather, and thermostat settings. Our electric and hybrid systems help eliminate propane use when shore power is available. This can lower refill frequency and fuel costs during longer campground stays.
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Electric heat provides a direct source of warmth in cold weather. When the system is properly designed and configured it can heat your RV to temperatures well below freezing. Review our charts to confirm the fit for your coach.
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Installation needs depend on the system and RV layout. Electrical service, cabinet space, duct design, and clearances all matter. We provide product details, compatibility information, installation guidance, and phone support to help you plan a proper setup.
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Your travel style should guide the choice. Electric heat suits powered campsites, while propane fits off-grid use. Our hybrid system combines both options and gives you more heating flexibility throughout the camping season.
Ready to Upgrade Your RV Heating?
Whether you camp at powered sites, travel off-grid, or move between both, the right heating setup makes every trip more comfortable. RV Comfort Systems offers the CheapHeat Hybrid Add-on System and a Standalone All-Electric System, each built to fit different RV layouts and power needs.
Review your furnace, shore power rating, and camping style, then choose the option that suits your coach. Contact us today to explore our electric and hybrid heating options.