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Old 11-07-2022, 03:31 PM   #1
Thetraveler
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Water Heater Question

Is it better to leave the water heater on, or turn it on 15m before I need hot water, then turn it off.

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Old 11-07-2022, 03:38 PM   #2
Mikendebbie
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Traveler - please provide your RV year and model number so the smart folks here will know what kind of water heater you have.
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Old 11-07-2022, 04:44 PM   #3
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We've always just left ours on.
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Old 11-07-2022, 04:51 PM   #4
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Always ON..............either propane or electric.
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Old 11-07-2022, 04:53 PM   #5
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If you are attempting to use the water heater in the most frugal cost effective way possible, then it really all depends upon how often you use hot water.

Think about the water heater in your house. Do you turn it on and off every time you plan on using hot water?

Now, between gas and electric? I'm pretty sure electric is a bit cheaper. But, if you have a 30 amp camper and running other appliances, then the electric amp draw on a water heater can be extensive. If using 30 amp, most folks agree running the water heater on propane frees up electric amp usage .... for say .... the microwave!

So, it really depends upon your personal usage. If you use hot water only once a month, ... then yes, turning off the heater makes better sense. If you use hot water several times a day, then turning on and off makes no sense. Once hot, it takes verry, very little effort to keep it hot, on gas or electric.
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Old 11-07-2022, 05:11 PM   #6
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I always leave mine on and on gas.
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Old 11-07-2022, 06:06 PM   #7
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Always on,
If water's cold I think it will take a little more than 15 mins to heat it up to shower temp.
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Old 11-07-2022, 07:13 PM   #8
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Leave it on.
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Old 11-07-2022, 11:40 PM   #9
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I suspect constantly heating a cooling the tank of a water heater could reduce it's life because you could be stressing the metal and glass lining which will cause more cracking and metal fatigue. We never turn off the water heater except if we are going to be away from the rig for more than a couple of days.
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Old 11-08-2022, 04:19 AM   #10
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Sorry, it's a 2022 Montana 3791RD
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Old 11-10-2022, 06:32 AM   #11
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Thank You

Thank you all for your responses!

Steve
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Old 11-13-2022, 01:30 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikendebbie View Post
Traveler - please provide your RV year and model number so the smart folks here will know what kind of water heater you have.
If it is in 'normal' use, no difference. If however there is no need for hot water for a longish period then turn off until needed. How long is longish? That takes expensive test equipment, so since any loss of heat is small and energy costs are what they are, it's a waste of money to test, just leave it on if you live in it, if a weekend warrior turn it off.
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Old 11-13-2022, 04:06 PM   #13
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We have a 3791 as well. We turn it off after use times, and turn it back on prior to need. The heater is real quick to start hot water flowing.

Rarely need hot water outside of meal times and showers.

If you are paying fixed fee for electric like at a camp ground, leave it on if you want. LP is too expensive to leave on though.
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Old 11-13-2022, 04:11 PM   #14
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On unless we leave for an extended period
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Old 11-26-2022, 09:01 AM   #15
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My wife and I have been RVing for 18 years now in Florida over the winter as well as every weekend in Lancaster, Pa. Upon setting up in either Florida or Pa., we always leave our electric hot water heater in the on position. Never had a problem!
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