Water heater question about $ saving

[Envirobad]

Hi, I know I have a 6 gal water heater.

I am using the trailer for two months parked in Tampa Florida.

What is more economical, using the electrical or gas heater?

If electrical, is it better to turn off the water heater once the daily shower is done or to keep it running. Average outside temperature is 75 during the day and about 60 at nights.

Thank you for your help, I am very curious about that.

JM
Keystone Outback 341 - 2021

[dutchmensport]

If your campsite includes the electricity in the price, then definitely electric is the way to go.

If you have to pay for the campsite and in addition, also pay for your electric usage, then it's about 50/50. Lots of folks have done various comparisons and lots of math and calculations on this subject, and I think the over all consensus, after over 20 years of using RV forums of different types, the general conclusion is, electric is cheaper.

Also, watch this video. Jump to 9 minutes 5 seconds. This entire video is good, but the campground electricity issue is worth listening to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhwht7IiudI

[Envirobad]

Sorry for not mention it: I apy the electricity per comsumption.

Ok, so now, I agree with you about using electricity (since about the same, no need to recharge the gas tank).

My friend is telling me that it is better to turn off the water heater after each usage to then turn it on 1-2 hours before using it. On my side, I am convince that in term of cost, it is about the same as letting it powered 24/24. I dont thing the energy loss when powered is a lot different than the energy used to reheat the tank once power back on it.

Is it clear?

Thanks .

JM

[dutchmensport]

I have found, after years and years of RV use, and 4 different campers, 6 gallon and 12 gallon water heaters, that leaving the propane on all the time is probably more effecient than turning the water heater on and off.

Now, if you are not going to use hot water for a few days in a row, then yes. Turning off the water heater (gas or electric) is better.

Think about this? In your stick and brick house, if you have either a gas or an electric water heater (doesn't matter which), do you turn the water heater off between your hot water usages? I didn't think so. However, if you are leaving your house for a week, do you flip the water heater off in your house?

[Envirobad]

Thanks for that (and thanks also for the video, I first thought it was an Add). Ok, we are on the same page, no worth saving turning off after the shower (especially 2 showers per day, one in afternoon for wife and early morning for me).
THanks again for your experience, it is really appreciated. All the best to you.
JM

[jasin1]

It’s much easier to maintain a temperature rather then raise a temperature 65 degrees.
That’s why it’s recommended with home heating heat pump systems to set it at a temp and forget it…people that turn down the heat when they go to work and then turn it up when they get home likely spend more money on electric…unless you have a smart tstat that learns how long before you arrive to slowly bring the heat up 1 deg at a time

[travelin texans]

If you need to recover hot water quickly turn both gas & electric on at the same time, then afterwards leave one or the other off. I found the price difference in not much different & the electric is easier to deal with.
Have done this in every rv owned for past 40+ years.
The biggest gas hog on a rv is the furnace & there's no option to run it electrically.