RV Heat Pump Advantages And When To Use It.

Today I wanted to share with you why we installed an Air Conditioning Unit on the RV in the Fall. It was for the use of the Heat Pump option. A Heat Pump can be a very helpful and convenient form of heat for RVing. I also think spring and fall are the perfect times to be using the heat pump option in an RV.
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[@AllAboutRVs]

So far the coldest we have used this heat pump is 30ºf outside and it is still working that low. I can tell it's not as efficient as when it is in the 40s outside but it still was heating the RV.

[@vincebotkin1960]

I actually bought a portable radiator heater from Home Depot and use it in my trailer. Warms the trailer great and no noise.

[@ogaddcb]

The thing I was amazed about the RecPro A3800 was the running loads. I have my air conditioning circuit Isolated so I can just run it independently. According to my Kill-A-Watt it was just humming along at 11-15 amps AC. I tried off my inverter I was at 20 AMPS DC FAN Only. My little Honda EU 2000 runs the RecPro A3800 isolated just fine. HOUGHTON claims the A3800 factory install soft start. Plus, so much more quitter inside than the Dometic unit I took off. IMHO, well worth the price premium for the RecPro A3800.

[@preachers4135]

Thanks for sharing! Definitely a great option I’ll keep in mind if my Coleman Mach gives up the ghost. It pulls the same amount of amps but is very noisy inside (wind rushing sound).

[@stephencantbewrong8250]

Fantastic! Answers a couple questions we have had thinking about our heat pump.

[@sethmoniz915]

Thank you for this amazing video. Jared your videos have made my rving experience countless times better.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks, glad it has helped

[@garryhammond3117]

Very interesting Jared! - Nice to have multiple options (We use a small ceramic heater instead of the fireplace) - Thanks! - Cheers!

[@dmbrew54]

Have this heat pump and love it. I wish someone would put a video out on how to take the cover off when unit is installed on roof and how to service it. It doesn't seem to be that simple.

[@Bearith]

Your videos are very helpful for our RV trips. Thank you! Heaters/ACs fail with time. This is an interesting alternative replacement. i look forward to the additional testing information for this heat pump. (Coldest operating temp, soft start current draw, & overall impressions after using it this winter) Thanks again.

[@djgodden]

Same one we bought last year. It's our #2 unit.

[@rtropson]

What a great explanation of heat pumps. My husband is investigating this option for our home as we need to replace our air conditioner. We live in a cold climate so any way we can reduce our heating expenses is helpful. Now I understand what he was trying to explain to me about how they work. Thanks I'm going to have him watch this.

[@davidcameron2366]

The lowest end home heat pumps currently available tend to work very well down to about 17°F. Cold climate home heat pumps are capable of heating well down into the negative degrees Fahrenheit.

[@johntill2242]

I have 3 heatpumps on my 2004 rig. If you get a new RV or replace your old AC get a heatpump. I am a full timer and they are great for 40 degrees and up. New ones probably work at lower Temps. Great video!

[@joinrjourney2589]

This was awesome, I've always wondered what the performance difference is between fireplace and heat pump options - well done as always

[@mikeehrhart9488]

Great video!!

[@debbiewilson4443]

Just bought our rec pro and then saw this video. THanks for the info

[@peteengard9966]

Put a mini split system in my house 2 years ago. Big enough outside unit to run 5 heads. Running 3 heads two large and one small. Had no reason to run the furnace in the winter in the north east. Best investment ever. Why RVs don't have more, is beyond me.

[@patzbit9562]

TY TY TY! I knew you were going to have the Wh power info I needed! I'm running 2650 watt Solar panel system with 3 EG4 Batteries and needed a more efficient heating solution. With your info I think you pushed me over the fence to upgrade to this unit. Hopefully your JAREDRV code will put $ in both of our pockets!

[@WILDEBILL308]

Great video. Yes the heat pump is a greatly misunderstood device. When all they are is your AC running in reverse. They work great down to around 40 deg. In my last RV it was wierd into the thermostat and would automatically switch to the furnace if the temperatures got to low.

[@AllAboutRVs]

I like that yours will switch over to the furnace which is a handy option.

[@explor794]

thank you this is the first video I could find that showed the noise levels. I wound up using an oil heater from Lowe’s with the quietest fan. I could find.

[@deanwoodard4830]

A great information video

[@ClayFire2]

Hey Jared thank you for all that awesome videos! I am looking at this exact model and wanted to see when you plan on doing the full review on this unit. I am most interested in the heat pump part but want to see how it all worked overall. Again I appreciate it!

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@sr71ramjet44]

I’ve never been a fan of heat pumps because it never got the room warm enough. Perhaps it’s time to give it a second chance. Going on a long trip that would make using the heat pump appropriate. Thanks for the update and keep up the great/useful videos. 😊

[@AllAboutRVs]

I hope it works well for you.

[@deepsea5107]

There's a good chance that your heat pump will draw less amps in air conditioning mode than your previous air conditioner. Win - Win!! We run a heat pump year round in our home up here in Maine. It is a Mitsubishi Hyper Heat H2i. We love itI. I wish Mitsubishi would produce a Hyper Heat H2i for RV use. It would be a game changer.

[@mattangerman8810]

I’m thinking about putting this in the garage of my toy hauler. I think it’ll work great for my use.

[@CdotForbes13]

this video is great, I was wondering the same thing with the REcPro unit that supplies heat as well

[@bradplueger7951]

Thanks for pointing out when it is a good time to use your fireplace vs furnace vs heat pump during certain conditions. Your comments are spot on. The fourth heat option is plug-in electric heaters in order to save on propane and supplement the fireplace if you don't have a heat pump. As usual, great video!

[@chriskibodeaux9818]

That’s just silly! Why would u plug in a heater when u already have 2 heating options! 3 if u have a heat pump installed!

[@preachers4135]

@@chriskibodeaux9818 More options / back ups are a good thing.

[@chriskibodeaux9818]

@@preachers4135 not really!

[@thomaspearce7704]

We all three options Jared has, plus we have a ceramic electric heater we use sometimes in the bedroom at night. Propane heater and heat pump are “whole coach” options. As Jared pointed out the fireplace is basically a 1500 watt electric space heater, fixed in the living area. It’s nice to have an option to heat just the bedroom when needed.

[@tjburns904]

We recently purchase the RecPro 15K, hopefully installing this week. We're soon going to be full-timing on our property while our new home is built. Hoping this unit helps through the Texas "winter". Thanks for the review!

[@mattangerman8810]

Any update on the recpro ?

[@tjburns904]

@@mattangerman8810 So far it's been great. Heat pump worked very well in 30 degree temps when a cold front blew through. The install was incredibly easy, according to the RV repair place we used. Was plug-and-play. The only confusing part has been the automatic mode has been a little tricky but that's just some research I haven't done yet.

[@mattangerman8810]

@@tjburns904 thanks for the update. I’m most likely going to have this installed in the garage of my toy hauler.

[@NackDSP]

That heat pump is surprisingly quiet. Most RV heating and cooling equipment seems to be the very worst. The furnace and AC in my RV are loud and inefficient and as cheaply made as possible. Mounting anything that vibrates at the center of an RV roof essentially makes it into a very efficient loudspeaker, amplifying any noise the machine makes. Any mini split system on the market will be quieter, more efficient and will work down to very low temperatures, some below zero. When I get a chance I will dump my roof AC in a ditch right next to the loud and heavy Onan generator and put in a minisplit.

[@ki-rort]

We have found ceramic heaters work well for heating with electricity.

[@anngustavson2645]

That's what we use...heats our 21' unit in no time.

[@brettchevy1870]

I added a Colemen Mach 15 HP to our Reflection 315. I wanted a 2nd AC in the front of the trailer, and it was only a couple extra hundred dollars to get it. Grand Design doesn't offer the option of the HP, so I did it on my own after the purchase. It heats wonderfully and there is an option to add an additional heat strip like other ACs can, but I don't have that. I've measured with an IR gun and I see around 130 degrees blowing from the closest duct from the unit. It's nice to be able to leave the HP on when gone and not worry about a propane appliance. Also, with the correct thermostat, it can control the HP and if it gets too cold and the HP can't keep up it will kick on the propane furnace. Electricity is included where we camp so I'm not paying more to run it and I save $$ on propane and having to go fill bottles more often.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Very nice.

[@tg9388]

Amen, same deal here, but I'm going to order this now before cold arrives

[@terrystearns9463]

The fireplace is the same as any 1500 watt heater even a $20 one. Just pretty.

[@tg9388]

This is exactly what I was looking for to help during cold weather in my 22 278BH, have you ever tested the air flow and temperature in each vent from our suburban 35k furnace, I only have air on the steps by door and small amount in the master bedroom & the vent under the flip counter. Bath and Bunkhouse have zero air/heat.

[@jameshancock]

A good heat pump is good to at least -5F being more efficient than electric and on par with propane. So if this doesn’t easily handle freezing, get another one that works well.

[@AllAboutRVs]

It has worked great so far. We will continue to test it over the winterize

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@Jim-qx5zn]

I was using the heat pump in my rv recently when temps were getting down in the 40s, but switched to the furnace after a few nights. In my '22 Montana with Coleman Mach, the heat pump is noisy, it ran almost continuously, and heat distribution was very low volume - the ceiling vents in the bedroom barely had any warm air coming out. My furnace put out more heat, ran less, and was quieter. I think every RV will vary.

[@harold-miller]

Great video! I was checking out their website and they show that you don’t need a soft start with this as it states that it will consume 16 amps at startup. Would be interested to see how that compares with a traditional unit.

[@preachers4135]

Do they advertise how many amps it draws once it’s running?

[@dalboltv9747]

Are you going to post any installation tips ?

[@jasonroberts8408]

I removed the propane furnace in my 5th wheel and installed a Webasto diesel heater. It keeps it toasty in below zero temps and use only 10-20 gallons a month when its that cold.

[@CT9905.]

Can you make a video about Propane Tank Warmer’s, I use three of them, two for the Rv and one for the 6500 watt generator.

[@shawnpowers7975]

Thank you for the video! I see you previously had a Furion unit, how does this new unit compare to the Furion? Did you have any issues with the Furion? Our AC went out on our last camping event, so starting the research for the replacement. We currently have a Dometic AC and hoping to find something that isn't so loud.

[@lancecrowe2565]

Duel fuel system for an RV. That’s the route I’m going at my house when the current system reaches its expiration point. Good to use in an RV park when your electricity is already included.

[@inmyimage1081]

Our Jayco North Point came with a Cole Mach low profile AC with heat pump installed and thus integrated with our ducted system. Works really well down to 40 degrees and supplements with furnace if the temperature drops more than 3 degrees below the set temp on the thermostat. I just turn on the furnace before I go to sleep when the temps are projected to drop below 40.

[@claudius622]

I

[@inmyimage1081]

@@claudius622 No our Jayco had it already installed by the factory. If you need to upgrade your ac either way, I’d recommend the Mach. If you are just thinking about an alternative then I’d say it would really depend on how much you use your furnace on average. We are traveling full time and it definitely saves on a lot of propane.

[@inmyimage1081]

@@claudius622 Oh, and I don’t think there is all that much difference in the install because it’s all in one unit. Had to replace the birdcage in one and stole the one from the other, slightly smaller, non-heat pump AC and didn’t notice anything significantly different between them.

[@claudius622]

@@inmyimage1081 i have a 2021 Jayco Pinnacle 32Rlts and the dealership will replace under warranty my roof membrane. So I'm thinking of replacing the a/c central unit by a a/c with a heat pump. Now I have a Bmpro controller, so I think I will have to install a separate thermostat.

[@inmyimage1081]

@@claudius622 Don’t know about the controller. Pretty sure my thermostat is just a standard one for the Mach line because it’s the same one for the AC in the bedroom. I assume the heat electric function is just enabled by the presence of the extra control wires.

[@Idahovandal4ever]

Here's a question most of us don't like to think about.....Since you purchased your RV, how much weight have you added in accessories, solar, other modifications and upgrades of all kinds?

[@JJ-Journeys]

Hi Jared, did you switch out a second a/c unit that was already on the roof for installation or was it a lot more in-depth installation?

[@1970brewcrew]

I am a hvac installer, I do about 15 mini splits a year. I just don't get how they hold up under all the earthquakes going down the road with the flare fittings.

[@AllAboutRVs]

I’m watching for one made for RVing with a form factor that works better for a mobile application.

[@woodchucker23]

@@AllAboutRVseco-cool by Gree/Tosot (same AC rebranded) is a mini split variable inverter heat pump repackaged as an RV roof AC. I don’t think I could ever go back to legacy RV ac brands until they can match or exceed what this thing can do.

[@user-cy1ig2gd5s]

Great video about the heat pump. Just recently ordered a GD 298bh and will be looking to add heat pump like this. Have you thought about installing something like the “Twin Hornet 45 700w Boat Bilge Engine Compartment Heater” in the underbelly of your RV? That way you don’t have to worry about the pipes freezing and you could use just the heat pump or electric heat in the RV?

[@thomaspearce7704]

I can’t speak for Jared, but heat pumps don’t work below 36-40 degrees. So, if the temp is below freezing, you pretty much need to run your propane furnace, anyway. It is a good thought, tho. I have something similar in my front storage area where my lithium batteries are (and no other heat source is available).

[@user-cy1ig2gd5s]

@@thomaspearce7704 Appreciate the feedback. The heat pump at my house works all the way down to the mid 20s before the emergency coil heat kicks in. Not sure heat pumps on RVs work as well. Along with suggesting the twin hornet I was also suggesting ceramic or other electric heat to supplement when it’s to cold for the heat pump. Of course assuming you don’t want to run gas which can be more costly.

[@thomaspearce7704]

@@user-cy1ig2gd5s You are correct. These rooftop RV units are not nearly as efficient as the units designed to be heat pumps. It’s like they are taking what they can get for a heat pump with a rooftop AC design. Jared said his worked down to 36 degrees. That would be a big improvement over the older units. Here’s hoping they keep getting better

[@christopherwilkie2351]

do you have a video of the actual AC/Heat pump install, by chance?

[@rafdecc]

I JUST PURCHASED A COLEMAN MACH 15 QUIET HEAT PUMP. I HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT. CAN YOU DO A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO SPEC'S??? THANK YOU VERY TIMELY RON FROM SOUTHERN NJ. I WANTED TO DO THE MINI SPLIT BUT DECIDED AGAINST IT FOR SIMILAR REASONS. THE MINI SPLIT CAN HEAT AT MUCH LOWER TEMPS.

[@terrysmiles8599]

Propane mr heater I use to heat my rv all winter

[@poisonousheathen2459]

Hey Jared, has the recpro heat pump raised or lowered your energy cost since installing it. Also I just installed the same unit on my rv and was wondering if the fan is supposed to run constantly.

[@georgeebroussard7596]

Inverter heat pumps run without surges, and are very efficient to amp usage so you can run easily with your solar - the heat pump you replaced Has the same 50 year technology because of the compressor vs the inverter, also, the newest technology runs and heats with a 32 seer vs the compressor with 13 seer, they can be had for direct replacement with current AC heat pumps or RV AC IN LOW PROFILES) do a little research, yes they are expensive, but would pay for themselves in couple of years. Thank you for all your excellent videos! But check out the RV heat pumps with inverter rather than the old compressor motors.)

[@johnadventure1483]

Do you have any Air-conditioning models you have seen this in? I would be very interested. The ones I have seen aren't available for the U.S.

[@stewartmhyre1528]

Will be interested to know if the new AC/heat pump is quieter than the original AC unit and is it more energy efficient.

[@AllAboutRVs]

When it is ducted it is quieter than our Colman Mach 15,000 unit but when we open it up to dump into the room it seams about the same or a little louder. I’ll have to put the meter on it.

[@MYCHANNELWITHMYSTUFF]

Unless you have a thermostat in your underbelly the furnace will do little to keep your pipes safe below 25F

[@AllAboutRVs]

We go in the mid teen ºF often and occasionally down in single digits.

[@coreymerritt7742]

Hi Jared did you have a option for second ac in your trailer or did you run new wiring or replacement of existing ac thanks

[@beverlyheatherdale4898]

I second that. Is it just plug and play?

[@AllAboutRVs]

We put this one where our original one was and moved our original to a new spot. It was a very simple install in an existing/pre wired prep opening.

[@chrisfigueroa3486]

After a year of using. Would you still recommend this recpro

[@grimmwerks]

Hey we have a heat pump ac and the heat pump used to work but is not now. We’ve never used the furnace (never used the propane as we’ve got a beefy solar). The heat pump light on the thermostat is blinking, and I was told we have to do some sort of reset? We’ve been following 70 degree weather for the most part.

[@terrysmiles8599]

Tell me how you use your heat pump meaning what do I do I my thermostat to turn the heat pump on??

[@AmericanSurvival001]

Heat pumps are ( essentially and air condition running in reverse, and draws massive amps so its a solar battery killer, bester to use a heater similar to the electric fireplace... so yeah " NO" to heat pump on an RV when you factor in limited use because of season unless your staying full time in RV parks.

[@AllAboutRVs]

We like the electric fireplace too but the heat pump put out more heat than the electric fireplace for less power. When we are off grid we don’t do extended times of electric heat, propane is the way to go in that case.

[@TheAndrettiDog]

Are new AC units like this including soft start capabilities to run off grid from battery/Inverters?

[@AllAboutRVs]

This one claims to but I will test it out. My guess is it doesn’t bring it down as far as the MicroAir East start does.

[@NikkiandJason95]

It lists a max amp draw of 16 amps. I look forward to seeing your test results.

[@terryhaynes1596]

Like Hohn said, not economical for me at this time. But, when the existing ac does and it is time to replace it, a heat pump is certainly a great consideration. There is also an option to add a heating element to an existing ac unit that is not a heat pump. This is a simple and cost effective DIY option.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Yes good to be mindful of it when it comes time for a new one.

[@preachers4135]

Terry, my rig came with said heat strips. Sorry to say but they, or at least mine, are pretty much useless. They consume almost 2,000 watts, with the fan speed on low the exiting air is mildly warm and insufficient to heat the rig. In contrast an electric (ceramic) space heater using 750-1,000 watts heats my rig to 70* relatively quickly. I also installed diesel air heaters that work great so depending on temp, current cost of fuel / electricity I use the more cost saving one as my primary heater and the other as a backup.

[@terryhaynes1596]

@@preachers4135 thank you for the tip. Glad I didn’t add the heat strip. Having a fifth wheel, I probably won’t install a diesel fueled heater, but I’ve read very positive reviews of those that installed them in motor homes.

[@geneharshaw751]

Hi Jared, I’ve heard that the fan runs continuously on these RecPros when the AC is on. Fan doesn’t shut off between cooling cycles. Are you seeing this as well with yours?

[@poisonousheathen2459]

I also have one and have the same question. My fan also runs constantly.

[@claudius622]

Interesting Video. Do you know how many Btu per square foot is required to maintain and heat down to 30 ? I am questioning the need to have 2 ac with heat pump instead of just 1 in my FW ?

[@AllAboutRVs]

We have been happy with just the one Heat pump down that low. If it gets colder than that we start having the furnace kick on to keep the underside warm for pipes.

[@claudius622]

Thank you. I made some search and in theory, HVAC contractors use a rule of thumb to allocate 20 BTUS to every square foot of space inside your home. There's also other factors but 12000 btus should be good for my 32 Rlts.

[@claudius622]

@@AllAboutRVs that's a good way of thinking!

[@johnhines3591]

Yes, heat pumps are more efficient, but $1,300. Would take a lot of years to break even on cost. A $50 portable heater is more cost effetive. You must be on shore power to use heat pump. I can buy a LOT of propane for the cost of a AC/ heat pump. I understand your channel is about new things on the market, new ideas & such. But also mention real costs on things.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Yes it shows the cost in the video and we already wanted a second AC so it made sense to get one with a heat pump and use it when we are on shore power. We also use portable heaters when it’s fitting but we would also only use those when on shore power.

[@brianroth7852]

C4YT!!!

[@chrisc6874]

Since most camp sites include electric, why not just use electric heaters , or a few of them if needed (like the small ceramic 1500w heaters)

[@jimandellenmeadows6244]

Do you need to add the insert like what is added to normal rooftop units to help air flow?

[@AllAboutRVs]

Those always help the airflow for ducted units but you loose the ability to open it up and have the air come right out. We have one AC with the RV Airflow and one without

[@mikebrooks6126]

I think it's also important to remember that heat pumps loose efficiency the closer the outside temp gets to 40F, Much below 40F they won't work as a heat source.

[@mum2jka]

This is what I thought too, that you can’t use them when the temperature outside is too low but still not freezing. 🤷‍♀️

[@AllAboutRVs]

I’m going to continue testing it to see how it does over the winter and when the drop off is for this particular heat pump.

[@mikebrooks6126]

@@AllAboutRVs we have the Dometic version in our Montana HC and testing I've done showed the heat drops off around 41F. Your model being newer might have better/different results.

[@deepsea5107]

We live in Maine and heat/cool our tiny house (500 square feet) year round with a Mitsubishi Hyper Heat H2i. We've had nights where the temp dropped to -20 and the Mitsubishi still pumped out enough heat to keep us warm. We do have a propane fireplace as a backup, just in case..... C'mon Mitsubishi: build a Hyper Heat H2i for the RV market!