The furnace in your RV is an important part of the comfort control system. It helps to keep you warm during winter camping trips and also circulates air throughout the vehicle. If your furnace isn’t working properly, it can be a huge inconvenience.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how your RV furnace works and provide tips for troubleshooting any problems you may experience.
We’ll also discuss some common furnace repairs that may need to be carried out. So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or just getting started, read on to learn more about RV furnaces!
How does an RV Propane Furnace Work?
RV furnaces work by circulating hot air through a series of ducts that run throughout the rig. The furnace is usually located in a cabinet near the floor, and it has a large blower fan that forces air through the ducts.
A typical RV furnace will have a heating capacity of around 35,000 BTUs, which is enough to comfortably heat most RVs.
As the air circulates through the furnace, it is heated by a gas-fired burner.
The hot air then rises and flows into the ductwork, where it is distributed throughout the RV. Some furnaces also have a built-in thermostat, which allows you to set the desired temperature and will automatically cycle the furnace on and off to maintain that temperature.
One of the benefits of an RV furnace is that it can be used even when you’re not hooked up to a power source. Many RVs have a propane-powered furnace, which means it can run off the same tank that powers your stove and refrigerator.
This is a convenient feature if you like to boondock or dry camp, as it allows you to keep your RV warm even when there is no electricity available.
RV furnaces are an important part of many RVs, and they can be a real lifesaver on cold winter mornings.
If you’re not sure how yours works, or if you need help troubleshooting any issues you’re having, feel free to contact a qualified RV technician. They will be able to help you keep your furnace in good working order, so you can enjoy many warm winters on the road.
How To Troubleshoot RV Furnace If It Not Working?
If your RV furnace isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can check before calling a technician.
Steps 1:- First, make sure that there is power running to the furnace. If you’re plugged into an RV park’s electrical system, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if you’re dry camping or boondocking, you may need to check your RV’s batteries to make sure they’re still working.
Steps 2:- Next, take a look at the thermostat and make sure it’s set to the correct temperature. If it is, then you’ll want to check the furnace itself to see if anything is blocking the airflow.
If there doesn’t seem to be any power getting to the furnace, or if the furnace isn’t igniting, then you’ll need to call a technician.
Common RV Furnace/Heater Repairs
There are a few repairs that are commonly needed for RV furnaces.
1- One of the most common is replacing the igniter. The igniter is what lights the burner inside the furnace, and over time it can become worn out or damaged. If your furnace isn’t igniting, it’s likely because the igniter needs to be replaced.
2- Another common repair is cleaning or replacing the air filter. The furnace’s air filter helps to remove dust and debris from the air, and if it gets too clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat.
If you notice that your furnace isn’t working as well as it used to, or if it’s making strange noises, then it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a technician.
They will be able to diagnose any problems and make the necessary repairs so you can keep your RV warm all winter long.
Common Problems With RV Furnaces & How to Fix Them?
There are some common problems with RV furnaces
RV furnaces are generally very reliable, but like any other appliance, they can sometimes have problems.
Here are a few common furnace issues and what you can do to fix them:
1- The furnace won’t turn on
This is usually caused by a problem with the thermostat or the propane tank. Check the thermostat to make sure it’s turned on and set to the correct temperature. If the thermostat is fine, then check the propane tank to make sure there’s enough fuel.
If the tank is empty, you’ll need to refill it before the furnace will work.
2. The furnace turns off too soon
This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
If the filter is clogged, it will restrict the airflow to the furnace, causing it to turn off prematurely.
3. The furnace won’t stay lit
If the furnace ignites but then goes out shortly afterwards, this is usually caused by a faulty thermocouple.
The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the flame is lit and signals the gas valve to stay open. If it’s not working properly, the furnace will turn off as soon as it ignites.
4. The furnace is making strange noises
If the furnace is making loud banging or popping noises, this is usually caused by something called “kettling.”
Kettling is when the water in the heat exchanger boils and makes noise. It’s not harmful to the furnace, but it can be annoying.
If you’re having any problems with your RV furnace, the best thing to do is call a qualified technician.
FAQs- How Do RV Furnace/Heaters Works?
How do I turn on my RV furnace?
To turn on your RV furnace, make sure that the propane tank is turned on. Then, set the thermostat to the desired temperature and wait for the furnace to come on.
How long does an RV furnace take to heat up?
It usually takes about 15 minutes for an RV furnace to heat the rig. However, this will vary depending on the size of your RV and the outside temperature.
What temperature should I set my RV furnace too?
The temperature you set your RV furnace to depends on how cold it is outside. In general, you should set the thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you run the RV furnace all night?
Yes, you can run your RV furnace all night if you need to. However, it is important to keep an eye on the propane tank to make sure you don’t run out of fuel.
It’s also a good idea to open a window slightly to let some fresh air in, as running the furnace all night can make the RV a little stuffy.
Why Is My RV furnace running but no heat?
If your RV furnace is running but not producing any heat, the most likely culprit is a dirty air filter.
Another possibility is that the thermostat is turned off or set to the wrong temperature.
Lastly, it could be that the pilot light is out. If this is the case, you’ll need to relight it following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Why Is My RV furnace blowing cold air?
There are a few possible reasons why your RV furnace might be blowing cold air.
One possibility is that the thermostat is set to the “fan” setting instead of “heat.” Another possibility is that the pilot light is out.
Lastly, it could be that the furnace is low on propane. If this is the case, you’ll need to refill the propane tank.
Final Words
The furnace in an RV is a propane-powered device that heats the air inside the vehicle. It works by burning propane and using the heat from that combustion to warm up the air around it.
This hot air is then circulated throughout the RV by way of the ducts, warming up everything inside.
The furnace has two main components: the burner and the blower.
The burner is what burns the propane, while the blower circulates the heated air around the RV.
There are several things you can do to keep your RV furnace running well. Make sure you have a good supply of propane, keep all vents and filters clean, and check your flame color regularly.
If your RV furnace stops working properly, there are several things you can try before taking it in for repairs. Try cleaning or replacing the filters, checking for blockages in the ducts, or troubleshooting with your manual. If all else fails, take it to a qualified technician.
I hope this guide was helpful. If you have any further questions about troubleshooting RV furnaces, feel free to contact a qualified RV technician. They will be able to help you keep your furnace in good working order, so you can enjoy many warm winters on the road.