Community Forums

MarkofSJC · 11-25-2013, 02:59 PM

I just became aware that the heat pump side of Roof AC's doesn't handle cold, only cool temperatures.

If you have both three (3) roof AC's with heat pumps, plus an Aqua-Hot set up, as well as a heated floor through-out the majority of the coach...how much cold can the coach handle and still be comfortable inside?

I understand if I'm hooked up, the heated floors would be my first level, followed by the Aqua-Hot (not using the AC Heat pumps at all), as secondary to keep the coach warm...but what if I have no electrical hook ups?

Could the Aqua-Hot keep the coach warm in a sub-zero blizzard, assuming I had plenty of fuel?

This would be in a 2008 or newer coach with good insulation values in walls, roofs, floors and a heated bay, as well as double pane windows. Could it handle a week-long mid-west blizzard in the negative numbers?

I've got the water sources worked out, I'm just concerned about heating.

All insight appreciated!

Gary RVRoamer · 11-25-2013, 04:12 PM

The Aqua hot is a furnace, so yes it can keep the coach warm in most any weather. The caveat is the coach itself, not the Aqua Hot. Any furnace can supply only so many btus, and if the coach loses heat faster than the furnace(s) can provide it, it will get cold inside. Every new Aquahot model provides at least 65,600 btus of heating, which should be plenty. Whether the heat exchangers in your coach are in the right places, and whether the coach is adequately insulated to retain that heat , is something you must determine for yourself.

Larger caches with LP furnaces typically have more than one. That's because an RV-style LP furnace maxes out at around 36,000 btus each. A dual LP furnace RV often has a 36,000 btu furnace up front and a second 20,000-30,000 btu model for the rear area. About the same total capacity as an Aquahot.

Steve Ownby · 11-25-2013, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkofSJC

I just became aware that the heat pump side of Roof AC's doesn't handle cold, only cool temperatures. If you have both three (3) roof AC's with heat pumps, plus an Aqua-Hot set up, as well as a heated floor through-out the majority of the coach...how much cold can the coach handle and still be comfortable inside? I understand if I'm hooked up, the heated floors would be my first level, followed by the Aqua-Hot (not using the AC Heat pumps at all), as secondary to keep the coach warm...but what if I have no electrical hook ups? Could the Aqua-Hot keep the coach warm in a sub-zero blizzard, assuming I had plenty of fuel? This would be in a 2008 or newer coach with good insulation values in walls, roofs, floors and a heated bay, as well as double pane windows. Could it handle a week-long mid-west blizzard in the negative numbers? I've got the water sources worked out, I'm just concerned about heating. All insight appreciated!

We have lived in our coach in temps down to the mid teens with no issues. The AquaHot has a lot of heating capacity. The big windshield is a significant source of heat exchange since it's not dual pane. Keeping your night shade down up front will help.

Coma · 11-26-2013, 06:07 AM

As we get ready to depart we are keeping the MH warm. It was 15.5 night before and all systems good. Aqua-Hot set to 60 at night 70 during the day. Wet bay at 50F. We have not tried to heat it at 0F and below.

Cat320 · 11-26-2013, 12:07 PM

Heat pumps are only good to around 40. If we have power, we use the floor heat and two Lasko tower AC heaters. With or without power, the AH will keep your coach toasty.