Quick AnswerAn RV heat pump provides both cooling and supplemental heating by transferring heat. A heat strip is an electric heating element that adds basic supplemental heat to compatible air conditioners. Both work best in mild temperatures and are not intended to replace an RV furnace in freezing weather. |
Heat Pumps vs Heat Strips
Many RV HVAC systems can provide more than just cooling alone. Depending on the setup, some systems offer heat pump functionality or support optional heat strips to provide supplemental heating during cooler temperatures.
While both can help reduce propane usage, they are not meant to completely replace a furnace in colder climates.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a rooftop unit that provides both cooling and heating. Rather than creating heat directly, heat pumps transfer heat from outdoor air into the RV interior.
Heat pumps may be a convenient option for RV owners who camp in mild to moderately cool temperatures.
Benefits
- Provides heating and cooling in one system
- Can reduce furnace use and save money on propane
- Often most helpful during spring, fall, or mild winter conditions
Things to Consider
- Heating performance decreases as temperatures drop
- Most heat pumps work best when temperatures remain around 40°F or above
- May not provide sufficient heating during freezing conditions
Furrion Chill HE heat pump. You'll notice that heat pump models are usually identical to their AC only counterparts. The only difference is the added heating capability, which lives inside of the unit.
What is a Heat Strip?
A heat strip is an optional electric heating element that can be added to compatible AC only systems to provide supplemental warmth.
Unlike heat pumps, heat strips generate heat directly rather than transferring it from outside air.
Benefits
- Adds basic heating capability to AC only systems
- Can help reduce furnace use during cool weather
- Can help save on propane usage
- Often simpler and lower cost than replacing a rooftop unit with a heat pump model
Things to Consider
- Heat strips are intended to provide supplemental heating, not replace a furnace
- Performance is generally best in milder temperatures
Some examples of what add-on heat strips can look like
Heat Pump vs Heat Strip: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Heat Pump | Heat Strip |
| Provides cooling | Yes | No |
| Provides heating | Yes | Yes |
| How heat is produced | Transfers heat through refrigeration cycle | Electric resistance heating |
| Best temperature range | Mild weather | Mild weather |
| Helps reduce furnace use | Yes | Yes |
| Indended as primary winter heating | No | No |
Can Heat Pumps and Heat Strips Save Propane?
In many cases, yes.
Because both systems use electricity rather than propane, they may help reduce furnace usage during cooler weather. When staying at campgrounds where electricity is included, using a heat pump or heat strip when conditions allow may lower propane consumption and reduce heating costs.
Actual savings willl vary depending on outdoor temperatures, campground power availability, and how much heating is needed.
It is important to remember that neither can completely replace a furnace during intense or prolonged cold weather or freezing temperatures.
Which One is Right for Me?
A heat pump might be the better choice if:
- You frequently travel during spring or fall
- You are replacing an existing rooftop unit
- You would like to avoid installing additional add-on parts
A heat strip may be the better choice if:
- You only need occasional supplemental heat
- You want to add heating capabilities without replacing an existing rooftop unit
- You're looking for a lower-cost heating upgrade
Next Steps
Now that you've decided which type of supplemental heating is the best fit for you, you can begin comparing different rooftop units. All of our rooftop unit pages include a compatibility section to help you choose the right components the first time, with no guessing or digging through product manuals.
If you'd like to continue learning before diving in, you can read our next article: "Understanding Compatibility"
