Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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Olmedic wrote:In our first 3 months of FTing, we used electric for our water. But, we also used up an element. After consulting with the manufacturer, they informed us that they recommend gas if we are full time, because the elements will erode away under heavy use............
'Used' up an element OR Burned up an element???
We have been full timing for 3 1/2 yrs.....use CG electricity 80% of time and propane 20%. Haven't 'used' up an element yet.
Now, burned up an element......that can happen very quickly if on electric and no water in heater but that's because of 'no water in heater' not from using electric vs gas.
What type of water heater do you have......Atwood or Suburban???
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BarbaraOK
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It use to be that propane was always cheaper. Not any more. Depending upon the price of propane, electricity may be cheaper. First no propane water heater is 100% effective. Probably 75-80% would be a good measure. Most calculators out there don't take that into effect. I just multiple the cost of the kwh times 20 and if that is less than the cost of propane the use electric; if not use propane.
Last winter we were in Mesa where electricity at our site was 11ยข kwh so if propane was less than $2.20/gallon then propane would be cheaper. Our propane fill up before arriving in Mesa was $2.98/gallon - so we used electricity for water heater, frig, and ran the electric heaters on low at night. Furnace only came on very seldom during the early morning. We used maybe 10 gallons of propane for 3 months and our electric bills were ~ $50/month.
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cabanaman
florida
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We always use electric unless we need quick heat.
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BarbaraOK
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I'm wondering do you have a Suburban and the sacrificial rod was used up? I just can't imagine burning up the heating element unless you didn't have water in it and left it on.
Barb
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Olmedic
Indiana/ Usa
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Element was eroded off about 2 inches from the hub of the element. It is a suburban.
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BarbaraOK
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Olmedic wrote:Element was eroded off about 2 inches from the hub of the element. It is a suburban.
What about the sacrificial rod? Was that all gone? What kind of water were you using? Almost sounds like the rod was gone and you were somewhere with very corrosive water to start on the element.
Barb
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DianneOK
Donnelly, ID
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Moved from Fulltimimg
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