Best Heater for RV Living? Let’s get cozy this winter!

How to Choose The Best Heater for Your RV or Small Space

It’s 2023 and it’s the middle of February, according to the weather reports here on Vancouver Island, we are about to come into yet another week of winter. Temps are in the minus, and snow is in the forecast. Staying warm in an RV can be really challenging, read my blog post about Winter Living in an RV here. I decided to do a separate blog post for heating your RV because there are just so many options out there these days. It’s important to keep in mind that you may need to run your onboard furnace in order to keep your pipes and tanks from freezing, every RV is different, but in my Aclass my tanks are enclosed in the basement and I have to run the furnace through that ducting in order to keep them from freezing. With that in mind, I supplement my heat with a couple of different things on cold winter Canadian days(check out our blog post about living off the grid in winter).

Choosing the best heater for RV Living involves considering several important factors, such as the type of heater, fuel source, size, and safety features. Here are some key things to keep in mind when selecting an RV heater:

• Type of heater: There are different types of heaters that can be used in an RV, including propane, electric space heater, and diesel heaters. Propane heaters are the most common type and offer efficient and reliable heat. Electric space heaters are less expensive but may not provide enough warmth in extremely cold temperatures. Diesel heaters are more expensive and can be harder to install but they can also be more efficient than propane or electric heaters.
• Fuel source: The fuel source for your RV heater is an important consideration. Propane heaters are the most popular and readily available, but you should also consider the availability of propane refills at your destination. If you plan on camping in areas where propane is scarce, an electric or diesel heater may be a better option.
• Size: The size of the heater should be appropriate for the size of your RV. A heater that is too small may not be able to provide enough warmth, while one that is too large can be wasteful and expensive.
• Safety features: Safety should be a top priority when choosing an RV heater. Look for heaters with built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-off, overheat protection, and low oxygen sensors. There is no point in having a good heater if it’s not the safest heater for camper use.
• Efficiency: An efficient heater can help reduce your overall energy costs. Look for heaters with high-efficiency ratings and consider features such as adjustable thermostats and programmable timers to help manage energy consumption. It’s important to find the most efficient heater for RV living whether you’re plugged in or off grid. Efficiency is how much power you will draw from your limited power.
• Noise level: If you plan to use the heater while you sleep, consider the noise level of the unit. Look for models that operate quietly, so they won’t disturb your rest.
• Price: RV heaters can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping and choose a heater that provides the best value for your money.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best RV heater for your needs and keep your living space warm and comfortable during your travels. I have been full-time in an RV since 2009 I have tried a few different heaters in my time, and we are going to discuss the ones I tried personally and the ones the internet likes the most(check out our custom camping gear gift shop).

In my Class A I usually would have full hookups in the winter. I have been full-time since 2009 and I am on my second infrared heater. I had the first one for over 10 years! That’s a really great ROI (return on investment). Here in Canada, my electric bill in the winter is significantly higher than it is for the rest of the year, and that’s because I supplement my propane furnace with an electricity drawing heater. I use a heated mattress pad read my review here.

1. Infrared Cabinet Heater- Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater

I must have spent months researching the best heater for RV living when I got my first infrared cabinet heater back in 2010. That unit lasted me well over 10 years and did a pretty decent job of keeping my living space warm during the winter. The nice thing about infrared heat is that it’s dry heat and here in Canada humidity becomes an issue trying to keep your RV warm in the winter months! Read my blog post about the best dehumidifier for RV living here. This is my go-to heater for keeping my RV warm in the winter months.

Dr. Infrared Heater works in a similar way as sunlight, by warming objects rather than air. The infrared heat feels natural and is one of the most efficient heaters for RV life. It maintains its efficiency by using 100 percent of the heat produced, which creates almost no loss in heat transfer at a low cost. The Dr. Infrared heater is made to last you through many winters, therefore it comes equipped with a removable filter that is easy to clean and replace, allowing for a fresh start every time it’s needed. Wattage indicates the amount of electricity needed to power the heater–not the amount of heat it can deliver. Dr.Infrared Heater’s advanced heating system enables greater heat production without using any more power with a high-efficiency blower that delivers an average of 250°F at 3.5m/s to your room versus competing heaters that can do only 155°F at 2.2m/s. 

2. Oil Filled Radiant Style

I also have this style of heater in my AClass RV. It works really well, I feel like it draws less power because it’s just running at a steady pace with no fans or cycling on and off, it’s great for chilly days, but not for COLD ones. I will use it and the infrared and the furnace on those COLD days!

Oil-filled radiant heaters use a special type of oil as a heat reservoir. The oil is heated by an electric heating element, and the heat is then transferred to the surrounding air through the radiator’s fins.

These heaters are often preferred by some people because they tend to be quieter and provide a more consistent heat and even distribution compared to other types of space heaters, such as fan-forced heaters. They also tend to be more energy-efficient than other types of electric heaters, as they use the oil as a heat reservoir to maintain a more constant temperature and do not need to run as frequently.

One advantage of oil-filled heaters is that they are safer than many other types of space heaters. Because the oil is contained within the unit and not exposed to the air, there is less risk of a fire hazard or accidental burns. Additionally, many models come with built-in safety features such as overheat protection and tip-over protection.

Oil-filled radiator style space heaters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can typically be used to heat rooms of different sizes. They are also generally portable and easy to move from room to room as needed.

Overall, if you are looking for a safe and energy-efficient way to heat a room, an oil-filled radiator style space heater may be a good option to consider. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions to ensure safe and effective use.

3. Diesel Parking Heater aka Diesel Air Heater aka Chinese Diesel Heater

I have really mixed feelings about these things. I bought a Vevor 3kw. It had a mixed amount of good to bad reviews. I think if you are a handy person both mechanically and technically you should definitely get one of these heaters. They are not as cheap as everyone seems to think they are, at least not here in Canada. You need a really good power source to run it. They do give off a decent heat though if you get one that works! Read my blog post about my CDH here. I would consider putting a self-contained style in my Class A basement to pipe through the existing furnace ducting in the front end. I probably would purchase a different brand as I had a bit of a nightmare with Vevor the first time around.

They are commonly used to provide heat in vehicles, such as cars, trucks, RVs, and boats, as well as in other outdoor or indoor spaces. Most of my research showed them to be the safest heater for campers and one of the few you could sleep with safely at night.

The operation of a Chinese diesel heater typically involves the use of a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger, and a fan. The heater draws in cold air from the surrounding environment and passes it over the heat exchanger, which is heated by the combustion of diesel fuel in the combustion chamber. The heated air is then blown out into the space by the fan, providing warmth and comfort.

One advantage of Chinese diesel heaters is their efficiency. They are known for their ability to provide a high heat level output with relatively low fuel consumption. They are also generally more cost-effective than other types of portable heaters, such as electric heaters, as diesel fuel is typically less expensive than electricity.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to using Chinese diesel heaters. One is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as these heaters emit exhaust fumes as a byproduct of combustion. It is important to ensure that the heater is properly vented to the outside to avoid this risk. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the quality and reliability of certain Chinese diesel heater models, particularly those that are low-cost and available through online retailers.

Overall, Chinese diesel heaters can be a useful and cost-effective way to provide heat in a variety of settings. Still, it is important to use them safely and to choose a high-quality and reliable model. And yes you can use the Jackery 500 to power this, it uses less than 12% to run for several hours and mine shuts on and off all night which is supposed to be the biggest power draw.

4. Heat Storm Infrared Wall Mount Heater

I thought about buying one of these but I lack wall space in my Class A due to the placement of my slides. I almost bought one but went with the cabinet style again due to the simple fact I had nowhere to mount this. We talked above about why infrared is a better way to heat because it heats the objects in the room not just the air in a room. I think it’s great to have an energy-efficient space heater that isn’t taking up space in your already tiny home! I would 100% purchase this type of space heater for my RV. It’s got WiFi capability and that’s absolutely amazing.

The Heat Storm Phoenix Wall Unit is a great solution for any bedroom or small room where there is not much floor space. At 1500-Watt this heater will easily heat up your room but you will not have issues tripping your breaker if you want to run other electronics. This heater is safe to touch, even on the grill, making it a great choice for anyone. This unit has two power modes, one uses the full 1,500-Watt (red leaf), while the second mode (green Leaf) uses only 750-Watt. Each unit contains our Patented Heat Exchanger with HMS Technology that allows maximum heat from the infrared quartz bulbs without any heat loss from the unit.

• The patented heat exchanger with HMS technology combines with humidity in the room to provide soft, safe heat without reducing oxygen or humidity, safe to touch, even the grill
• The small convenient size makes this perfect for any room in the house, hang it on the wall or set it on the ground thanks to removable feet and wall mounting points on the back of the heater
• Built-in digital thermostat with LED display shows you what the ambient temperature is and helps regulate the temperature efficiently, included remote control allows you to control the temperature with ease
• The heater comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty
• Great Reviews on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com

5. Vornado Velocity 5 Whole Room Heater with Auto Climate

This is a new device to the market, well to the market that I’m a part of at least. I first heard of this in of my full-time RV Facebook groups, There were a lot of real people in that group recommending this heater.

The Velocity 5 is the apex of the Velocity Tuned Heat™ Series that creates hotter heat, moving faster and travelling farther into a room than ever before. The modern outer styling reflects the enhanced design within to maintain the perfect auto-climate-controlled temperature settings. With whole room heat, 2 heat settings, and fan only, Velocity 5 keeps everyone in the room comfortable while remaining cool to the touch. The bedtime mode helps you sleep soundly by turning off all non-essential lights on the enhanced LED display. The tip-over protection, auto shut-off, and auto-locking controls finish out the advanced safety features, while a 1-12 hour and 5-year satisfaction guarantee give you even more peace of mind. The Velocity Series is everything you love about Vornado vortex heat–amplified. It’s a small heater but it still pumps out 1500watts of power.

6. Amaze Wall Mount Ceramic Heater

When I started researching this gorgeous little devices they were relatively new to the Canadian market. I got stuck and decided to go with a heater I knew would work… my infrared cabinet style heater. I have since experienced the heat of these in real life in 2 different places and I have to say it was great. I had one neighbour who had this mounted in the bathroom. My acupuncturist keeps one in their treatment room. The heater was great in both these spots. Both owners had nothing but great things to say about it. They come in different wattages of course, you could use a smaller one in your bathroom and a larger one in your living room. I had contemplated mounting this on the wall in my dining area where the slide comes in, there is enough space when the slide is in and you really can’t do much else with that wall space because of the slide!

Amaze-Heater SOLO 400 Watt electric convection room heaters are crafted to perfection with beveled edges and an attractive dome sticker, giving it a very unique and stylish appearance. Amaze-Heaters are the safest in their class as there are no moving parts with no gas and no exposed heating elements. These heaters will allow you to save up to 50% or more on your heating cost. Instead of heating an object or person, the heater uses efficient convection technology to warm an entire room up to 150 square feet depending on room insulation. Its ultra slim and compact design allows for discreet out-of-the way wall mounting and installs quickly and easily with the included installation hardware. Once installed, the heater can be painted to match the room decor and will operate silently. As the heater will not dry the air or burn up the oxygen in the room, you will experience warm, comfortable, efficient, safe and silent heating all season long. Come home to the warmth of Amaze Heater.

7. Electric Fireplace

I love to sit in front of a cozy fireplace as much as the next person. I was always under the impression that they just weren’t energy efficient, but it turns out that is not true. The ‘flames’ are LED so they hardly use any extra electricity.

Electric fireplaces are a popular option for adding warmth and ambiance to a room. They use electricity to produce heat and simulate the appearance of a traditional fireplace. Many models include realistic-looking flames and logs and can be operated with or without heat for year-round use.

As a space heater, electric fireplaces can provide supplemental heat to a room, although they are generally not as powerful as traditional space heaters. They typically range in output from 750 to 1500 watts, and are best suited for small to medium-sized rooms. Electric fireplaces can be a good choice for areas where you want to add both warmth and style, such as a living room, bedroom, or den.

One advantage of electric fireplaces as space heaters is that they are relatively easy to install and use. They typically plug into a standard household outlet and require no special venting or installation. Many models come with remote controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature and flame settings from the comfort of your couch or chair.

When using an electric fireplace as a space heater, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Be sure to keep the heater away from flammable materials, and never leave it unattended while in use. It’s also important to regularly inspect and maintain the device to ensure safe and efficient operation.

8. Cubic Mini Woodstove – Potentially the Most Efficient Heater for RV Life

I love to sit in front of a cozy fireplace as much as the next person. I was always under the impression that they just weren’t energy efficient, but it turns out that is not true. The ‘flames’ are LED so they hardly use any extra electricity.

Electric fireplaces are a popular option for adding warmth and ambiance to a room. They use electricity to produce heat and simulate the appearance of a traditional fireplace. Many models include realistic-looking flames and logs and can be operated with or without heat for year-round use.

As a space heater, electric fireplaces can provide supplemental heat to a room, although they are generally not as powerful as traditional space heaters. They typically range in output from 750 to 1500 watts, and are best suited for small to medium-sized rooms. Electric fireplaces can be a good choice for areas where you want to add both warmth and style, such as a living room, bedroom, or den.

One advantage of electric fireplaces as space heaters is that they are relatively easy to install and use. They typically plug into a standard household outlet and require no special venting or installation. Many models come with remote controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature and flame settings from the comfort of your couch or chair.

When using an electric fireplace as a space heater, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Be sure to keep the heater away from flammable materials, and never leave it unattended while in use. It’s also important to regularly inspect and maintain the device to ensure safe and efficient operation.

9. Ceramic Space Heater

Ceramic space heaters come in all shapes and sizes. I have a very small square one that I use when I’m lucky enough to be plugged into shore power in my Campervan. It’s nice and small and fits in a cupboard when not in use.

Ceramic space heaters are a type of portable electric heater that is designed to heat small to medium-sized rooms. They use ceramic heating elements to provide warmth, and they’re often praised for their energy efficiency and effectiveness in quickly heating up a space.  A few of these heaters have an oscillating feature.  

One of the key benefits of ceramic space heaters is that they’re often considered the most energy-efficient heater for RVs and small spaces. This is because ceramic heaters are designed to produce heat through the use of ceramic plates, which are heated by an electric current. This allows them to produce heat quickly and effectively, without using up a lot of energy.

Ceramic space heaters also tend to be safer than some other types of heaters, such as those that rely on glowing heating elements. This is because the ceramic plates in a ceramic heater are not as hot as some other types of heating elements, which reduces the risk of accidental burns or fires.

Additionally, ceramic space heaters often come with a variety of features designed to enhance their performance and convenience, such as programmable thermostats, timers, and multiple heat settings. It’s important to leave 3′ of space on all sides of ANY space heater you are using.

Overall, ceramic space heaters can be a great option for providing quick and efficient heat to small to medium-sized rooms, but it’s important to carefully consider their features and safety considerations before purchasing one.

10. Envi Plug-in Electric Panel Wall Heater – Convection Heat

This is another one of those wall mount units that I really want to fit between my slide wall and the wall wall when the slide is in. Do you catch my drift? It is just a bit too narrow in there for even this low-profile unit. The Envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is one of the most efficient, stylish, and innovative space heaters ever developed. After 11 years we have refreshed the Envi Heater with an all-new, modernized design. The 3rd Gen Envi Heater has improved airflow, and controls, and is an all-around better heater. The LE5012P Envi Heater is a 120-volt plug-in whole-room heater and has a built-in thermostat.

The dual-stack convection technology featured in the Envi was born out of years of research and development to find a solution to effectively and safely heat a room using the smallest possible, amount of electrical heating energy.

Dozens of heating methods were evaluated to fine-tune the Envi heater, but eventually, the answer was found in a naturally occurring phenomenon called the “stack effect”. This provided the basis for and eventually, they won a patent for the final Envi heater design. Natural convection, fanless heating is enhanced by simulating multiple pathways, or “stacks,” inside the Envi heater. This technology boosts the flow of cool air from the floor of a room, into the unit, and maximizes heat transfer out the top of the heater. The resulting process creates a slow-moving transfer of warm air around the room, effectively warming the occupants.

The result is a 100% pure convection, fanless heater that uses minimal energy but also effectively warms each room in a house or office – or any room or space for that matter. The reviews are really positive on this heater.

11. Dyson HP02 Pure Hot + Cool

So this thing is over $800CDN. I get that it’s hot and cold and it purifies, but will it also air-fry and vacuum? That’s a lot of money! It gets really good reviews, but seriously, close to a grand after-taxes in beautiful British Columbia!!! I see it’s geared toward purifying the air all year round while heating and cooling (check out our related post about Geothermal heated ind cooling) your space. But that’s a pretty hefty price tag!

• Triple Functionality: Purifies year-round, cooling fan in summer and powerful heater in winter. Now works with Amazon Alexa
• HEPA filter removes 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander. The second filter layer with active carbon captures household odors and volatile organic compounds such as paint fumes
• Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly and awarded the Quietmark accreditation
• Automatically monitors and reacts. Dyson Link app provides real-time air quality reports and allows you to remotely control your machine from your smartphone – standard data and messaging rates may apply
• Has auto mode, sleep timer, and night-time mode and is easy to clean. With no fast-spinning blades, it’s safe for little fingers or paws

• There are some Dyson coupons in my mailing list!

12. The Mr. Buddy Heater – Catalytic Propane Heater

This is the heater you need if you are truly off grid. No power, no battery, nothing, just you and your Mr. Buddy heater. There are many many folks out there who swear by this heater. I almost got one for my last camper van, but I have a little dog, with a long tail and she’s not always very aware of her surroundings, I just was too worried about a canine accident. They come in a variety of sizes and they kick out some really good BTUs.

The best heater for RV living off grid might just be the Mr. Buddy propane heater. This is a popular brand of catalytic propane space heaters. It’s designed to be portable and easy to use, making it a great option for heating small spaces, such as tents, cabins, or RVs.

The Mr. Buddy propane heater comes in different sizes, ranging from a small heater that can heat up to 95 square feet to a larger heater that can heat up to 450 square feet. The heaters are fueled by propane gas, which is easy to find and purchase at most hardware or outdoor stores.

One of the unique features of the Mr. Buddy propane heater is its built-in safety features. The heater has an automatic shut-off if it’s tipped over, and it also has a low-oxygen shut-off sensor that will turn off the heater if the oxygen level in the room gets too low. These safety features are important for preventing accidents and ensuring the safe use of the heater.

The Mr. Buddy propane heater is also easy to operate, with a simple on/off button and adjustable heat settings. The heaters typically come with a built-in fan that helps distribute the heat more evenly throughout the space. The heaters are also relatively quiet and produce gentle heat, which can be more comfortable than the intense heat produced by some other types of heaters.

One thing to keep in mind when using a Mr. Buddy propane heater or any type of propane heater is to follow safety guidelines, such as using the heater in a well-ventilated area, not leaving the heater unattended, and ensuring the propane tank is properly connected and secured. It’s also important to use the heater only with propane gas that is intended for indoor use.

I looked into these heaters for a long time before going with the similarly priced CDH. I just felt it was a safer option for me and my lifestyle. Even though currently it’s a money pit that still doesn’t work right!!

13. Catalytic Propane Heater

I don’t know a lot of people who are using these but they throw off a lot of BTUs.

A catalytic propane space heater is a type of heater that uses propane gas as fuel and a catalytic reaction to generate heat.

The catalytic reaction occurs when the propane gas comes into contact with a catalyst material, such as platinum, which causes the propane to combust at a lower temperature than it would without the catalyst. This reaction produces heat, which is then emitted into the surrounding space through a grille or other opening in the heater.

Catalytic propane space heaters are a popular choice for heating small spaces, such as cabins, tents, and RVs, because they are portable and don’t require electricity to operate. They are also relatively safe, as they don’t produce an open flame like some other types of heaters. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines when using any type of heater, including a catalytic propane space heater.

One thing to keep in mind is that catalytic propane space heaters require proper ventilation to operate safely. They produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations, so it’s important to use the heater in a well-ventilated area or with a carbon monoxide detector.

It’s also important to choose a heater with the appropriate heating capacity for your space and to use the heater only with propane gas that is intended for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the heater.

Things I like…

I don’t really know enough about these to have an opinion this is something you are going to need to do your own research on. I included them because they are a thing, they are not very common thing, but they are pretty similar to the Mr. Buddy Heater

The Best Heater for RV Living

The perfect heater, the most efficient heater for RV life will look a little different for everyone. We all have different needs, Different spaces, Different styles and different safety concerns. I wanted to show you what is out there right now and tell you exactly what I’ve used successfully. By the way, before I forget, my Jackery 500 does not power any of these space heaters that use only 110plug as their source of energy. I tried even my tiny little ceramic and it was a no-go. It’s not Jackery’s fault at all, he just isn’t big enough to work that kind of heater magic. But he will run a CDH.

Comment below with your favorite RV heating system.!