The furnace may be heavily relied upon when temperatures turn cold, but can frequently be neglected during warmer weather. To ensure the RV furnace works whenever there is a call for heat, take a few moments to become familiar with the system.

Operating the furnace is simple. At the wall thermostat turn the on/off button to ‘On,’ press the ‘Mode’ button until ‘Furnace’ is displayed on the screen and use the arrow buttons to set the desired temperature.

Liquid propane fuels the furnace. Keep a close eye on the propane tank gauge during cooler temperatures when more heat is required. If fuel is running low and the RV is connected to shore power, reserve propane for the furnace by turning the water heater and refrigerator to electric mode. Operating the furnace while driving down the road is fine, but be sure to turn the system off at fuel stops to avoid potential combustion. If problems arise with burner ignition, have the gas pressure inspected by a qualified technician.

Battery power is required to power the fan located inside the furnace. Low voltage will reduce fan speed. A safety switch installed in the furnace system will prevent the gas furnace from igniting if fan speed becomes too slow. Keep the batteries charged, maintain the cells of liquid lead acid batteries with distilled water, and clear away corrosion from around the cables. To conserve battery power when the RV is away from shore power, turn the thermostat down to between 68 and 65 degrees during the night to reduce cycling of the fan.

Hose ducts are installed inside the RV to transfer heat from the furnace. These ducts will either terminate at registers that are positioned on the floor or inside furniture and walls. Ducts located behind the sofa can become bent if heavy items are stored on top. Avoid storing cargo around heating ducts to prevent damage to the hose. Replacing furniture may require temporarily disassembling the ducts. Occasionally inspect the condition of ducting behind the sofa and ensure the hoses are firmly secured.

In many cases there is a separate ducting system leading from the furnace into the bathroom and a thumb switch on the heat register provides the option of keeping the duct open or closed. Heat registers in the floor are generally designed to remain open. Covering the ducts with rugs or heavy items will restrict airflow. Impeding air movement engages a safety switch that will prevent the burner from igniting, or will cause the furnace to prematurely shut down.

Insects are attracted to propane and it isn’t uncommon to discover that spiders or mud daubers have taken up residence in the outside access panel. Regularly clear away insects and debris from the outside panel using a vacuum or compressed air. Keep an eye on the outside vent for signs of soot, which could indicate improper combustion. If soot is detected, have the system inspected by a qualified technician before engaging the furnace once again.

Return air is required for the furnace to operate at the right temperature. Return air prevents a vacuum from forming and replaces heated air pushed by the blower through the ducting. Located inside the RV is the air intake grill designed to provide the maximum amount of air to the furnace system. Do not store cargo inside the air intake compartment or cover the face of the grill in an attempt to muffle the fan. Dust and pet hair in the air intake can damage electrical switches and the furnace motor. Regularly remove the front cover to access the air intake compartment and clean away dirt and pet hair using a vacuum.

A bad regulator on the propane tank can prevent the burner from remaining lit. An easy way to check the regulator is by lighting the stovetop and examining the flame. The flame should be primarily blue in color and it should also remain the same size even when the furnace is operating.

Lack of power to the fan can generally be traced back to a low charge in the batteries. If you are confident the batteries are charged but power is not being provided to the fan, check the battery cut off switch. The problem may also lie with a replaceable fuse located in the bedroom fuse panel.

The RV furnace is a great weapon for battling the elements. Take the time to do some regular maintenance and inspection on the system and you can count on comfort and warmth all year long.

Shelly Curtin is a Pacific Northwest-based writer. She has contributed numerous features for Holidays, from product reviews to RV lifestyle topics.