Check Your RV Furnace Before the First Freeze

The time to discover your furnace will not light is before you need it on a freezing night. Whether you live in your RV or enjoy fall camping, give your furnace a test run now using your owner’s manual. Do not stop at hearing the fan—make sure the burner lights, warm air reaches the vents and the furnace responds properly to the thermostat. Before testing, check your propane supply and battery power. Keep interior air vents and the exterior furnace intake and exhaust clear. Test your carbon monoxide, propane and smoke detectors. If the fan runs without heat, the furnace repeatedly attempts ignition, or it shuts off unexpectedly, schedule service early. The first freeze brings a surge of heating-related calls for us and other local RV technicians. Waiting until then could leave you without heat for several days while appointments are full.