The sweltering heat of summer can be unbearable, especially while on a road trip in an RV. This is why RV Roof-Top AC units were invented, to provide a comfortable environment while traveling. In this article, we’ll explore the energy consumption and costs of using a RV Roof-Top AC unit.
How To Use This Calculator
Using this energy calculator is a simple and will help you determine the costs of running your appliance. Click on ‘Calculate’ to use the predefined values, or enter your daily usage in hours, appliance watts, and your current energy costs in dollars. The calculator will provide you with the daily, monthly, and yearly results. It’s important to ensure the accuracy of the information entered to get the most accurate results.
Hours Used Per Day
Enter the number of hours you estimate the appliance will be on throughout the day. To use fractions of an hour please use a decimal point in the form.
For example: 1 hour and 30 mintes would be 1.5, and 3 hours and 15 minutes would be 3.25
Power Used in Watts
The calculator already includes a default average wattage. If your appliance uses a different wattage then enter it in the calculator.
Your Energy Rate in kWh
The calculator includes an average energy rate (price in $/kWh) to use for the calculation. This may not be the exact price that you’re currently paying for electricity. If you know your energy rate please enter your price per kilowatt-hour.
Energy Consumption
To understand energy consumption, we must first define what a BTU is. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measurement of energy that is required to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. The 13,500 BTU rating of a RV Roof-Top AC unit means that it can remove 13,500 BTUs of heat from the RV in an hour.
The RV Roof-Top AC unit uses 1500 watts of power to operate. This is equivalent to 5.115 BTUs per watt. Therefore, the RV Roof-Top AC unit can remove 20,250 BTUs of heat from the RV in an hour.
Importance and Relevance
The importance of RV Roof-Top AC units cannot be overstated. Air conditioning helps to regulate the temperature inside an RV, making it a comfortable and livable space. This is especially important during hot summer months when temperatures can soar to dangerous levels, causing discomfort and heat-related illnesses.
Cost in Dollars of Energy Usage
The cost of using a RV Roof-Top AC unit can be calculated using the following formula:
Cost = Power (in kW) x Time (in hours) x Cost of Energy (in $/kWh)Using the defaults provided, we can calculate that the hourly cost of running a RV Roof-Top AC unit is:
Cost = 1.5 kW x 1 hour x $0.12/kWh
Cost = $0.18This means that the daily cost of running a RV Roof-Top AC unit for 8 hours is:
Cost = $0.18 x 8 = $1.44The monthly cost of running a RV Roof-Top AC unit for 8 hours a day is:
Cost = $1.44 x 30 = $43.20And the yearly cost of running a RV Roof-Top AC unit for 8 hours a day for 3 months is:
Cost = $1.44 x 90 = $129.60Money Saving Tips
There are several ways to save money while using a RV Roof-Top AC unit:
- Park your RV in a shaded area to reduce the amount of heat entering the vehicle.
- Keep windows and doors closed while the RV Roof-Top AC unit is running.
- Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperature to your desired level.
- Use a fan to circulate the cool air around the RV.
- Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient RV Roof-Top AC unit to save on energy costs.
By following these tips, you can reduce your energy usage and save money while still enjoying the comfort of a cool RV during hot summer months.
In conclusion, the RV Roof-Top AC unit is an essential appliance for any road trip during summer months. While it does consume a significant amount of energy, there are ways to reduce costs and save money. By following these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and affordable RV experience.
