In the UK, outdoor activities like camping, RV trips, and beach visits are a cherished way to enjoy the natural beauty. However, one of the most underrated conveniences during outdoor living is having access to hot water. Whether you’re washing dishes, cleaning off after a muddy trek, or simply enjoying a warm shower under the stars, a reliable water heater is essential.
Among the most popular options for outdoor water heaters in the UK is Camplux, known for its range of portable, tankless water heaters that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll delve into a cost analysis of running a Camplux water heater in the UK, specifically focusing on the Camplux Nano 3Pro, Camplux AY132B, Camplux BD158, Camplux BW158C, Camplux BW264BC, and Camplux BW422 models.
This comprehensive post will provide you with the insights you need to understand the energy consumption, operational costs, and potential savings when using a Camplux water heater for outdoor living.
Why Choose Camplux Water Heaters?
Before diving into the costs, let’s take a brief look at the reasons Camplux has become a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts:
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Portability: All Camplux water heaters are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry on camping or RV trips.
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On-Demand Heating: These are tankless water heaters, meaning they only heat the water when you need it, reducing energy waste.
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Variety: With different models, including those for low and high-demand use, Camplux caters to a wide range of outdoor heating needs.
Understanding How a Tankless Water Heater Works
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water as it flows through the unit, without the need for a storage tank. This method of water heating is more energy-efficient because there’s no need to constantly maintain a large volume of hot water, and it only uses gas or electricity when hot water is needed.
In the context of outdoor living, this translates to energy savings and reduced costs compared to traditional tank water heaters.
Running Costs of Camplux Water Heaters in the UK
Running a Camplux water heater depends largely on the following factors:
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Type of Gas: Most Camplux water heaters run on propane (LPG), which is commonly used for outdoor activities.
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Energy Efficiency: All the Camplux models are designed to be highly efficient, with energy class ratings that ensure minimal fuel consumption while maintaining excellent performance.
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Usage Duration: The longer you use the water heater, the more fuel it consumes. However, since Camplux water heaters are on-demand, the usage only applies when hot water is required, making them more efficient.
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Water Flow Rate and Temperature Rise: The volume of water heated and the temperature difference between incoming water and the desired output temperature will influence how much energy is consumed.
Let's break down the estimated costs for each of the highlighted models:
1. Camplux Nano 3Pro – Portable Propane Outdoor Camping Water Heater
Product Link: Camplux Nano 3Pro
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Fuel Type: Propane
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Capacity: 1.5-2.5 litres per minute (approx.)
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Energy Efficiency: Energy class A
Cost Estimation:
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Average gas consumption: ~0.2 kg of LPG per hour (based on average usage for outdoor showers)
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Price of LPG: In the UK, the average cost of LPG is approximately £0.70 per kg.
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Running cost per hour: £0.14 per hour.
The Camplux Nano 3Pro is ideal for shorter trips and individual use. If you use it for a 10-minute shower each day, it would cost roughly £0.02 per shower, making it an affordable choice for weekend campers.
2. Camplux AY132B – 5L Portable Gas Water Heater
Product Link: Camplux AY132B
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Fuel Type: Propane
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Capacity: 5 litres per minute
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Energy Efficiency: Energy class A
Cost Estimation:
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Average gas consumption: ~0.3 kg of LPG per hour
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Price of LPG: £0.70 per kg
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Running cost per hour: £0.21 per hour.
The Camplux AY132B is a great option for families or groups, offering a larger flow rate and more versatility. For a 20-minute shower, the cost would be approximately £0.07.
3. Camplux BD158 – 6L Gas Water Heater
Product Link: Camplux BD158
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Fuel Type: Propane
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Capacity: 6 litres per minute
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Energy Efficiency: Energy class A
Cost Estimation:
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Average gas consumption: ~0.35 kg of LPG per hour
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Price of LPG: £0.70 per kg
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Running cost per hour: £0.24 per hour.
For those using it for both showers and washing larger items like horses, the Camplux BD158 is a solid option. A 30-minute shower could cost approximately £0.12.
4. Camplux BW158C – 6L Portable Gas Water Heater
Product Link: Camplux BW158C
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Fuel Type: Propane
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Capacity: 6 litres per minute
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Energy Efficiency: Energy class A
Cost Estimation:
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Average gas consumption: ~0.35 kg of LPG per hour
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Price of LPG: £0.70 per kg
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Running cost per hour: £0.24 per hour.
The Camplux BW158C provides solid performance for outdoor showers, and a 20-minute shower session would cost around £0.08.
5. Camplux BW264BC – 10L Gas Propane Water Heater
Product Link: Camplux BW264BC
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Fuel Type: Propane
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Capacity: 10 litres per minute
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Energy Efficiency: Energy class A
Cost Estimation:
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Average gas consumption: ~0.45 kg of LPG per hour
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Price of LPG: £0.70 per kg
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Running cost per hour: £0.31 per hour.
The Camplux BW264BC is more powerful, making it perfect for larger groups. A 40-minute shower would cost around £0.22.
6. Camplux BW422 – 16L Gas Water Heater
Product Link: Camplux BW422
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Fuel Type: Propane
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Capacity: 16 litres per minute
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Energy Efficiency: Energy class A
Cost Estimation:
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Average gas consumption: ~0.6 kg of LPG per hour
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Price of LPG: £0.70 per kg
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Running cost per hour: £0.42 per hour.
The Camplux BW422 is perfect for larger family trips or extended camping expeditions. A 50-minute shower could cost around £0.35.
Conclusion: How to Save Costs When Using a Camplux Water Heater
Using a Camplux water heater for your outdoor activities in the UK is an affordable and energy-efficient way to enjoy hot water on the go. Here are some ways you can further reduce your costs:
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Use Only When Necessary: Because Camplux water heaters are tankless, you only use energy when hot water is needed, reducing unnecessary consumption.
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Shorten Your Showers: The more water you heat, the more fuel is used. Keep your showers short and efficient.
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Maintain Your Water Heater: Regular maintenance and proper storage ensure that your water heater runs at its optimal efficiency.
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Choose the Right Model: Depending on your usage needs, opt for a smaller or larger model. For solo campers or couples, a Camplux Nano 3Pro or AY132B will suffice, while larger families might prefer the BW422.
By understanding the running costs and choosing the right model, you can enjoy hot water in the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Whether you're washing up after a long hike or enjoying a hot shower at your campsite, Camplux makes it easy to enjoy comfort while keeping your energy costs low.
For more information on the full range of Camplux water heaters, visit Camplux UK.
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