I thought that as we're not using the van in the winter months and it's parked up at home I'd run the heater for a few hours every month or so during the damp winter season. Might just keep damp and mould at bay.
Anyone run their heater when caravan not in use?
- Thread starter Sam Vimes
- Start date
Never heated the caravan over winter as it was in store or being used. Just ensured good ventilation and opened everything up, and put furnishings on their sides. Prior to winter all surfaces had a wash down but never used spray polish or the like. Was never affected by mould. But western Scotland could be different given its propensity for wet stuff.
Good ventilation is far more important than heating. I have never heated any leisure vehicle over winter for 20+ years, but I have always ensured good ventilation. Never had any mould etc.
I believe the constant warming up and cooling down creates an environment conducive to mould growth. I too have never heated the caravan in winter storage, only when we use it.
As you may remember condensation usually occurs when warm air takes up moisture then as it cools it cant hold as much moisture so it deposits it as rain or as condensation on cooler surfaces the air touches. Exactly the same applies to the wooden structure of the caravan, as you warm wood it can absorb more moisture than which it has to try and get rid of when it cools down again. That moisture in the wooden and other absorbent materials is held on the surface which is one of the causes for mould to grow.
Basically adding heat can cause the caravan to absorb even more moisture which means when you turn the heater off it provides even more surface moisture which mould loves.
Incidentally the same thing can happen if a caravan is stored where sunshine can heat parts, whilst other parts in the shadows are still cool and that is another mechanism that can promote mould growth.
Ventilation is the simplest and cheapest method of helping to prevent condensation, and mould. A good wie round with an anti mould solution is also helpful to remove as many dormant spoor's as possible.
Basically adding heat can cause the caravan to absorb even more moisture which means when you turn the heater off it provides even more surface moisture which mould loves.
Incidentally the same thing can happen if a caravan is stored where sunshine can heat parts, whilst other parts in the shadows are still cool and that is another mechanism that can promote mould growth.
Ventilation is the simplest and cheapest method of helping to prevent condensation, and mould. A good wie round with an anti mould solution is also helpful to remove as many dormant spoor's as possible.
Yes we did back when we caravanned all through the year, saved having to drain down completely to avoid frost damage.
Most times I used a thermostat switched electric fan heater as the Alde's minimum of 5 degrees is a bit higher than needed, but have used that on those occasions when it was the more expedient method.
When van properly drained there is little point, other than I tend to like to periodically use systems like this, rather than leave unused for months.
The higher cost of energy today might make a difference, if we were continuing with our all season caravanning. But in reality a stat set to just above freezing would see little running time here in the southern area.
Most times I used a thermostat switched electric fan heater as the Alde's minimum of 5 degrees is a bit higher than needed, but have used that on those occasions when it was the more expedient method.
When van properly drained there is little point, other than I tend to like to periodically use systems like this, rather than leave unused for months.
The higher cost of energy today might make a difference, if we were continuing with our all season caravanning. But in reality a stat set to just above freezing would see little running time here in the southern area.
What do you do to ensure good ventilation? On my caravan there are two mushroom vents, one above the shower and one above the microwave. I believe that the skylights allow some airflow even when closed, and there is at least one vent in the floor under the bench seat (there might be one each side). I leave all cupboard and locker doors open. Is that enough or should I be doing something else?
I am fortunate insomuch as my caravan is stored alongside my house, so I am able to open the door and roof hatch on fine winter days. I do also leave the (downwind) windows on the ventilation setting permanently.
If it was in storage then I would probably leave a couple of windows cracked open on the ventilation setting.
If it was in storage then I would probably leave a couple of windows cracked open on the ventilation setting.
It also helps to remove all soft furnishings, and open cupboards and bed lockers to allow free flow of air inside.
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