Recently traded in our 21 year old caravan in which we had been using the crystal container dehumidifiers. We've now got a 10 year old van and have taken a look at the electric dehumidifiers (plug in type). Basically we were wondering are they any good or should we just carry on with the crystal type? Anybody got any advice?
Electric dehumidifiers
- Thread starter Jo_5080540
- Start date
Interesting one this.
I read another post a while ago where someone was strongly convinced that any form of dehumidifier was a waste of time.
He suggested that because caravans are vented (floor vents and bathroom ceiling vent), then as fast as the dehumidifier does its job, more damp air is drawn in from outside.
Don't want to rekindle the debate but it did get me thinking that he might have a point!
In the past I have used the crystal type trays and taken out all the upholstery , but for the past two winters with our new van I haven't bothered. There are no obvious ill effects on the cushions, seat backs, bedding or on the roof lining, or inside cupboards & drawers.
I read another post a while ago where someone was strongly convinced that any form of dehumidifier was a waste of time.
He suggested that because caravans are vented (floor vents and bathroom ceiling vent), then as fast as the dehumidifier does its job, more damp air is drawn in from outside.
Don't want to rekindle the debate but it did get me thinking that he might have a point!
In the past I have used the crystal type trays and taken out all the upholstery , but for the past two winters with our new van I haven't bothered. There are no obvious ill effects on the cushions, seat backs, bedding or on the roof lining, or inside cupboards & drawers.
Personally I wouldn't bother about any dehumifier unless for a specific short term purpose like drying the inside out after a water leak. Anything else seems a bit pointless as ventilation lets dry air out and new moist air in - a never ending process.
raised humidity in caravans is usually the result of the caravan actually being used. We humans (and pets) breath out lots of moisture laden air, and our preference for hot food and drinks will tend to raise the moisture content of a caravan.
That is why we tend to get condensation overnight.
Short term use of a dehumidifier just after you return from holiday may help to reduce the moisture level, but trying to dry it out to less than the prevailing humidity in the atmosphere is never ending task.
Do not consider blocking all the ventilation to prevent air exchange with the outside, that will produce prefect conditions for mildew and other nasties to flourish, and it would be highly dangerous if the caravan were used without the required ventilation.
That is why we tend to get condensation overnight.
Short term use of a dehumidifier just after you return from holiday may help to reduce the moisture level, but trying to dry it out to less than the prevailing humidity in the atmosphere is never ending task.
Do not consider blocking all the ventilation to prevent air exchange with the outside, that will produce prefect conditions for mildew and other nasties to flourish, and it would be highly dangerous if the caravan were used without the required ventilation.
Jo,
Well I do use one, and think they do help. It sits on the work top and the drainage tube goes down the sink plug. After the van has been used, on the first few days a good couple of litres of moisture is expelled and this then reduces to next to nothing. Please note that we shower in our van so I guess this is where a lot of moisture comes from.
I have the dehumidifier on a time switch and only run it during the day - the temp inside the van needs to be above about 8C for it to work well. During the winter we also have a small oil filled electric radiator on board. When the van is parked up we leave all cupboard doors and bathroom door open for maximum coverage.
There is always a debate about on these, and at some point cost will be raised but we feel doing what we do keeps the van "feeling nice" and will therefore continue.
David
Well I do use one, and think they do help. It sits on the work top and the drainage tube goes down the sink plug. After the van has been used, on the first few days a good couple of litres of moisture is expelled and this then reduces to next to nothing. Please note that we shower in our van so I guess this is where a lot of moisture comes from.
I have the dehumidifier on a time switch and only run it during the day - the temp inside the van needs to be above about 8C for it to work well. During the winter we also have a small oil filled electric radiator on board. When the van is parked up we leave all cupboard doors and bathroom door open for maximum coverage.
There is always a debate about on these, and at some point cost will be raised but we feel doing what we do keeps the van "feeling nice" and will therefore continue.
David
There may be a case for using a dehumidifier and/or a heater immediately prior to using the caravan in winter, but there seems little point in having it "feeling nice" when it's not actually in use or about to be used.
Sorry but dehumidifiers are a waste of time in caravan.
I have used dehumidifiers for 27 years, but in the home. At present i have two, but in practise only use the one in the master bedroom. Just got back from a weeks tour and the humidity was only at 55%, so really no need to use the dehumidifier.
All you need to do in a caravan is ensure good air flow, ask any damp expert, leave all doors open, unless your caravan is leaking, you will have no damp etc, try for a season.
Ventilation is the key.
I have used dehumidifiers for 27 years, but in the home. At present i have two, but in practise only use the one in the master bedroom. Just got back from a weeks tour and the humidity was only at 55%, so really no need to use the dehumidifier.
All you need to do in a caravan is ensure good air flow, ask any damp expert, leave all doors open, unless your caravan is leaking, you will have no damp etc, try for a season.
Ventilation is the key.
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