I am living in a caravan over winter (in Scotland), and am looking at ways to cut down the damp. I saw some solar-powered ventilators that claim to help extract damp air (eg http://www.cpssolar.co.uk/epages/62063063.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62063063/Categories/%22Solar%20Ventilation%22), has anyone used anything like this and can recommend?
And if I do go for one, where would be the best place to put it - floor level, window or ceiling?
If you're living in it and have electric hookup then buy a dehumidifier. If you get a desiccant one they actually provide heat too so helpful this time of year.
If you've not got hook up then I think you'll struggle and might as well just open a window or vent rather than spend money on a solar ventilator.
I considered a dehumidifier, but all forum posts on the topic include lots of people saying "but a dehumidifier just brings in more damp air from outside!" Which is why I was thinking of a vent - just to keep the air moving, at least.
Electric dehumidifiers have settings to bring the damp air down to an ambient level or lower if you wish.
You therefore have control over how humid the air inside will be.
No other form of dehumidifier has that quality of air control.
We have used electric dehumidifiers for years and would not consider any other type.
Yes, they can be expensive to buy, but on the other hand, quality costs money.
Having used a dehumidifier to dry out a damp van I can say they work and very well at that.
If you're still considering a ventilator then think if it's extracting air then either it's creating a vacuum and your caravan will slowly implode or that too is bringing in damp air from outside.
Damp is caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces, which you are going to get in the winter in a caravan. As you breathe, perspire, cook, etc, this creates moisture, which eventually condenses onto colder surfaces.
If you have EHU, a small oil filled radiator would heat up the cold surfaces (eg, the windows, and cold spots in corners) and so there would be less cold spots for damp/condensation to form on. Opening a window so that the warm air/steam etc can escape also makes sense, as you need a continual air circulation to achieve balance.
Another thing you could do would be to make some 'silver screens' for your windows. These are usually either outside or inside motorhomes, but you can make something similar from cheap car insulation screens or B&Q silver insulating material and a set of suckers from ebay.
And the last thing you will need is a super absorbent cloth and keep wiping all wet surfaces down, wring out and dry outside if possible. something like this Or microfibre cloths from a cheapie shop will do the trick.
Thanks everyone! Some great advice there. I went on a nosy and found some warping of the wallpaper, so stripped it down and the whole ***ing end of the van has bad damp damage!!
oh dear! - I think it'll take more than a solar powered ventilator to fix this!
Thanks Lobey! I had a good look at the Fix It Club, which gave me a lot of confidence, and I've posted a request for advice over in the repair forum :)
Seems like all caravans are soaked with damp! I'm working abroad March until the Autumn so I need a good repair to make sure the van is still here when I get back :)
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Topic: Solar powered ventilator
