So as we are now in minus temperatures, the floor vents in my Bailey Louisiana an there are lots of them, allow a huge amount of freezing air in.
Am aware some people block theirs, but don't want to do that as clearly they have been put in for a reason.
But would it be ok cause any problems if I just put a folded tea towel over each one, bit like a draft excluder for the winter months, as I reside in my van all year round.
I see the logic but,.....I don't think it would be a good idea, they are there in case of a potential gas leak (or any other gas heavier than air) can vent as harmlessly as possible out of the van. I know it's a pain when the wind is blowing up them from outside but safety first, you may be asleep if it happens and we don't want to loose any members.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
In that case you should be fine. Always default to safety.
Be aware it will slow down air reciculation and therefore increase condensation but you will be warmer.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
If you block the one under the oven the oven won't stay lit. The gas just goes out all the time. At least thats what happens in our van as I blocked it by accident and couldn't work out why the oven kept going out. As soon as we unblocked the vent problem solved!
Quote: Originally posted by Fat Bum on 22/11/2015
If you block the one under the oven the oven won't stay lit. The gas just goes out all the time. At least thats what happens in our van as I blocked it by accident and couldn't work out why the oven kept going out. As soon as we unblocked the vent problem solved!
Good point Fat Bum and well made, however OP seems to suggest that no gas will ever be used, not even oven.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
I went away this weekend and omg how cold with the vents. trouble is the warm air pulls the cold air through. I did think about doing something to them but not sure yet.
------------- Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎
Blocking of air vents can be deadly - they are not there to act as gas drop holes - there should be separate vents to allow any gas leakage to drop out near the appliance connections.
The air vents are there to ensure that an adequate supply of air to allow gas burners to burn correctly - blocking these vents can give flame lift - poor quality flame and result in Carbon Monoxide poisoning - whilst using oven, hob and Grille always use additional ventilation - ie aa window open - extractor fan
They are also there to help keep condensation to a minimum.
If your vents are fitted with insect covers held with screws and not stapled remove and place in side vent a tin can minus top and bottom or use some stiff card to make a tube about 4" long this will reduce draughts but still allow gas to drop out.
you could fit van with awning skirt all round this will reduce draughts but not stop any gas dropping out which will disperse through gaps at corners or wheel arches.
just skirt both sides makes a big difference as any wind passing through tends to suck out heat instead of blowing up.
I have found biggest draught comes from under Carver combi gas fire and just using the electric side makes draught worse.
I use that soft aluminium garden edging to make vertical wall around hole in floor so any up draught goes up into fire and is warmed up and spread round van,
as the wall is inline with edge of hole it does not reduce airflow to fire by making hole smaller but most of wall is hidden inside outer cover of fire my carbon monoxide alarm is fitted on bathroom wall opposite fire and is tested on a weekly basis or when I want my OH to get up has not gone off yet of its own accord
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Topic: Floor Vents
