The impacts of poor interior ventilation on caravans and how to overcome them

Poor ventilation carries quite a few issues over and above the uncomfortableness of breathing stale air, and here we are going to explore the impact of poor ventilation on caravan interiors, common problems and the solutions available to overcome them. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your caravan experience without the hassle of poor ventilation affecting the quality of your adventures.

Condensation

One of the biggest indicators of poor ventilation is the appearance of condensation, which commonly occurs when the van is completely closed, such as during inclement weather when leaving windows open is not an option. Moisture will form on the walls and windows of your caravan due to the interior being warmer than the exterior, affecting your interior aesthetics and contributing to mould growth over time. To alleviate this issue, it is easy to install a 12v attic vent that does not rely on the breeze to operate and is fully sealed against the elements. You may be able to crack your windows a little to help or have box vents already, but ultimately, a powered ventilation system will help combat the appearance of condensation and the eventual growth of mould in your caravan.

Mould

In any damp environment, mould will flourish and this is also true of your caravan's interior if it is not ventilated effectively. While it is unsightly, the associated health issues are more of a concern with allergic reactions ranging from hay fever symptoms to more serious issues, such as asthma attacks or lung infections. Regular cleaning will help to combat mould before it can damage or stain your interior décor, but what can you do to prevent it in the first place? The solution can be quite easily achieved by having the right ventilation in place for your caravan. If you are not sure which style of ventilation you need, speak with a professional company such as RV Parts Express, who can advise you on the most practical methods to keep your van fresh and mould-free. 

Pollutants

The impact of poor ventilation on caravan interiors includes a build-up of pollutants in the air. If your caravan is closed up in the heat of the day, the interior plastics will heat and emit potential carcinogenic substances into the air. Likewise, if you are inside with all the windows closed, remember it is a small space where it will not take long for you to breathe air that has become stale or fumes from cooking or other activities to permeate the space. Effective ventilation to prevent pollutants can be achieved through the installation of appropriate vents and also by opening your windows and doors while inside.

Vermin

Rats and mice seem to thrive in damp environments, and if you have stored your caravan without appropriate ventilation, you may just find you have a few lodgers onboard when you go to use it again. How they can enter when you have it locked up tight is a mystery to all, but they always seem to get into spaces we consider fully sealed. For many people, keeping your caravan ventilated will include leaving your windows cracked open ever so slightly, which does work provided you have lockable windows to prevent break-ins and flyscreens to stop insects from invading. It also gives vermin that extra little avenue of potential entry as well. A good solution in this case, would be to install metal mesh, which is sturdier than standard fly screen materials and an added security measure for your caravan windows that will keep the air flowing without unwanted critters hitching a ride.

General Health

It goes without saying that breathing air that is contaminated with pollutants, mould, or moisture is not good for your general health. To keep your interior environment one that is pleasant to be in and kind to your lungs, skin, or allergies in general, ensure your ventilation is adequate for the space. We have already said leaving windows and doors open is a great way to ventilate, as are many types of ventilation systems on the market, however, this is only true on days with at least a little breeze, and let's face it, there are those still nights and days where a manual method of ventilation is just not enough. Investing in an electric ventilation fan will save you the concern of any nasty build-ups in the air that you may or may not notice accumulating.

A tired interior

With all the impacts of poor ventilation to be considered, the ultimate one, when referring to the physical interior of your caravan, is that it will become worn and stained before its time. Appliances may malfunction due to moisture getting into circuits, your walls and surfaces can become yellowed, and any soft furnishings may begin to rot over time. All of these things are avoidable if you can maintain a well-ventilated environment, not to mention the cost savings of not having to renovate well before it is due to be done. Having an aged and visually uninviting interior really does take away from the joys of caravanning. Even though we spend a lot of time outside, there are still many hours spent within your caravan as well. Keeping the air dry, ventilated, and fresh can avoid these costly issues.

Excessive heat

Just as a car parked in summer with all the windows up will get extremely hot very quickly, so too does your caravan. We have already touched on how this can cause pollutants to be expelled into the inside air supply, but what about the human factor of overheating while asleep? Understandably you want your caravan secured while you sleep, but having simple window locks that allow them to be kept open slightly and installing vents that will continue to circulate air are the best solutions to keep you and your family safe.

 If you are still unsure of the impact of poor ventilation on caravan interiors and common problems and solutions, get in touch with RV Parts Express. They are experts in the field of ensuring your caravanning adventures remain comfortable and safe.