Proper air ventilation for vans and campervans is essential for controlling temperature, managing mould, and keeping bad odours and contaminants to a minimum.
Limited airflow and smaller confined spaces tend not to be a great recipe, and anyone who’s spent a hot summer in their camper will attest to how unbearable it can be.
We’ll cover some of the bigger issues that can arise from poor ventilation. And we'll recommend some fantastic ventilators and fans that will help keep your van fresh.
Ventilators are brilliant temperature regulators
Adverse weather is easily manageable for individuals who spend a lot of time in their van or camper.
Both extremes can be just that, too. Hotter weather can heat up a smaller space very quickly, and does little to help circulate colder air in lower temperatures.
Ventilators will help keep the air inside moving around, expelling hotter air in the summers and allowing cooler air to circulate in the winters.
Different ventilators are a better fit depending on the size and usability of the vehicle, and may be unique to your requirements.
Our partners at CentaFlow have a great range of rotary fan ventilators; the spinning fans keep the rain out on the wetter days and whilst on the road or stationary they do a great job of keeping the air inside moving around.
Rotary fans may not be the best fit for more demanding air ventilation requirements, but are great for shifting the stale air.
A great solution for condensation and humidity
Another problem that can occur for those using their van as a moving abode comes with the potential for humidity to build up inside and for condensation to form. This condensation can get into all of the inaccessible nooks and crannies, leading to the formation of mould.
Whilst active ventilation will be more effective, well placed passive ventilation can still be more than sufficient for the task. Lower placed louvre ventilation can help condensation escape before it settles, whilst also keeping mud and dirt out of your camper too.
Large roof vents can also be great for keeping the air moving whilst doubling as a skylight, preventing humidity from building up and preventing some condensation from forming too.
Depending on the vehicle size, unfortunately some condensation is inevitable, but effective ventilation for your van or camper will help to prevent a lot of the problem.
Ventilation helps evacuate harmful contaminants and bad odours
Gas cookers in campervans and converted vans for living are still commonplace, and particularly on a longer trip the comfort that comes from cooking on the road is irreplaceable for some, and a necessity for others.
It’s important to have an effective ventilation set-up around any cooking area, in these smaller spaces odours can settle and seep into fabrics extremely quickly - the last thing you want is your campervan smelling of garlic all the while!
A more safety centric mind will look at the potential for small gas leaks from these gas cookers, fridges, or water heaters, but also the carbon dioxide we breathe out. We want to expel these more harmful gases as effectively as possible to prevent any build up.
Battery or electric powered ventilation will be extremely effective here, sucking up the bad odours and bad gases and expelling them, a well-placed electric roof vent above a cooking or sleeping area is often more than sufficient to keep the air moving.
Passive vs Active Air Ventilation
When choosing air ventilation for vans and campers, the two main considerations are in active or passive ventilation.
Passive ventilation uses natural air movement in combination with a few of the vents mentioned in this post such as louvre vents or roof vents to circulate air. Hot air rises allowing it to escape through the roof vent, and lower louvre vents help a steady flow of cool air.
Active ventilation is power driven and most effective for ventilation on demand, as they don’t rely on natural air pressure. They’re also the most effective solution when stationary for a long period of time.
Campervan air ventilation best works in pairs with both active and passive air ventilation. It’s best not to rely on one approach for all your ventilation requirements.
Looking to get your air ventilation set up the right way?
If you’re looking to install an efficient and effective van and campervan air ventilation solution, set-up the right way, reach out to the Albert Jagger team with details. Our fantastic team will recommend the best solutions for your vehicle's size and shape.
Get in touch with us today to find out more, or request a call back so our team can assist on your specific requirements.