Tips and Tricks For Stopping Condensation In a Van

If you have made the decision to live in a van full-time, or are simply using it for weekend getaways and camping trips, you need to be aware of condensation, what it might do to your health, the health of your van, and how to reduce and hopefully stop it.

But first, what is condensation? Condensation is the process of a gas turning into a liquid. This can happen when a gas is cooled down or its pressure is increased. For example, if the air inside a van is warmer and more humid than the air outside, condensation can form when warm air makes contact with cold surfaces, such as windows or metal walls. On these cooler surfaces, the moisture in the warm air condenses into water droplets.

What causes condensation in a van?

In addition to condensation forming on the windows due to the temperature, there are a few other ways condensation can be caused in a van.

Poor ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in a van can lead to condensation. When there is limited airflow, the moisture generated inside the van, from activities like breathing, cooking, or even damp clothes accumulates in the air. If this moisture-laden air is not properly ventilated, it can lead to condensation on surfaces.

Insulation issues: Insufficient insulation in the van can contribute to condensation. When warm, moist air inside the van comes into contact with the cooler surfaces of poorly insulated walls or ceilings, it can cause condensation to form.

Why should I try to prevent condensation?

Condensation may pose a health risk, and if not treated it could also cause problems for your van. Here are a few problems that could arise if condensation takes control:

Your van could rust -

Condensation leads to water inside your van and that means corrosion, or rust, is a potential problem. When water comes into contact with metal, the iron atoms in the metal react with the oxygen in the water, causing rust. If your van set-up makes it more prone to condensation, the rusting process on the vehicle can be accelerated significantly.

It is essential to note that all metallic vehicles will eventually experience some rust due to normal wear and tear, but preventing and minimising condensation can extend the life of your van and prevent corrosion from occurring unnecessarily.

Mould may begin to grow -

No one likes to see mould in their homes; it's known to cause breathing problems, respiratory infections, allergies and can also affect your immune system. Preventing and reducing condensation can go a long way towards stopping mould from establishing itself in your van.

Your van could rot -

Many vans that have been adapted for either permanent or temporary accommodation will often utilise materials such as fabrics and wood, both of which can provide perfect homes for mould to grow and develop. Untreated condensation in your van could literally contribute to parts of your vans rotting away unless proper precautions are taken.

Preventing and controlling condensation

Preventing and controlling condensation can be a relatively simple process and only a few minor adjustments need be made to help reduce or even stop condensation from forming in a van.

Improve ventilation: Make sure the van has appropriate ventilation. Opening windows, using ducts or fans, or installing a ventilation system can all help with this.

Control humidity: Reduce the amount of moisture produced within the van. Dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing items can help to reduce humidity considerably.

Insulate properly: Improve the van's insulation to lessen rapid temperature fluctuations between the internal and exterior surfaces which could lead to the formation of condensation.

Ventilation and moisture management tips

To help promote a comfortable living environment that is not only healthy but also contributes positively to the longevity of your van, there are a number of tips you can follow that will help you to stop condensation in your van.

Install a ventilation fan or vent: An air vent or fan can significantly improve the airflow within the van. These will often run on 12V power and have the ability to draw fresh, dryer air into your van or vent moist air outside. Such a system could be of great value if you are intending to cook meals inside your van too.

Insulate correctly: Closed-cell foam insulation works to regulate the temperature within the van and help reduce condensation as a consequence of its moisture-wicking properties.

Choose breathable materials: When furnishing the van, use breathable options that allow the air within to escape as non-breathable materials can trap moisture and promote the growth of mould.

Use moisture absorbers: A dehumidifier is an excellent piece of equipment for lowering and eliminating moisture from the air. This helps to reduce the amount of condensation that forms on surfaces and windows, which in turn inhibits the development of mould. Dehumidifiers can come as powered units, or are also available in packaged chemical forms which absorb the moisture and, when full, can be discarded and replaced. These have the benefit of being much smaller than powered units and can be placed in condensation hot-spots around your van.

Air out your van: After cooking or a shower the air within the van is likely to be quite warm and humid, use this opportunity to air out the van and let fresh air circulate throughout.

Keep surfaces dry: Wipe off objects prone to condensation, such as windows, with a dry cloth on a regular basis to eliminate any collected moisture.