Page 234 - 2017-Swift-Group-Motorhomes-Handbook-web
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CONDENSATION
Condensation be externally cooled, and to use the heating MAINTENANCE
reasonably by not making the motorhome
What is condensation too warm such that people perspire, as this
will only serve to generate more moist air and
Condensation is the process of change of therefore more condensation.
water from its gaseous form (water vapour)
into liquid water when it comes into contact However, in particularly cold periods,
with a surface that is cold. Condensation where the external ambient temperatures
generally occurs when warm air cools quickly are low, condensation may still form on
and looses its capacity to hold water vapour, external walls as the insulation levels may
and as a result water vapour condenses to well not be thermally able to cope with the
form droplets. difference between the internal and external
temperatures.
Why condensation occurs
How can you prevent
Condensation occurs when warm moist condensation
air meets a cold surface. The level of
condensation will depend upon humidity Provide ventilation so that moist air can
levels, how moist the air is and how cold the escape.
surfaces are they come into contact with.
a. Good ventilation of the vehicle when
If the temperature falls below the dew cooking or when drying clothes, footwear
point temperature, it is quite normal for or pets is essential. Observe when windows
condensation to occur on any material within begin to show signs of misting and increase
the caravan that is cold, for example the ventilation by opening slightly by 1cm or
external walls, plastic windows etc. opening a roof vent, as these will help, but
keep the habitation door closed as much as
When condensation occurs possible to retain heat.
Condensation occurs usually in winter months, b. If drying damp clothes or towels, open a
because ambient temperatures are colder window to ventilate the area and allow the
(leading to cold surfaces) and windows and moist air to escape.
roof vents are opened less so the moist air
cannot escape. c. Try to make sure that the caravan is partially
heated. It can take a long time for a cold
Where condensation occurs caravan to warm up, so it is better to have a
small amount of heat for a long period then
Condensation will occur where warm moist air a lot of heat for a short time.
is put into the atmosphere in areas such as in
bathrooms (during showering) and in kitchen d. A fter showering, keep the bathroom window
areas (during cooking). or skylights open, and shut the bathroom
door long enough to dry off the room.
In the enclosed space of a motorhome, the
moist air from the kitchen or bathroom areas e. Fixed ventilation is provided in the vehicle,
will inevitably transfer to the rest of the vehicle, specifically through the floor, it is important
which in turn condenses on cold surfaces not to block these.
leading to visible water droplets. This issue
is compounded by warm moist air being f.E lectrical heating is dryer than gas heating,
generated from normal breathing. and introduces less moisture into the
atmosphere. Do not use additional portable
Condensation will also form in cold areas paraffin or flue-less gas heaters at all.
where air movement and ventilation is
restricted (e.g. cupuboards, wardrobes, under g. If left unoccupied and unheated for long
beds, etc.) periods of time the temperatures can soak
down thermally into the entire product and
What is important become very cold. Whenever possible, put
It is important to provide ventilation and air
flow, so that warm moist air can escape, or
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