Page 235 - 2017-Swift-Group-Motorhomes-Handbook-web

CONDENSATION

MAINTENANCE the heating on at a low level before use by Provide reasonable heating
pre heating in cold weather.
a. Do not use portable paraffin or flueless gas
h. Even with reasonable ventilation it is likely heaters at all.
if the temperature is less than 5oC and
the humidity is high that condensation will b. If drying damp clothes or towels, open
occur. Ideally the temperature should be a window enough to ventilate the area
kept about 20oC when occupied. and turn on the electric element of the
space heater but do not hang items over
Mould Growth the heater.

Any sign of mould growth is an indication of c. Try to make sure that all areas are at least
the presence of moisture and if caused by partially heated. Condensation most often
condensation gives warning that heating or occurs in unheated areas.
ventilation may require improving.
d. T o prevent condensation, the heat has to
New vehicles keep room surfaces reasonably warm. It
can take a long time for a cold motorhome
New products take a long time before they are to warm up, so it is better to have a small
fully 'dried out' because of the moisture in the amount of heat for a long period than a lot
materials used during manufacture. While this of heat for a short time.
is happening extra heat and ventilation will be
required. Motorhomes use only carefully selected
insulation materials but unlike most rooms at
How can you prevent condensation home all walls are exterior walls, so they lose
heat through all walls as well as the roof and
Provide ventilation so that moist air floor.
can escape.
Even in a well insulated motorhome with
a. G ood ventilation of kitchens when washing, reasonable ventilation, it is likely that
cooking or drying damp clothes is essential. during cold weather (less than 10 deg
Open the skylights or windows slightly, but C) condensation will occur. Ideally the
keep the door closed as much as possible. temperature should be kept about 20°C
although this is not always possible.
b. After showering, keep the bathroom window
or skylights open, and shut the bathroom
door long enough to dry off the room.

c. In all other areas provide some ventilation.
Fixed ventilation is provided in accordance
with BS EN 721: 1998 this is through
skylights and ‘Heki roof lights’ in the roofs
and from ventilators through the floor under
cookers, doors and in bed boxes it is
important not to block these.

Too much ventilation in cold weather is
uncomfortable and wastes heat. All that is
needed is a very slightly opened window
or skylights. Opening a skylight or ‘Heki;
rooflights partially or windows opened to about
1cm will usually be sufficient.

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