Throughout the summer months, your static caravan is unlikely to require a great deal of maintenance work. Moreover, there will often be someone on hand to complete those jobs to ensure it stays in top condition. Now that the colder periods are here, however, there is a far greater need to pay attention to these features. As such, knowing how to keep your static caravan warm in winter should be top of the agenda.
Whether you’re planning to close up for the winter or will be spending some time in the holiday home during the colder months doesn’t matter. Maintaining that warmth and general condition is vital. In truth, it’s not an overly difficult challenge, but it is one that requires some work. Focus on the key aspects below, and you won’t go far wrong.
Underfloor Heating
A static home has far fewer insulation properties than a normal house, but you can overcome many of the problems with underfloor heating. In truth, if there’s only one idea that you embrace for keeping a caravan warm in winter, this is the perfect solution.
Warm air naturally moves towards cold floors. So, underfloor heating will allow the home to feel the full benefits of heating when the floors are heated. This can work wonders for energy efficiency, operational costs, and general comfort. It also prevents moisture from penetrating the floors. Given that this issue could cause major long-term issues while reducing the likelihood of rodents and critters.
If you’re not spending time in the place over winter, advanced systems will allow you to use a timer. Alternatively, it may be possible to have a site officer take care of those issues. If you are going to take a holiday during this period, just use it as you please.
External Insulation
Static caravans are blessed with greater options than standard ones, especially when it comes to insulation. Naturally, thicker windows and simple ideas like draught excluders can help the cause. In truth, though, the key is to think about cladding.
Installing cladding does require a little investment, but it’s a lot cheaper than you’d probably first fear. Moreover, companies know that static home parks are a great source of business, and that level of competition should help you seek the best value. As well as being affordable, it’s a fairly quick transformation and will keep the static home protected from the elements. Best of all, you’ll claim back that money in reduced costs in next to no time.
There are plenty of additional jobs that need to be completed as part of your winter maintenance. This list includes clearing gutters and ensuring that moisture cannot get into the home. Nonetheless, cladding is the game changer as far as warmth is concerned.
Open The Curtains
It may seem like a minor issue, but keeping the curtains open can bring many benefits for the caravan. After all, this lets potential thieves see inside to discover that there is nothing worth stealing. It may also help with ongoing winter issues such as condensation.
From a perspective of warmth, however, it also has a major impact. Some of the warmth will escape through the windows. Still, having the curtains open at least encourage the sunlight to warm the caravan during the daytime. Of course, if you’re staying in the caravan during winter, the best approach is to keep them open in the day and shut at night.
For anyone spending extended time away from the holiday home, open is a better option than closed. Having said that, the windows themselves want to be fully closed. Even the smallest of gaps will allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter.
Water Systems
If you are not planning to visit over the colder months, draining the cold and hot water systems during or after your final trip of the year is essential. This includes draining the toilet cisterns and other elements. Meanwhile, an anti-freeze solution can protect the toilet and other piping.
The boiler is naturally the main cause for concern too. Maintenance and preservation tips will vary between makes and models. However, topping up with anti-freeze is usually a good option. You can usually find information online for specific boiler types. Or park officers can usually provide support.
If you’re going to spend time in the caravan over this period, the situation needs a little less attention as the regular use should prevent freezing. Sadly, if that does happen, you’ll have very little hope of keeping the static home well insulated.
Accessories & Internal Features
For anyone looking to steer clear of the static home this winter, many of these features will be redundant. For anyone aiming to spend time there, though, they could make all the difference. First of all, you’ll want portable heaters to keep living spaces. These can be either gas or electric solutions. Either way, they will have a big impact on the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, electric blankets can keep beds warm, which will inevitably enhance your sleep patterns. On a similar note, heated toys can have a fantastic impact. First and foremost, they keep you warm. Nonetheless, they do have a small impact on the heat within the caravan itself.
In truth, there are many accessories that can aid your comfort throughout the winter months, particularly when staying on site. If you’re struggling for ideas, park officers and your static home neighbours can provide all the support you’ll need.
The Final Word
Winter maintenance is a major concern for all static caravan owners, especially if this is your first year. Failure to do so can cause ongoing problems that will impact comfort and costs. Now that you know how to keep your static caravan warm in winter, though, that’s more than half of the battle.
Whether you plan to enjoy it throughout the winter or wait until spring, those steps will be key to maximized enjoyment. Essentially, if you put in the effort now, you’ll reap the rewards both immediately and in the long haul.
