Dangers of CO2 Buildup Living in a Van
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- New research is showing the negative effects of CO2 on sleep and mental health. When I measured CO2 in my van I measured a huge spike at night from 500ppm to 3000ppm.
2016 study: www.ncbi.nlm.n...
the original Gwen article: www.gwern.net/...
another collection of info: / im-living-in-a-carbon-...
This is extremely enlightening, thanks! Yes, CO2 reduces cognitive ability, which to me is amazing. Now I don't know how that translates into productivity or ability to study. CO2 being high is a problem in many buildings, maybe not getting quite that high as you have but it still has a bad effect.
In van life even cold environments, it's still very important to get sufficient air flow and I've heard this confirmed by van lifers in Finland. They have RV open air vents in the bottom of their van in several places. They are never closed. They do have a a small mesh cover that prevents insects and animals getting in.
The main purpose of venting is to prevent moisture build up but other strategies must be used for water that is still there even with vents and fans.
The heat cost goes up with more air flow but it's the price we pay for lower humidity and CO2.
Why did this guy stop uploading?
any update? thank you for making this video!
Looking forward to seeing your completed project.
You shoulda put a smaller fan in. One that runs quietly. Simple fix.
Great to hear someone talking about this subject. I've lived in vans on and off for over a decade, and I've always been concerned about CO2 buildup. This is the first time I have heard figures on how much it actually increases, so thankyou for posting this video.
New sub here :-)
Good that you wondered... Now you know....
I'd imagine certain types of succulents would fix more CO2 than others based on their rate of growth, for example the san pedro cactus can grow over one foot a year and thus would absorb much more than a slower growing variety. (As a bonus, it's a legal medicinal cactus! 😁)
Succulents don't release oxygen at night though. Your best bet is bamboo, that releases oxygen 24/7
These videos are great, thank you, I’ve gathered a ton of helpful info. I love the succulent, looks great and is a good idea. I’m a big plant fan, especially succulents, so I’m thinking of trying to build a small planter of succulents on my dash. Now I know I’m going to need at least 10!
Keep in mind, CO2 is denser/heavier than air.... You're exhaust process would me more efficient if fan intake was at the floor.... possibly hanging a tube down from the fan to floor would mean your fan would pull more CO2 out of the space quicker....shorter run-time interval, less power drain. With ceiling mounts/no down tube,, we'll always be drafting out the upper air before getting enough circulation going to really pull up the heavier CO2. Alternative #2, install a smaller floor level exhaust fan
You might wish to consider exhaust venting from the lowest level in the room. That minimizes heat loss. I know little about CO2 sensor controls but if thermostats can work, I guess they could too. I can't see avoiding auxiliary fans and opening(s). Variable speed (smart) computer fans could provide more than sufficient air exchange very quietly and efficiently, and could operate passively in the background. Given sufficient fan speed variability, even a manual control could achieve the desired effect (given some tweaking). Yes, it would run (silently) all the time when in use but should have a minimal impact on temperature control with its minimal draw at floor level. PMC's have quite ingenious one way exhaust vents hidden behind the rear bumper. You might also be interested in the intake window vents described in my interview "Two Standout Van Builds" with Static CamperVan. Humidity and condensation are my overriding concerns but CO2 (or CO for that matter) buildup fall in the same category. I look forward to seeing the progress of your ideas. Cheers.
Good point. Co2 is heavier than air as well
Great points, especially with the bed insulating at night, the coldest air ends up at the bottom. It would be cool to have both low and high fans depending on if it's hot or cold where I'm living. Will look into installing a variable speed controller for the fan
Wish you were still making vids man!
You could always have a window installed into sliding door like a c r Laurence window with a screen the window would be tentative course and you could have it cracked and you can have the vent open in the roof and the window cracked with the screen for air flow another option it looks like there's still room on the roof you have someone install a maxxair fan you can open up the one vent and turn the fan on exhaust and I'll bring the fresh air in and keep the CO2 levels down that way and if it's really cold in the van you either move to a warmer spot or you sleep with the engine on and the Heat or you install a Chinese diesel heater or equivalent
Such an important topic. Looking for the follow up!
I just wanted to let you know how much I've been enjoying your videos. I've watched them all, and some of them several times. The channel has been quiet, so I'm curious if you still have your van? Any updates on what's been going on? And, what was the best upgrade you think you did? Thanks in advance, and hope all is well.
😄👍 good stuff why dun ya have some better fan on roof top the kind work both wind flow and power
Where’s you go??
I would just leave the fan on all night. The white noise would help me sleep anyway haha. It's easier to bundle up than it is to cool down. And maybe get some vents for window?
I am interest how you will get the fan computerized. I have the same worry with that type of fan. It sounds very loud so using it at night doesn't seem like an option
Agreed it's quite loud. If I install my own speed controller though, I wonder if I can run it at lower speeds for longer durations, vs running at full speed for shorter duration. I imagine it can be controlled with something like PID too
Why did you stop uploading?
can we get an update on this c02 issue? even if its just in txt. thank you
I have a rheostat on my vent fan. Amazon, cheap, easy. But be sure to double the wattage calculation. I had 2 of them overheat from too much amperage. Yes, I did use the provided current draw figures, perhaps the manufacturer provided inaccurate information.
Curious what advantages besides cost there are for a rheostat vs a variable speed fan controller? I would assume the fan controllers would be more energy efficient, vs current limiting by resistance which will end up turning into heat. I definitely want to stay as efficient as possible.
@@SmartVan my apologies, I checked and I use a wpm motor controller. Hope this helps.
Oops auto correct, PWM.
For about $115 you can pickup mopar rain guards from a dealership
Nice, I definitely will, though it doesn't solve the problem completely. I've slept with my windows cracked even without rain guards and my vent fan allows air in while open, but the airflow isn't enough without a fan it seems
Very interesting. I’ve learned something new :)
Will c02 build up in mini van even if car is off?
Recommend installing a reverse polarity switch for the Ventline fan. You can then reverse the airflow. Let us know if the variable switch is compatible with that fan?
I think that would solve the problem entirely. I have an 18' Toyota Sunrader with an aftermarket Maxxair fan that will reverse airflow.
senseofstile - have no idea why everyone thinks reversing a fan does something magically better... either way, another opening in the van is necessary for airflow, and the air doesn’t care which way it’s traveling and it doesn’t do anything more than exchange a given amount of air inside for a commensurate amount that was outside. Since CO2 is heavier than air, it’s going to pool at the floor, so again, the direction of airflow won’t make a measurable difference...
If the air is cooler outside than inside and I am trying to cool the motor home, sometimes I use the fan to blow air in. Since I have furnace (vented), I don't think I have a problem with CO2 or CO. Well, I haven't measured it.
@@senseofstile - Totally understood, but know that it matters not whether you blow air in at the vent, as opposed to sucking air in at one or multiple openings, UNLESS that air would be directly blowing on you and either warming or cooling you from that direct breeze when desired.
And in fact, if you're trying to cool it, then you'll be better off to vent it out, since hot air wants to rise, so letting the hot air out from the highest point possible in the van is the better method. It's generally better to let that Laws of Physics help you, rather than hinder you.
@@brianmi40 Yes. I have fairly large windows. Sometimes by just opening the windows, the motorhome will cool down. No fan required.
you need to have at least 2 vents on top of the van
Have you had luck with that scheme?
Why would 2 make a greater difference versus a cracked window, or vent in a side window, and one powered ceiling vent, particularly in the case of CO2, which, being heavier than air, will pool near the floor in higher concentration?
Thanks so much. I have a Wayfarer Van which I really love, and like you...I continue to try and make small and large improvements. I'm looking at installing a fan and wondering if you are satisfied with the limited circulation aspect of your fan. Do you feel that a MaxxAir or FantasticFan would have been a better choice?
I really appreciate your opinion.
Hard to say, small fan has better stealth but a big fan would let you stay inside during the summer without AC. Then again, maybe one of the upsides of vanlife is to go out into nature :)
If you left the small fan running all the time would that be enough to cool down the van?
What’s the name of the C02 monitoring device that you use? Cost? Accuracy?
+1 Also want to know!
Netatmo, retails at around 80 USD, found it on ebay cheaper. Not sure the accuracy but I figured it would be more accurate than rolling my own. My understanding is that some CO2 sensors degrade over time, and others have sensitivity ranges.
I have searched and searched your video’s and can’t find anywhere that you mention the ‘YEAR’ of your Promaster City? I have a 2018 PMC and want to order the same roof rack you got from Europe “Fiat Doblo” I want to make sure I am ordering the correct brackets to fit my 2018 PMC. Sorry, That I posted on this video, but I your rack video was older in time. Thank You for any help you can offer me. I am a subscriber. 😃
2016 :)
Thank you!! 😃👍
Seems a bit paranoid to me just crack the windows run a fan near the windows problem solved
Is that couch screwed into the floor? I really like the couch. Does he sell the couch by itself? I actually like the wayfarer van kits except for the bed setup. I need a couch for one more passenger. Does it seem like it would good for someone sitting during travel? This van would be my only vehicle but when using as a daily I have two more passengers but when I camp it would be just me and my dog. Another thing you think a pitbull would fit in there with all that setup? His bed on the floor or is it too tight? I don’t think I need that sink setup with fridge. Just the couch. And wayfarer insulation you went with. I wish I could see your van in person lol. Btw how is the van doing? How many miles and any reliability problems so far? I’m trying to decide which van to go with still. For sure I want small van but it’s between ford or ram. Keep us updated. Love your videos. You should do a clip of you getting ready for bed. Just curious how it looks etc. I wish i could have this kind of van for one night to try it out lol. All I got is your experience to watch on here.
Hey Josh, don't think he sells the couch by itself but you can always ask. It is bolted to the floor. A pitbull will fit easy.
No reliability issues so far, 35k miles, fingers crossed. Zach said he stopped converting the TC connects because of drivetrain issues.
You can actually rent a cascade camper if you're close to Tacoma, WA! Check outdoorsy.co for the rental, that's what I did before I bought
Don’t dare put a passenger on a couch like that when traveling, unless you want to risk their life, and/or a hefty fine if you get pulled over for a non DOT approved, seatbelted, forward facing seat... DOT seats have specific attachment and seatbelt requirements.
Quick tip: you always look like you’re looking away from us, I suggest you look at the camera lens, which would make us feel like you’re talking to us instead of to yourself In the camera monitor. Keep your eyeballs on us!
He looks like hes looking at me...? and btw...he IS talking to us.. even if the screen was black! lol
Yea you caught me, I'm looking at my notes :)