====== Cooling and Air Conditioning ======

In general, [[hvac:solar_ac|air conditioning with solar power]] is impractical.  [[hvac:ventilation|Ventilation]], on the other hand, is nearly-mandatory.

===== snowbirding =====

Since the van has wheels, many vandwellers [[camping:snowbirding|follow mild weather]].
===== Keeping Cool =====

Vehicle color has a very large impact on how hot the interiors can get. A Ford dealer in Texas [[https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/ordering-question-about-color.86639/#post-1130220|took measurements of a bunch of identical Ford Transits]] when sitting in the sun, and found that the Silver and White vans were the coolest (114-118 degrees) while the hottest was the dark grey (at **142** degrees).  [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_2lsMXR|Other tests]] have come up with similar results.

Reflective sun shades for the windows can make a large difference, especially when paired with ventilation.  A list of custom sun shade makers is found on the [[hvac:insulation|Insulation]] page.

===== Air Conditioning =====

The most practical way to run A/C is by [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] (plugged into the grid). Most R/Vs and vans designed for this will need a 30 amp connector.

The next easiest way is to run a [[electrical:generator|generator]]. You will likely need something in the 3,000 watt range.

It's //possible// to [[hvac:solar_ac|run A/C off solar]], but you're going to spend //tens of thousands// of dollars to make it happen. 

===== Evaporation cooling =====


This topic has [[hvac:swamp_cooler|its own page]].