Whether you think climate change is a result of the way we treat the planet or not there's no denying that it's happening. UK summer temperature records have been broken more times in the last twenty years than at any time since accurate records began.

And if you've installed air conditioning, or had it from new, please let us know what you think. Was it a god-send or do you rarely use it?

Our attitude to our increasingly hot summers has changed and that's demonstrated the trend for air conditioning in cars. It used to be the sole preserve of luxury cars but is now almost standard.

Of course, that has a lot to do with the technology becoming smaller, cheaper and easier to fit, and competition between manufacturers, but still it wouldn't happen unless customers felt a need for it.

To some extent that's happening with caravans too and although it's not yet as widespread there is a growing number of options. The advantage with a caravan, compared to a car, is that air conditioning can be fitted to existing caravans and there are even portable solutions available.

Do you need it?

It could be argued that no one really NEEDS air conditioning, but increasingly people are using it. If you really only use your caravan for your main holiday, and stay in the UK, then it's unlikely that putting an air-conditioning conversion in to your 'van would really be appreciated.

But if you use it far more often than that, or it's static caravan or park home, then it's more likely that you'll get the benefit. So what are the pros and cons of installing a permanent unit in your current caravan?

Cons:

1. There's a weight penalty – around 30-35kg, possibly more, depending on the model
2. Fuel consumption will rise slightly, because of that weight and possibly a slight drag increase for a permanent fitment
3. The noise of the fan and/or compressor can be obtrusive, not just for you but for your neighbours.
4. You need to work out what power rating you'll need and there's a risk of getting it wrong.
5. Your roof might not be strong enough, meaning you'll have to get an under-bunk or portable model.
6. The water that condenses out of the air that's being cooled needs to drain somewhere
7. It costs money – a roof-mounted system can cost anything from about £1500 upward, supplied and fitted.

Pros:

1. It will keep you cool
2. Food like fruit and chocolate will survive better in the 'van
3. Some users have reported that fridges work better because the overall inner temperature the 'van is lower
4. Roof-mounted units can usually be removed and reinstalled when you change your 'van.
5. You might not get good results without improving the insulation of your caravan

Permanent – roof mounted

There are two main types of permanent installation: roof-mounted units which replace a standard 400x400mm rooflight, and under-bunk models.

Roof-mounted are usually cheaper and easier to install, but you lose the light from the rooflight so some units have extra lighting built-in to compensate. The cold air comes down naturally from the roof so there's no need for ducting.

Although they are a 'permanent' fitment they can usually be taken out when you sell your caravan and installed in the new one.

Permanent – under bunk

Under-bunk units are obviously less intrusive but much more complicated to install. Because they're lower down ducting needs to be installed to take the cold air to one or more spots high up near the roof before it's sent out into the caravan's interior.

They are usually lighter and quieter than an equivalent roof-mounted air conditioner but moving them from one caravan to another is probably not on. It's for this reason that they tend to be more popular as a factory-fitted option.

Portable options

There are a number of portable air conditioning units that will work with caravans. There's no reason why portable coolers, the type that are often used in offices in the height of summer, can't be used. But they do tend to be bulky and need ducting pushed out of an open window (like a tumble dryer), which makes them less efficient.

Perhaps a better idea is the "Cool My Camper" – a portable, self-contained air conditioner (pictured above) that's less than half the size of an office unit but cost around twice as much – the current price is £560 inc VAT.

The manufacturers freely admit that a "Cool My Camper" won't compete with a roof-mounted or under bunk system – in particular it won't cool a hot caravan down quickly. But users have reported that they do a great job of keeping a 'van cool during the day and they cost is between a third to a fifth of a full unit.

Make your choice

So that's a brief run-down, just below this article we've put links to the various caravan air conditioning manufacturers so that you can investigate further..

If you have air conditioning already we'd love to hear your experiences, why you went for it and whether its exceeded your expectation or not.

Either way, we hope you enjoy your summer!

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