Heating, Cooling and climate control

Heating and air conditioning aren’t the hardest parts of a van build mechanically — but they can be some of the most expensive. If done right, heating can be installed for just a couple of hundred bucks. AC, however, will cost you $1,000–$3,000, making it one of the biggest expenses in a van conversion.

If you’re new to vanlife, you might be wondering:

“Why not just use the van’s built-in heater or AC?”

Here’s the thing: stock systems are designed for passenger compartments, not for a fully open and insulated cargo space. Once you remove the partition wall (which most van builders do), your vehicle’s default system will struggle to heat or cool that entire area. Also — are you really going to start your engine at 3 a.m. just to get warm or cool down?

❄️ Do You Really Need Air Conditioning?

In my honest opinion: not unless you’re living full-time in a hot climate. If you plan to spend summers in southern Europe or the US Southwest, a rooftop AC might be worth it. But for most vanlifers, a MaxxFan or equivalent + a basic portable cooler will do the trick.

Budget-friendly alternatives:

• MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe – ~$250–$350
• Swamp Cooler / Evaporative Coolers – ~$80–$200
• Rechargeable desk fans – cheap and effective in dry climates

💡 Pro tip: Open your fan at night to push out hot air and cool down the van faster.

🔥 Heating Systems — What Are Your Options?

Here are the most popular options vanlifers use to stay warm:

🔹 Diesel Heaters

• Most common and budget-friendly
• Uses your van’s diesel (or from a dedicated small tank)
• 5kW heaters (like Chinese brands or Autoterm, Webasto) are ideal
• Cost: $100–$150 (budget) or $600–$1,200 (premium)
• Low battery drain, efficient, easy DIY install

🔹 Gas (LPG) Heaters

• Clean and efficient, but requires a propane setup
• Brands like Truma VarioHeat or Propex HS2000
• Higher upfront cost, more complex ventilation
• Ideal for full-time winter use
• Cost: $700–$1,500

🔹 Electric Heaters

• NOT recommended unless always on shore power or massive battery bank
• Extremely power-hungry (can drain batteries in hours)
• Only useful when plugged in at campsites

🔹 Wood Stoves

• Cozy and romantic… but messy, heavy, and complex to vent
• Great for off-grid cabins, less practical for small vans
• Cost: $300–$700

✅ My choice: I went with a cheap 5kW diesel heater, and it’s been perfect for chilly mornings and mild winters in Central Europe. It's fuel-efficient and easy to hook up directly to your van’s main fuel tank.

💨 Why a Vent Fan is Non-Negotiable

We discussed this before, but let me emphasize: ventilation is not optional — it’s absolutely essential.

Why? Because:

• It prevents moisture build-up that can lead to mold
• It improves air quality in a small space
• It cools down the van significantly during summer evenings

Popular options:

• MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe – rain cover, intake + exhaust, remote (~$250–$350)
• Dometic Fantastic Fan – powerful airflow, slightly cheaper (~$200–$300)
• Fiamma Turbo-Vent – quieter, compact design (~$250)

🧊 Climate Control Tools – Staying Comfortable Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t need a smart HVAC system to stay comfortable. Here are practical tools and tricks to help manage your interior climate:

🌡️ Thermometers & Hygrometers

• Help monitor moisture and temperature levels
• Small and cheap (~$10–$20)

💨 Dehumidifiers

• Essential in humid climates or winter months
• Compact 12V models (~$50–$100)

🧽 Moisture Absorbers

• Passive solutions (like DampRid) help reduce condensation
• Great for small vans

🪟 Reflective Window Covers

• Reflect sunlight and insulate during cold nights
• Use Reflectix or insulated DIY covers (~$30–$100 depending on size)

🥶 Thermal Curtains

• Separate sleeping area and cockpit to maintain temperature better
• DIY with blackout fabric or purchase premade (~$40–$150)

Staying comfortable is all about passive and active systems working together. A good vent fan, insulation, and heating will go a long way — AC is rarely essential.

Whether you're chasing the sun or surviving snowy forests, climate control can make or break your vanlife experience. Plan based on where you'll be spending most of your time, and balance your comfort with budget and energy usage.

If you're unsure which appliances you truly need — or how to budget for climate control — I’m happy to help.

👉 Book a consultation with me to get a tailored solution based on your travel habits and climate zone.