Title: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 07:41:46 am
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 07:41:46 am
Greetings all,
Having spent a number of years researching and improving the energy efficiency of my home, I can't help but see numerous areas of the coach where heat loss/gain is a serious issue. Referring to my 91 U225 in this case. Would like to share my thoughts and observations and learn what, if anything, you may have done to your coach in this regard. I've always found investing in efficiency to be worthwhile.
The three worst places for energy efficiency appear to be - the skylight, bathroom fan, and ventilation fan.
Skylight - Standing in the tub while cleaning things up on a sunny day left me soaking wet. It was like sitting under a heat lamp. All I see here is a layer of plastic between the inside and the outside. Have done some preliminary searching - I see shades, to be mounted on the inside (too late - the heat has already got in), and at least one company making a cover which fits on the outside around the frame with an elastic and blocks most of the heat gain, but do not see where anyone makes an energy efficient type, like a double pane with low e-material or something similar. While I do like having the light in there when taking a shower, and the headroom the skylight affords, at this point I'm inclined to cover the skylight to kill the heating and heat loss aspects.
Fans - can't see doing away with these, and yet again - nothing there in terms of energy efficiency. With the bathroom fan, again, nothing but a layer of plastic, and with the vent fan - a metal louvered cover between the inside and outside, which isn't anywhere near air tight. I do see vent pillows/plugs at Camping World, and bought a couple for the fans, though they don't fit all that well into the existing openings.
Then there is the glass. I know newer coaches have been improved in this regard, but with my 91 it's all single pane glass. All I can think to do with this is to apply a tint material to cut down on heat gain, and use the curtains when it's cold.
A windshield solar cover is in the plans. Being a newbie I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this topic. Thanks.
Steve
Having spent a number of years researching and improving the energy efficiency of my home, I can't help but see numerous areas of the coach where heat loss/gain is a serious issue. Referring to my 91 U225 in this case. Would like to share my thoughts and observations and learn what, if anything, you may have done to your coach in this regard. I've always found investing in efficiency to be worthwhile.
The three worst places for energy efficiency appear to be - the skylight, bathroom fan, and ventilation fan.
Skylight - Standing in the tub while cleaning things up on a sunny day left me soaking wet. It was like sitting under a heat lamp. All I see here is a layer of plastic between the inside and the outside. Have done some preliminary searching - I see shades, to be mounted on the inside (too late - the heat has already got in), and at least one company making a cover which fits on the outside around the frame with an elastic and blocks most of the heat gain, but do not see where anyone makes an energy efficient type, like a double pane with low e-material or something similar. While I do like having the light in there when taking a shower, and the headroom the skylight affords, at this point I'm inclined to cover the skylight to kill the heating and heat loss aspects.
Fans - can't see doing away with these, and yet again - nothing there in terms of energy efficiency. With the bathroom fan, again, nothing but a layer of plastic, and with the vent fan - a metal louvered cover between the inside and outside, which isn't anywhere near air tight. I do see vent pillows/plugs at Camping World, and bought a couple for the fans, though they don't fit all that well into the existing openings.
Then there is the glass. I know newer coaches have been improved in this regard, but with my 91 it's all single pane glass. All I can think to do with this is to apply a tint material to cut down on heat gain, and use the curtains when it's cold.
A windshield solar cover is in the plans. Being a newbie I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this topic. Thanks.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on June 24, 2011, 08:27:36 am
Post by: Kent Speers on June 24, 2011, 08:27:36 am
Steve, it sounds like you have already investigated the alternatives pretty thoroughly.
We have multiple layers in the skylight. It came from the factory that way. There is a milky plastic flat sheet across the bottom, and a double layer of plastic in the dome. The cuts down quite a bit on the heat transfer however an insulation "pillow" or make an aluminized insulated cover out of a windshield heat reflector will help more. We use the aluminized cover velcroed to the bathroom vent.
We also put 1/2" styrofoam inside the plastic cover to the kitchen vent. We used 1/2" X 1/4" self adhesive insulation strip around the edges to get a positive air seal when the cover is in place.
The coach had Penninsula, double pain windows installed everywhere except the front drivers and passenger windows. The cost according to the receipts in the coach when we bought it was around $5,000. They are remarkably better than the original single pain windows in our 93, U225. Much quieter and cooler. Regrettably the front drape was removed and electric MCD shades were installed. We plan to re install the front drapes for insulation purposes and better privacy.
We also had bright white paint installed on the roof for better heat reflection and to make the coach easier to keep clean.
With all of that said, in our recent heat wave the coach still gets incredibly hot. There is not enough insulation in the roof for all of these improvements to make a lot of difference in 100 degree heat. The heat transfer still overwhelms the A/C in the late afternoon. The best answer is to FIND SHADE.
We have multiple layers in the skylight. It came from the factory that way. There is a milky plastic flat sheet across the bottom, and a double layer of plastic in the dome. The cuts down quite a bit on the heat transfer however an insulation "pillow" or make an aluminized insulated cover out of a windshield heat reflector will help more. We use the aluminized cover velcroed to the bathroom vent.
We also put 1/2" styrofoam inside the plastic cover to the kitchen vent. We used 1/2" X 1/4" self adhesive insulation strip around the edges to get a positive air seal when the cover is in place.
The coach had Penninsula, double pain windows installed everywhere except the front drivers and passenger windows. The cost according to the receipts in the coach when we bought it was around $5,000. They are remarkably better than the original single pain windows in our 93, U225. Much quieter and cooler. Regrettably the front drape was removed and electric MCD shades were installed. We plan to re install the front drapes for insulation purposes and better privacy.
We also had bright white paint installed on the roof for better heat reflection and to make the coach easier to keep clean.
With all of that said, in our recent heat wave the coach still gets incredibly hot. There is not enough insulation in the roof for all of these improvements to make a lot of difference in 100 degree heat. The heat transfer still overwhelms the A/C in the late afternoon. The best answer is to FIND SHADE.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 24, 2011, 08:41:53 am
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 24, 2011, 08:41:53 am
Have you ever seen a bus that was setup for Saudi or the middle east. THey have added a shield layer / metal plate above the roof with about a 3" air gap, just to reduce the direct effect of the sun cooking everything and everyone. General opinion is it halps a lot. Have seen one of these that came back to the states.
Maybe if you added enough solar panels it would have the same effect ? ANyting to keep sun directly from roof / paint ?
Maybe if you added enough solar panels it would have the same effect ? ANyting to keep sun directly from roof / paint ?
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 24, 2011, 08:51:26 am
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 24, 2011, 08:51:26 am
We use a quilted Mylar type sun shield behind the drapes on our U280. Every attempt is also made to park with rear to setting sun. This keeps afternoon sun off WS and by time sun sets and it starts to cool Bedroom temp is OK. And shade is your friend.
Gary B
Gary B
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: George Stoltz on June 24, 2011, 09:02:15 am
Post by: George Stoltz on June 24, 2011, 09:02:15 am
Regrettably the front drape was removed and electric MCD shades were installed. We plan to re install the front drapes for insulation purposes and better privacy.
Just in case, Kent, you might want to save the MCD shades in case you change your mind.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Jerry & Coleen on June 24, 2011, 09:46:03 am
Post by: Jerry & Coleen on June 24, 2011, 09:46:03 am
I have a set of solar screens from MCD for the cockpit. They really help and you can see out, but no one can see in during the daytime. These screens help to prevent the heat from entering the coach. The factory curtain does the privacy thing, but the heat still gets inside. MCD says black is best.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 10:10:30 am
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 10:10:30 am
Have you ever seen a bus that was setup for Saudi or the middle east. THey have added a shield layer / metal plate above the roof with about a 3" air gap, just to reduce the direct effect of the sun cooking everything and everyone. General opinion is it halps a lot. Have seen one of these that came back to the states.
Maybe if you added enough solar panels it would have the same effect ? ANyting to keep sun directly from roof / paint ?
It's funny that you mention that Dave. I had considered doing this just on principle. Did not know it was actually in practice. A thin layer of aluminum mounted off the roof would do it, taking into account the effects of airflow at speed (ie so it doesn't blow off going down the highway). Powder coat it white to minimize heating of the shield. Would make a great platform for adding solar panels. Hmmm... need about 280 sq ft of material, plus mounting brackets... going to look into this more. If you could make it tilt in two directions with panels on it that would really be something.
Wouldn't it be nice if we had flexible solar panels? All of our awnings could be power generators, as well as the entire roof. Some day, maybe.
Parking in the shade was also my first thought :) But I'll assume this isn't always possible, and regardless, at some point sunlight will be upon you.
I'm confused by MCD saying black is best. In my experience, it is best at absorbing and radiating heat (which is why most all electrical heat sinks are semi gloss or flat black), but for a window shade I would think white would be best, as it stays coolest in sunlight. I must be missing something here.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Barry Beam on June 24, 2011, 10:17:43 am
Post by: Barry Beam on June 24, 2011, 10:17:43 am
Skylight - Standing in the tub while cleaning things up on a sunny day left me soaking wet. It was like sitting under a heat lamp. All I see here is a layer of plastic between the inside and the outside. Have done some preliminary searching - I see shades, to be mounted on the inside (too late - the heat has already got in), and at least one company making a cover which fits on the outside around the frame with an elastic and blocks most of the heat gain, but do not see where anyone makes an energy efficient type, like a double pane with low e-material or something similar. While I do like having the light in there when taking a shower, and the headroom the skylight affords, at this point I'm inclined to cover the skylight to kill the heating and heat loss aspects.
Added some snaps on the material & glued the other side of snaps onto the skylight.
I still get the light but heat dramatically reduced.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 10:22:56 am
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 10:22:56 am
Was wondering what a window upgrade was worth. $5K huh? Gulp...
Was looking at the coach windows just now; they already have a pretty dark tint. Seems that a reflective film on the outside of the glass might have some benefit. I remember seeing a product like this when researching things for my home; I also remember most all glass mfrs saying that applying any such film would void any warranty. :)
Was at Home Depot yesterday; saw a big chart next to stack of air conditioners for sale. According to the chart, 13000 BTUs is enough to cool an 800 sq ft space. My coach is only about 280 sq ft, and yet I have two of these A/Cs? Really got me thinking about reducing heating/cooling requirements.
Am going to make a go at improving my girl. Primarily focusing on reflecting or blocking the heat from the outside, rather than blocking it once it got inside. Lots to think about here. Thanks.
Steve
Was looking at the coach windows just now; they already have a pretty dark tint. Seems that a reflective film on the outside of the glass might have some benefit. I remember seeing a product like this when researching things for my home; I also remember most all glass mfrs saying that applying any such film would void any warranty. :)
Was at Home Depot yesterday; saw a big chart next to stack of air conditioners for sale. According to the chart, 13000 BTUs is enough to cool an 800 sq ft space. My coach is only about 280 sq ft, and yet I have two of these A/Cs? Really got me thinking about reducing heating/cooling requirements.
Am going to make a go at improving my girl. Primarily focusing on reflecting or blocking the heat from the outside, rather than blocking it once it got inside. Lots to think about here. Thanks.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 10:28:24 am
Post by: Merle Hench on June 24, 2011, 10:28:24 am
I bought some sunscreen material & cut it to size of skylight.
Added some snaps on the material & glued the other side of snaps onto the skylight.
I still get the light but heat dramatically reduced.
That looks to be the most practical solution Barry.
I'd still like to keep the heat out altogether though, and that would require something on the outside. More digging and thinking to do on this.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Barry Beam on June 24, 2011, 11:08:52 am
Post by: Barry Beam on June 24, 2011, 11:08:52 am
Wouldn't it be nice if we had flexible solar panels? All of our awnings could be power generators, as well as the entire roof. Some day, maybe.
Uni-Solar 136W PV Module, Amorphous, Laminate, Black, 24V, PVL-136 (http://www.theenergyconscious.com/sol0016.html)
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 24, 2011, 11:31:41 am
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 24, 2011, 11:31:41 am
Just for ##its & giggles, I got into goggle, found MCI coach made the double roof buses for Saudi and also some showed up in west TX hauling prisoners, Seems the idea is loved. Can not see a FT with a double roof, but some times creativity and need over rule standard practice.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: hotonthetrail on June 24, 2011, 12:04:18 pm
Post by: hotonthetrail on June 24, 2011, 12:04:18 pm
Anyone have any experience with the high tech, space age roof paint? jc
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: John Haygarth on June 24, 2011, 12:43:17 pm
Post by: John Haygarth on June 24, 2011, 12:43:17 pm
Maybe someone living near the Space Shuttle storage can make a deal on the heat tiles from under them and glue these on the roof. I think they have pulled them from use (or at least one). It actually would not be hard (just a lot of work) to add a solid foam layer on the roof then fibreglass or !! over the top. A/Cs etc can be raised on the necessary thickness supports to keep them flush with the new top. I would talk to some paint covering experts first to try that angle.
My long time thought has been (and is very easy to do) to make a small track in Alum' that runs down both sides of the coach and about 1" higher than the A?Cs and have a Sunbrella awning that can be motor driven or hand cranked to cover the entire roof area in extreme heat. This will work and fairly inexpensive to do -BUT- big problem if you have solar panels. This is what is keeping me from drawing up plans for our bus right now. At least this method allows air to pass under the awning for vents etc. Just a thought. Am I crazy or what???
My long time thought has been (and is very easy to do) to make a small track in Alum' that runs down both sides of the coach and about 1" higher than the A?Cs and have a Sunbrella awning that can be motor driven or hand cranked to cover the entire roof area in extreme heat. This will work and fairly inexpensive to do -BUT- big problem if you have solar panels. This is what is keeping me from drawing up plans for our bus right now. At least this method allows air to pass under the awning for vents etc. Just a thought. Am I crazy or what???
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Dwayne on June 24, 2011, 02:07:52 pm
Post by: Dwayne on June 24, 2011, 02:07:52 pm
Prior to my trip out west last summer I bought several sheets of the thin blue foam at home depot. This is the stuff that is dense and doesn't crumble much went cut. I cut pieces for each window except cab area, to fit behind shades and wide enough so that the shade brackets held it in place along with the blind hold it too. I cut a piece to fit the galley fan cover which also added some strength to it so that it doesn't feel like it will break taking it on or off. I also cut a piece for the skylight. Never did address the cab area but all this foam helped a great deal. I have kept in in place in fact.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on June 24, 2011, 03:10:21 pm
Post by: Kent Speers on June 24, 2011, 03:10:21 pm
Regrettably the front drape was removed and electric MCD shades were installed. We plan to re install the front drapes for insulation purposes and better privacy.
Just in case, Kent, you might want to save the MCD shades in case you change your mind.
Our plan is to reinstall the drapery rod and keep the shades. I don't know why but that's the plan.
Anyone have any experience with the high tech, space age roof paint? jc
I used to manufacture Kool Kote pool deck paint. It had a 3M hollow microsphere in the paint that both reflected sun light and added insulation to the paint. It was very effective at keeping the pool deck cool in direct sun light, concrete 140 F - Kool Koted pool deck 95 F but I had no data on the insulative factor beneath the coating. Kool Kote is no longer available but there probably are other similar coatings. The coating was pretty expensive. The 3M microspheres were over $300 per pound back in 2004 but fortunately very little was added per gallon.
I have a set of solar screens from MCD for the cockpit. They really help and you can see out, but no one can see in during the daytime. These screens help to prevent the heat from entering the coach. The factory curtain does the privacy thing, but the heat still gets inside. MCD says black is best.
I guess I forgot to mention we too use white sun screens on the front windows and windshield. Ours are velcroed on to the winshield from the inside. They make a tremendous difference reflecting heat but its still hot on the dash.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Chuck Pearson on June 24, 2011, 04:07:24 pm
Post by: Chuck Pearson on June 24, 2011, 04:07:24 pm
Hard to see a better way to shade the roof than solar panels, killing several birds with one stone. The pull over sumbrella sounds interesting, will need to be penetrated for air conditioners of course. I suspect that if you consider the final cost of a good stowable and deployable system the solar panels will start to look better.
We just finished a week in the hill country with little nephew and niece running in and out continually. All awnings deployed, door side of coach facing dead West. It was roasting hot with minimal shade but the two ac units were able to keep the coach in mid 70's at all time. These are older units. I think a factor is exterior color, those paint jobs are sweet but hard to beat reflective white. I don't think the thermo windows really make a lot of difference for air conditioning as you are only trying to keep the inside about 25 degrees cooler than outside, not a huge differential. Now if you're in Montana for the winter and trying to deal with a 100 degree inside outside differential, they are a very big deal.
Shading windows and some sort of shading for top is probably going to be the most effective solution. Or bump up the tonnage of AC, the American way. Kent, I wonder if those microspheres were similar to the ones you can obtain from West Marine as lightweight epoxy filler. Sounds like the making of a reflective, insulative paint. Wonder if you could walk on them without crunching the spheres?
Chuck
We just finished a week in the hill country with little nephew and niece running in and out continually. All awnings deployed, door side of coach facing dead West. It was roasting hot with minimal shade but the two ac units were able to keep the coach in mid 70's at all time. These are older units. I think a factor is exterior color, those paint jobs are sweet but hard to beat reflective white. I don't think the thermo windows really make a lot of difference for air conditioning as you are only trying to keep the inside about 25 degrees cooler than outside, not a huge differential. Now if you're in Montana for the winter and trying to deal with a 100 degree inside outside differential, they are a very big deal.
Shading windows and some sort of shading for top is probably going to be the most effective solution. Or bump up the tonnage of AC, the American way. Kent, I wonder if those microspheres were similar to the ones you can obtain from West Marine as lightweight epoxy filler. Sounds like the making of a reflective, insulative paint. Wonder if you could walk on them without crunching the spheres?
Chuck
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Barry Beam on June 24, 2011, 04:14:59 pm
Post by: Barry Beam on June 24, 2011, 04:14:59 pm
Prior to my trip out west last summer I bought several sheets of the thin blue foam at home depot. This is the stuff that is dense and doesn't crumble much went cut. I cut pieces for each window except cab area, to fit behind shades and wide enough so that the shade brackets held it in place along with the blind hold it too. I cut a piece to fit the galley fan cover which also added some strength to it so that it doesn't feel like it will break taking it on or off. I also cut a piece for the skylight. Never did address the cab area but all this foam helped a great deal. I have kept in in place in fact.
Really lowers the heat penetration on the windows.
I like being able to fold up & put away when not needed.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on June 24, 2011, 04:33:00 pm
Post by: Kent Speers on June 24, 2011, 04:33:00 pm
Chuck, if your are talking about the non-skid used for marine coatings, it is different. The light weight stuff is usually either pumice or solid glass spheres. The hollow glass spheres are the ones that are so expensive and hard to make. They are also not strong enough for use in a floor or deck coating that gets lots of foot traffic of people wearing shoes. They should however be fine for a motor home roof.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: amos.harrison on June 24, 2011, 09:55:53 pm
Post by: amos.harrison on June 24, 2011, 09:55:53 pm
Several of us use a blanket across the inside of the windshield to insulate the front of the coach. We hang a wood closet rod about the full width of the coach behind the valence and drape the blanket over it to form a double layer.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Dave Katsuki on June 25, 2011, 02:31:55 am
Post by: Dave Katsuki on June 25, 2011, 02:31:55 am
We use Reflectix aluminized insulation sheeting for the windshield and the bedroom windows, and sometimes one of the living room windows. It's aluminized on both surfaces and about 3/8" thick. Just cut to size for the window and unroll them and hold in place behind the OEM day-night shades or the MCD shades. They make a really really big difference in either extreme cold or heat. A 4' wide roll is about $35 at Home Depot, and the stuff lasts at least 2 years with daily rolling/unrolling (e.g. for the windshield.)
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on June 25, 2011, 06:04:34 am
Post by: Merle Hench on June 25, 2011, 06:04:34 am
Several Companies make them
Uni-Solar 136W PV Module, Amorphous, Laminate, Black, 24V, PVL-136 (http://www.theenergyconscious.com/sol0016.html)
Did not know that. Progress. :)
Looking at those cells, though, I see the only approved substrates are metal and membrane roofs. Not a show stopper, but then I noted these are 18 feet long, but only produce 136 watts? Going to look into what's out there some more. Thanks.
Here's a link to a picture of an MCI with a double roof - Greyhound Bus Museum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyer_901/3606181117/#) . I like this idea. I don't know how feasible it might be, but I'm going to play with it.
I too envisioned some sort of awning that could easily be deployed over the coach when parked. Don't see how that could easily be done though.
Lots of good ideas - foam, sun screens, etc. I happen to have a 1/2 roll of Reflectix laying around. Might make for a cheap windshield cover. I'll give it a try.
There are a number of coatings and paints I've read about which are supposed to reflect heat or insulate. One which I'm still looking into is a ceramic coating - Attic Radiant Barrier Paint, Wall Vapor Retarder Coating (http://www.hytechsales.com/prod85.html), and All About Ceramic Insulation (http://www.isbu-info.org/all_about_ceramic_insulation.htm) . This may well be as good as, or better, than a double roof.
I know our coaches cannot be made as energy efficient as a well built home, but I think there's a lot of room for improvement. I feel that blocking the heat on the outside is more effective than on the inside, but haven't thought through the practical aspects of this. More to explore here.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on June 25, 2011, 09:29:54 am
Post by: Kent Speers on June 25, 2011, 09:29:54 am
There are a number of coatings and paints I've read about which are supposed to reflect heat or insulate. One which I'm still looking into is a ceramic coating - Attic Radiant Barrier Paint, Wall Vapor Retarder Coating (http://www.hytechsales.com/prod85.html), and All About Ceramic Insulation (http://www.isbu-info.org/all_about_ceramic_insulation.htm) . This may well be as good as, or better, than a double roof.
Steve
When first reading the web page this coating sounded ideal for a coach roof. I thought they might be using the same hollow glass spheres I mentioned previously but considering the price of the coating, I doubt that it is expensive enough to be the same thing. Still it looked like a good idea until I read the data sheet. This is basically regular acrylic interior wall paint with fillers. It probably works fine for its intended use but I doubt that it will stand up to exterior applications like a coach roof. If there are other exterior coatings with similar fillers, it might be a very good alternative to the white urethane coatings now being used.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on August 12, 2011, 11:02:54 am
Post by: Merle Hench on August 12, 2011, 11:02:54 am
Greetings,
Just to update with regards to roof coatings - ceramic insulating paint is a no-go. Doesn't seem to be any independent testing with regards to the wild claims being made. The consensus - it's snake oil. I'm going to have to go along with that.
Some years ago I had an old white Chevy repainted by the local Maaco shop (hey - it was an old Chevy :)). They did a nice enough job for the money, but the big surprise was the paint they used - and I don't know what it was. A very bright white with a hint of blue to it, you could put your hand on the sheetmetal when it sat in the sun, and it was cool to the touch. The interior stayed much cooler than before. At night, when driving under streetlights with photocells, they switched off - so much light reflected off the paint that the photocells switched the lights off (it was quite a sight driving at night. The lights did come back on after a minute.) At any rate, a very reflective paint will have more benefit.
After more web crawling, I've decided at this point to go with Polycoat's Safe-T-Plex RV elastomeric roof coating. It's not as cheap as some, but they claim I'll have a maintenance-free roof for 20 years if applied properly. It is also 92% reflective. Sounds good to me. I did a find only a couple of user reviews - but they were very positive. The mfr claims no failures with 7000 packages sold, and they guarantee against leakage. They've been around for 20 years --> RV ROOF REPAIR (http://www.polycoatings.com/rvroof.html)
In my case, I'm not that worried about leaks - more of an issue of putting something on the no-gelcoat-left roof surface. But if it does reduce some the heat gain inside, and seals the roof against leaks, then it's worthwhile.
I'd be very interested to hear if anyone has any experience with this stuff. A search here turned up zero hits.
Steve
Just to update with regards to roof coatings - ceramic insulating paint is a no-go. Doesn't seem to be any independent testing with regards to the wild claims being made. The consensus - it's snake oil. I'm going to have to go along with that.
Some years ago I had an old white Chevy repainted by the local Maaco shop (hey - it was an old Chevy :)). They did a nice enough job for the money, but the big surprise was the paint they used - and I don't know what it was. A very bright white with a hint of blue to it, you could put your hand on the sheetmetal when it sat in the sun, and it was cool to the touch. The interior stayed much cooler than before. At night, when driving under streetlights with photocells, they switched off - so much light reflected off the paint that the photocells switched the lights off (it was quite a sight driving at night. The lights did come back on after a minute.) At any rate, a very reflective paint will have more benefit.
After more web crawling, I've decided at this point to go with Polycoat's Safe-T-Plex RV elastomeric roof coating. It's not as cheap as some, but they claim I'll have a maintenance-free roof for 20 years if applied properly. It is also 92% reflective. Sounds good to me. I did a find only a couple of user reviews - but they were very positive. The mfr claims no failures with 7000 packages sold, and they guarantee against leakage. They've been around for 20 years --> RV ROOF REPAIR (http://www.polycoatings.com/rvroof.html)
In my case, I'm not that worried about leaks - more of an issue of putting something on the no-gelcoat-left roof surface. But if it does reduce some the heat gain inside, and seals the roof against leaks, then it's worthwhile.
I'd be very interested to hear if anyone has any experience with this stuff. A search here turned up zero hits.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: J. D. Stevens on August 12, 2011, 02:21:35 pm
Post by: J. D. Stevens on August 12, 2011, 02:21:35 pm
... A very bright white with a hint of blue to it, ...
How white was your car? It was so shiny bright white that the street lights thought the sun had come up when we drove by! :P
What a great story!
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Jerry Steele on August 12, 2011, 04:01:04 pm
Post by: Jerry Steele on August 12, 2011, 04:01:04 pm
I concur with Dave. Double bubble from Home Depot is the cheapest, simplest and most effective way of assisting the a/c's and heater in a coach.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: nitehawk on August 12, 2011, 11:49:46 pm
Post by: nitehawk on August 12, 2011, 11:49:46 pm
Our GV faces south so we get sun all morning and then about 2:00PM sun on the west side.
Coach is primarily white so it reflects well. I had some aluminized bubble wrap (aluminum on both sides) so I cut two pieces to fit up against the windshield then closed the curtains. I then cut a piece for each side window and hung them on the unused traverse rods. Tremendous reduction in heat penetration. Even tho we are not experiencing the 100+ temps here it has still gotten up in the 90s.
I am contemplating cutting sheets of this same material to fit between the awning arms and the coach. This should stop the heat before even getting inside and yet be easily rolled up for storage. Quite cheap but easily made and/or replaced. Edge each sheet with a colorful duct tape and you would have a unique looking and yet functional sun/heat shade.
Coach is primarily white so it reflects well. I had some aluminized bubble wrap (aluminum on both sides) so I cut two pieces to fit up against the windshield then closed the curtains. I then cut a piece for each side window and hung them on the unused traverse rods. Tremendous reduction in heat penetration. Even tho we are not experiencing the 100+ temps here it has still gotten up in the 90s.
I am contemplating cutting sheets of this same material to fit between the awning arms and the coach. This should stop the heat before even getting inside and yet be easily rolled up for storage. Quite cheap but easily made and/or replaced. Edge each sheet with a colorful duct tape and you would have a unique looking and yet functional sun/heat shade.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Paul Smith on August 13, 2011, 12:52:33 am
Post by: Paul Smith on August 13, 2011, 12:52:33 am
We spent a summer in El Centro, CA once. Never again. Our Foretravel faced South. I'm pretty sure that's what cracked the driver's side windshield.
So insulate the OUTSIDE of you windshield, too, if you're facing South.
best, paul
So insulate the OUTSIDE of you windshield, too, if you're facing South.
best, paul
Quote
Our GV faces south so we get sun all morning and then about 2:00PM sun on the west side.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: nitehawk on August 13, 2011, 07:54:16 am
Post by: nitehawk on August 13, 2011, 07:54:16 am
I'm still working on the windshield cover idea. My difficulty is I have the male snaps on each side but do not have any way to reach them unless I carry a ladder along.
I will come up with something.
By the way, If the window awnings are opened just enough to push the insulated material up behind the roll it will hold the stuff in place.
I will come up with something.
By the way, If the window awnings are opened just enough to push the insulated material up behind the roll it will hold the stuff in place.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on August 13, 2011, 08:46:59 am
Post by: Merle Hench on August 13, 2011, 08:46:59 am
I had some leftover Reflectix material - just enough to cover the front windshield and side windows. It works great as a sunshield, but my jury rigging didn't hold up well against a violent thunderstorm. Have reattached it for now, but it is a nuisance getting it up there. Definitely need a ladder.
Would love to see an exterior windshield shade that rolls up or to the side like an awning, that could easily be deployed once parked. Having put that Reflectix up reduced inside temps considerably, so I definitely have to have a sunshade now. Will probably end up making something myself.
Steve
Would love to see an exterior windshield shade that rolls up or to the side like an awning, that could easily be deployed once parked. Having put that Reflectix up reduced inside temps considerably, so I definitely have to have a sunshade now. Will probably end up making something myself.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on August 13, 2011, 08:53:15 am
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on August 13, 2011, 08:53:15 am
I'll ditto the aluminum bubble wrap, we were stranded in Wichita for four days in 100+ heat with only the rear AC. We cut the stuff to fit windows and put it behind the shades, amazing how much heat It reflected. I bought two rolls of it at Home Depot for 22 bucks or so. I already had a windshield piece that we always use behind the drapes to reflect heat. BTW you will find it in the INSULATION section, I had two clerks looking for it til we found it.
Gary B
Gary B
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on August 13, 2011, 11:00:57 am
Post by: Kent Speers on August 13, 2011, 11:00:57 am
I'm still working on the windshield cover idea. My difficulty is I have the male snaps on each side but do not have any way to reach them unless I carry a ladder along.
I will come up with something.
By the way, If the window awnings are opened just enough to push the insulated material up behind the roll it will hold the stuff in place.
Two additional tips for the Grand Villa -
Along with covering the side windows and windshield, put bubble insulation up inside the front and side overhead cabinets and behind the TV if possible. There is very little insulation up there and the bubble stuff really helps cut down the solar heating in the coach. I think it will help in the winter as well.
As far as the windshield cover, on my 225 I stood on the bumper to connect the top center snap, laid the mesh cover over the extended windshield wipers, climbed down and laid the covers over the rear view mirrors. I would then go inside the coach and reach out the windows to connect the upper side snaps. Finally I would go back out and and attach the three bottom snaps. It really was pretty easy. On our current U300 the windshield cover is attached from the inside with velcro. It is a three piece cover and actually takes more time to attach but there is no climbing up on a bumper or contortions required while reaching out the windows. Both methods work OK.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: nitehawk on August 13, 2011, 11:29:46 am
Post by: nitehawk on August 13, 2011, 11:29:46 am
Kent, thanks for the suggestions re insulating the overhead cabinets. Will do.
When it comes to the windshield cover--I do not have any snaps above the windshield, only one bottom center and two on each side behind the side windows. Even if I did have one top center I could not reach it by standing on the bumper. Unlike you I am vertically challenged and therefore could not reach it. Also, being somewhat of a klutz and not having a "Steve" handy I would probably fall off and hurt something I need. The back seems to be getting worse and not better so I have to come up with something that will not aggravate it or that the DW could install/remove.
When it comes to the windshield cover--I do not have any snaps above the windshield, only one bottom center and two on each side behind the side windows. Even if I did have one top center I could not reach it by standing on the bumper. Unlike you I am vertically challenged and therefore could not reach it. Also, being somewhat of a klutz and not having a "Steve" handy I would probably fall off and hurt something I need. The back seems to be getting worse and not better so I have to come up with something that will not aggravate it or that the DW could install/remove.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: J. D. Stevens on August 13, 2011, 11:55:00 am
Post by: J. D. Stevens on August 13, 2011, 11:55:00 am
... Two additional tips for the Grand Villa -
Along with covering the side windows and windshield, put bubble insulation up inside the front and side overhead cabinets and behind the TV if possible. There is very little insulation up there and the bubble stuff really helps cut down the solar heating in the coach. I think it will help in the winter as well.
...
I expect that insulation would work well in a Unicoach as well. Our U295 accepts a LOT of heat from the area behind the A/V components. I don't recall seeing any insulation in that area when I had it open.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: PatC on August 14, 2011, 09:08:06 pm
Post by: PatC on August 14, 2011, 09:08:06 pm
I had some leftover Reflectix material - just enough to cover the front windshield and side windows. It works great as a sunshield, but my jury rigging didn't hold up well against a violent thunderstorm. Have reattached it for now, but it is a nuisance getting it up there. Definitely need a ladder.
Would love to see an exterior windshield shade that rolls up or to the side like an awning, that could easily be deployed once parked. Having put that Reflectix up reduced inside temps considerably, so I definitely have to have a sunshade now. Will probably end up making something myself.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Michael & Jackie on August 20, 2011, 12:38:32 am
Post by: Michael & Jackie on August 20, 2011, 12:38:32 am
In NM recently, where ambient temp was quite cool, the sun still got pretty hot in afternoon and back in Texas it is even more so. Anyway, I got some of the aluminum shades ($5 wal-mart) and places them on the front windows, inside, and held them in place by the electric shades (i.e. on inside, not out). Do any of you think this is a potential danger to the windows, causing some type of overheating and breaking glass or harming glue or such? It gets the windows really hot. I even did this on side windows, using the day shades to hold the aluminum shades in place and the temp of the windows went well above 120 degrees....but they only cooled a little when I removed the aluminum shades. Nonetheless, there was an odor of heat that made me think this might not be such a good idea so I quit. ideas, suggestions or warnings? I need to do something in Texas summer!
Mike
Mike
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Paul Smith on August 20, 2011, 12:51:42 am
Post by: Paul Smith on August 20, 2011, 12:51:42 am
A few years ago we spent a Summer in El Centro, CA. Our 1997 U295 faced South. The driver's windshield developed a foot long crack in the lower left. The crack eventually grew to the full height of the windshield.
All I could figure is the hot El Centro Summer did it: 110 to 115 was pretty common.
A local joke goes as follows. They were hiring for president of a local college. One observer suggested they, "Interview candidates in the Summer and if they don't self-combust, hire them!"
best, paul
All I could figure is the hot El Centro Summer did it: 110 to 115 was pretty common.
A local joke goes as follows. They were hiring for president of a local college. One observer suggested they, "Interview candidates in the Summer and if they don't self-combust, hire them!"
best, paul
Quote
In NM recently, where ambient temp was quite cool, the sun still got pretty hot in afternoon and back in Texas it is even more so. Anyway, I got some of the aluminum shades ($5 wal-mart) and places them on the front windows, inside, and held them in place by the electric shades (i.e. on inside, not out). Do any of you think this is a potential danger to the windows, causing some type of overheating and breaking glass or harming glue or such? It gets the windows really hot.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Barry Beam on August 20, 2011, 12:55:15 am
Post by: Barry Beam on August 20, 2011, 12:55:15 am
In NM recently, where ambient temp was quite cool, the sun still got pretty hot in afternoon and back in Texas it is even more so. Anyway, I got some of the aluminum shades ($5 wal-mart) and places them on the front windows, inside, and held them in place by the electric shades (i.e. on inside, not out). Do any of you think this is a potential danger to the windows, causing some type of overheating and breaking glass or harming glue or such? It gets the windows really hot. I even did this on side windows, using the day shades to hold the aluminum shades in place and the temp of the windows went well above 120 degrees....but they only cooled a little when I removed the aluminum shades. Nonetheless, there was an odor of heat that made me think this might not be such a good idea so I quit. ideas, suggestions or warnings? I need to do something in Texas summer!
Mike
I have been using those aluminum shades on the side windows for many months now.
Taking them out rarely for light if the sun is not on that side.
It has dramatically reduced the heat in this coach which is always to hot for me due to the dark paint.
Even the A/c cannot keep up in that heat.
I have not thought of using them behind the electric windshield shades where the heat is the worst.
I will be trying that now.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on August 20, 2011, 03:31:25 pm
Post by: Merle Hench on August 20, 2011, 03:31:25 pm
Greetings,
For giggles, today I took my infrared thermometer and took some temperature readings outside and inside the coach. Some of the numbers surprised me (all numbers in Fahrenheit degrees).
Ambient - 84.5, 69% humidity (yuck), UV index - very high
Asphalt driveway - 135.6
The coach was closed up due to thunderstorms last night, although both vents were open. My makeshift Reflectix windshield cover was in place, and all the awnings were up when I came out at 1:30 pm. The afternoon sun hits the front driver's side late morning, then slides across to cover all the driver's side and roof. The passenger side never gets direct sun.
Outside of single pane windows - 108 to 110 in the sun, ambient in the shade
Outside of coach - in the sun - ivory color - 107 to 112, dark gold color - 122 to 130.
Inside temps - 86.6 - I was surprised, given the awnings were up. That windshield cover really makes a major difference. And this was with the windows all closed.
Kitchen vent opening (inside cover is off at the moment) - 106
Bathroom vent opening (1/2 open) - 105
Inside of skylight - 130!!! I knew it got hot, but this is ridiculous. Going to cover that with some Home Depot bubble and figure something out. I like the light and the headroom, but the heat loss and gain is nuts.
Ceiling temps - front cap - 86.4, main coach - 92.4, rear cap 85.1 - I find this interesting, as the caps don't really have any insulation in them.
Lastly, I climbed up to get roof temps. The roof is dirty, and there is no gelcoat left to speak of. Temps ranged from 130 to 140. Higher than I expected. Hotter in spots than the black asphalt driveway. Interesting.
Yesterday I ordered seam tape and an EPDM coating for the roof. The coating has a reflectivity of 92%, so will see just how much cooler the roof and inside turn out to be after I'm done applying it (this week, schedule and weather permitting).
Spent a lot of time researching roof coatings and calling manufacturers. In the end, I chose Polycoatings RV Roof EPDM reflective coating --> RV Roof Repair Motorhome Roof Coating | Palycoatings International (http://www.polycoatings.com/rvroof.html) . A maintenance free roof (aside from cleaning) for 20 years appeals to me. :). I'll let ya know how it turns out.
Steve
For giggles, today I took my infrared thermometer and took some temperature readings outside and inside the coach. Some of the numbers surprised me (all numbers in Fahrenheit degrees).
Ambient - 84.5, 69% humidity (yuck), UV index - very high
Asphalt driveway - 135.6
The coach was closed up due to thunderstorms last night, although both vents were open. My makeshift Reflectix windshield cover was in place, and all the awnings were up when I came out at 1:30 pm. The afternoon sun hits the front driver's side late morning, then slides across to cover all the driver's side and roof. The passenger side never gets direct sun.
Outside of single pane windows - 108 to 110 in the sun, ambient in the shade
Outside of coach - in the sun - ivory color - 107 to 112, dark gold color - 122 to 130.
Inside temps - 86.6 - I was surprised, given the awnings were up. That windshield cover really makes a major difference. And this was with the windows all closed.
Kitchen vent opening (inside cover is off at the moment) - 106
Bathroom vent opening (1/2 open) - 105
Inside of skylight - 130!!! I knew it got hot, but this is ridiculous. Going to cover that with some Home Depot bubble and figure something out. I like the light and the headroom, but the heat loss and gain is nuts.
Ceiling temps - front cap - 86.4, main coach - 92.4, rear cap 85.1 - I find this interesting, as the caps don't really have any insulation in them.
Lastly, I climbed up to get roof temps. The roof is dirty, and there is no gelcoat left to speak of. Temps ranged from 130 to 140. Higher than I expected. Hotter in spots than the black asphalt driveway. Interesting.
Yesterday I ordered seam tape and an EPDM coating for the roof. The coating has a reflectivity of 92%, so will see just how much cooler the roof and inside turn out to be after I'm done applying it (this week, schedule and weather permitting).
Spent a lot of time researching roof coatings and calling manufacturers. In the end, I chose Polycoatings RV Roof EPDM reflective coating --> RV Roof Repair Motorhome Roof Coating | Palycoatings International (http://www.polycoatings.com/rvroof.html) . A maintenance free roof (aside from cleaning) for 20 years appeals to me. :). I'll let ya know how it turns out.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 13, 2011, 09:22:27 pm
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 13, 2011, 09:22:27 pm
It has been some time since posts to this topic but some recent information and discussions with Extreme Graphics, and a look at some RVs out in the sun today in Nac at 104 degrees, emphasized the role of coach color. Ours is brown, and seems not good for Texas summer. Not only does it heat more than the white coaches, it is hard on the paint. Need to keep it clean, waxed. Perhaps others disagree with importance of color, but seemed valid today.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 13, 2011, 10:23:39 pm
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 13, 2011, 10:23:39 pm
Quite right but also seasonal. Flat white reflects better than anything but come fall and winter, your brown means less propane burned.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Merle Hench on September 14, 2011, 06:10:04 am
Post by: Merle Hench on September 14, 2011, 06:10:04 am
Skin temp difference on my coach between the whitish color and the green/gold at the bottom, while in the sun, runs about 15 to 20 degrees, using an IR thermometer.
I've completed the roof renovation using the EPDM coating. Big difference in roof temps. The roof now feels no more than warm to the touch when in the sun. Contrast that with the 135 to 140 degrees measured prior to coating. Posted a thread in the Renovations section titled "DIY Roof Renovation" with details and pics.
Will see what happens when it gets cooler.
Steve
I've completed the roof renovation using the EPDM coating. Big difference in roof temps. The roof now feels no more than warm to the touch when in the sun. Contrast that with the 135 to 140 degrees measured prior to coating. Posted a thread in the Renovations section titled "DIY Roof Renovation" with details and pics.
Will see what happens when it gets cooler.
Steve
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Patricia on September 14, 2011, 10:37:27 am
Post by: Patricia on September 14, 2011, 10:37:27 am
... a look at some RVs out in the sun today in Nac at 104 degrees, emphasized the role of coach color. Ours is brown, and seems not good for Texas summer. Not only does it heat more than the white coaches, it is hard on the paint. Need to keep it clean, waxed. Perhaps others disagree with importance of color, but seemed valid today.
a) exterior sunshades (see my post: new sunshades - what a difference! (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13200.msg71989#msg71989))
b) Hella fans in the bedroom - we don't have a ceiling fan in our U295 (see George's post: Hella Fans in the bedroom (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13228.msg72197#msg72197))
Can't say enough about how these two additions have made life much more comfortable in the heat! :))
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on September 14, 2011, 04:58:05 pm
Post by: Kent Speers on September 14, 2011, 04:58:05 pm
We had the aluminized bubble material in the windshield on the inside of the glass held up by our sun screens all summer in this Oklahoma Heat with no windshield problems. Keep in mind we were living in the coach so the A/C was running all of the time which would mitigate the heat buildup on the windshield glass. The coach was also pointed east so the windshield didn't get mid day and afternoon sun.
Regarding the sky light in the bathroom, I purchased a 4' X 8' sheet of 1/2" bead board/Styrofoam, the smallest I could find, with an aluminum coating one side at Lowes for under $5.00. I cut out a piece that fitted snugly in the sky light opening. It has been in all year with no fasteners. It lets in about 40% of the light and reduces the heat by about 70%. If I want to take it out for more light or heat I just grab it with a bent paper clip and pull it down. It goes back just as easily.
Regarding the sky light in the bathroom, I purchased a 4' X 8' sheet of 1/2" bead board/Styrofoam, the smallest I could find, with an aluminum coating one side at Lowes for under $5.00. I cut out a piece that fitted snugly in the sky light opening. It has been in all year with no fasteners. It lets in about 40% of the light and reduces the heat by about 70%. If I want to take it out for more light or heat I just grab it with a bent paper clip and pull it down. It goes back just as easily.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Bill Chaplin on September 14, 2011, 08:46:47 pm
Post by: Bill Chaplin on September 14, 2011, 08:46:47 pm
How do you get your "bent paper clip" up that far
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: PatC on September 14, 2011, 11:36:39 pm
Post by: PatC on September 14, 2011, 11:36:39 pm
a) exterior sunshades (see my post: new sunshades - what a difference! (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13200.msg71989#msg71989))
Here is what the Scotch All Weather Fasteners look like.http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSu7zK1fslxtUOx_UM8_9ev7qeChshvTSevTSeSSSSSS--&fn=RFD7090_rgb.jpg (http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSu7zK1fslxtUOx_UM8_9ev7qeChshvTSevTSeSSSSSS--&fn=RFD7090_rgb.jpg)
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 10:56:17 am
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 10:56:17 am
How do you get your "bent paper clip" up that far
Bill, since it's you I'm sure there is some humor here that I'm missing but I am still heavily sedated so give me some slack when I come back with a straight reply. When you are tall enough that your head is in the sky light, it is not too hard to reach the plug with a paper clip.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 15, 2011, 11:14:02 am
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 15, 2011, 11:14:02 am
Was that "in the skylight" or in the clouds?
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 15, 2011, 12:26:27 pm
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 15, 2011, 12:26:27 pm
... head is in the sky light ...
Not a really bad place for your head to be. The sun does shine there. :o ;D
Marilyn and I are neither very tall. In a coach, that can be a pretty good situation because everything seems relatively larger and more spacious.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 12:28:56 pm
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 12:28:56 pm
Those that have had the pleasure of meeting me in person as well as those more astute forum members will tell you that the clouds, always, as well as the skylight when showering
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 15, 2011, 12:52:24 pm
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 15, 2011, 12:52:24 pm
The exterior of our coach is mostly white gel coat. The graphics appear to be stock patterns, but are painted. The HVAC systems do a good job of keeping the coach comfortable in temperatures from -5F to 105F. The ZipDee window awnings help a lot in hot, sunny weather.
Dark exteriors will gain heat faster than light colored exteriors when the sun is shining on them. They will lose heat faster in the dark.
Dark exteriors will gain heat faster than light colored exteriors when the sun is shining on them. They will lose heat faster in the dark.
Title: Re: Improving energy efficiency in your coach
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 02:13:58 pm
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 02:13:58 pm
Our coach has a new white painted roof except over the front end cap. That is black as is about 2/3 of the coach. Through all of this 100+ heat in Oklahoma this summer, with the bubble wrap in the front windows and in the overhead cabinets above the dash, the plug in the skylight and bubble wrap over the bathroom vent, awnings out and the coach facing east we were able to cool the coach with just one of our A/C's about 18 hours a day and just the front A/C at night.