Keeping your holiday home and lodge warm this winter

As winter is officially in full swing, keeping your holiday home warm is essential for improving comfort, safety, and reducing energy costs.

Swift static caravans are designed with these needs in mind. Built to BS EN 1647 standards, they meet the National Caravan Council (NCC) Structural Thermal Rating Scheme for Caravan Holiday Homes. Meanwhile, our Lodge range is constructed to BS 3632 standards, adhering to the NCC Energy Efficiency Rating Scheme for Residential Park Homes. These specifications ensure enhanced thermal efficiency, thanks to superior insulation in the roof, walls, and floors.

In this article, we’ll share practical tips to keep your holiday home warm this winter and explain how owning a Swift holiday home can make staying cosy this winter even easier!

Double glazing

Windows and doors are typically where most heat escapes in holiday homes, so it is important to ensure that your windows and doors are checked for damage and drafts. At Swift, we combat heat loss by fitting heat-reflecting ‘Thermaglas’ double glazing as standard in our lodges, and either as standard or an option in our holiday homes and S-Pods.

Insulation

Effective insulation is key to retaining heat during colder months. Swift holiday homes and lodges feature:

• Prefabricated Roof Trusses: Providing exceptional thermal efficiency and even meeting Grade B snow-loading standards (capable of supporting half a meter of settled snow).
• Bonded Sandwich Exterior Walls: Offering not only great insulation but also superior structural strength.
• Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) Flooring in Lodges: These panels have a timber frame with polyurethane-injected floorboards, delivering excellent insulation for year-round living.

Damp proofing

Maintaining warmth helps prevent damp and reduces the risk of burst pipes. Here’s how you can damp proof your holiday home:

• Keep the heating on low consistently or set it to run at least once daily if the home is unoccupied.
• Ensure air vents are clear and leave all internal doors open to promote air circulation.
• Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent excess moisture from accumulating.

Other handy tips

• Keep a portable heater on hand for an extra source of warmth and as a backup if your heating ever fails. Not only are they cheap to run, but they also heat rooms quickly.
• Carry out a drain down to prevent pipes freezing and bursting.
• Avoid blocking radiators with furniture to maximise heating efficiency.
• Keep your curtains open during the day to let the heat in and close them at night to block out the cold.
• Invest in electric blankets and thick bedding to stay warm throughout the night

Important reminders

• Check your insurance policy for any specific winter requirements to keep your home protected during harsh weather.
• Before making upgrades or changes to your static caravan, review your park’s terms and conditions or any contractual agreements.
• Ensure any purchased accessories, such as heaters or curtains, meet safety standards for optimal performance and protection.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable, and safe holiday home throughout the winter months, allowing you to make the most of your Swift home year after year.