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Another quiet PP week, before the craziness of the fourth settles in, summer is either a busy/lazy time for most of us, if you are heading out for a trip be sure your neighbor has access, and your contact info, (in case of an emergency) while you are away. Summer Soltice came and went like all the other special days (unnoticed), I spoke on here a few months ago reminding about cleaning out your rooftop air filters for summer, with the new install of our new rooftop unit, now almost completed, as promised last week, here is my old article...(shortened and revised for PP).
"Bug/Rodent/Mold Infestation and your Boat/Tiny/RV Air Duct System"
Preoccupied, over indulged, vacationers, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, cruisers, campers, boondockers, and full timers alike, are pretty much unaware and usually lacking any knowledge about their heating air conditioning systems on/in their rig. (that is not an insult, simply the truth).
These simple systems require little to make us comfortable in a controlled ambient air temperature/humidity envelope of 68-72 degrees (F) year around, they are “so” simple... we ignore them.
Back in the early design phases, one of two basic “types” of systems are chosen by engineers… forced air (whole-house) ducted/distributed, or static (Individual area) non-ducted. Some term these as “Central source” or “Zone” systems.
Air conditioning-wise, most smaller (40 foot and under) open floor/deck plan Boat/Tiny/RVs utilize “Rooftop” mounted A/C and wall mounted heat units that act as “Zone” units, the multi-compartmented, or larger Boat/Tiny/RVs need to route individual “outlets” (via duct work) to balance temperatures, summer is a BoatTiny/RV "use time" for many stored-over-winter rigs, with lots of in-out, open door, activity.
Heating and cold outdoor temperatures create many diverse problems for units stored, or lived-in, condensation, mold, hibernation of bugs, rodents (seeking heat and refuge), and maintaining a human comfort zone of temperature all combine to make Winter a “closed up” period of time, with no open windows, and, static-recycled breathing air.
The post 2000 (Y2K) trending of systems has moved heavily to ducted "Central" source A/C-Heat, for comfort and (just like at home) a familiar thermostat controlled habitation area as opposed to having localized warm/cold individual spaces.
Which brings us back to our topic today… "Bug/Rodent/Mold Infestation and your Boat/Tiny/RV Air Duct System".
So, let me get it over with quickly, now that you have been living aboard for a full year+, what did your filters and duct-work look like (after winter) when you just inspected them ? I thought not. Some owners (because of asthma, allergies, pets, etc;) actually “do” check ducts/clean/change out their filters after each 6 month cooling/heating season, but, not many.
That lack of maintenance can translate to duct inspection/cleaning/sanitizing and “surprises” ! which means flashlights, mirrors, brushes, rags, vacuum cleaner, wand extensions, innovation, and your choice of a cleaner/sanitizer, knee pads or a step ladder, and swearing that your next rig will “never-ever” have a ductwork type system...ever again !
Before the excuses begin, just sitting static-motionless at the dock or in the RV park is no different than boondocking, cruising the worlds ports, or RV Parks… ducts are ducts, they love the gazillion types of bacteria, mites of all types, mold, spilled liquids, spiders, cock roaches, rodents and all of the nests, urine and droppings that go with them all… there is no better place to string a web than across a ducr, (and have a blower bring the insects to you).
After being in the industry a few weeks, I am totally averse (no, "terrified") of carpeting and duct work on Boats, Tiny, and RVs, just like the US Postal service has a training class on how to stuff post office boxes amazingly overfull, they learned it all from the critters who clog up our air supply ductwork, with floor mounted grates being the worst, but, hidden, obscure, forgotten wall mounted vents should not be overlooked.
Areas with Palmetto/Roaches, or mice are the most concerning because of diseases like Hanta and salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, gastroenteritis, pet dander, Gorst and Pine pollens, listeriosis, E. coli, and even polioviruses going into your breathing air, (lets not forget COVID). Inhaling contaminated dust is the single-most common route of Hanta transmission dust, allergens of all types from nesting materials, and of course, there is that “smell” that you always just blame on what you are calling “that boat, or RV smell”.
2025 ADDENDUM: After too many harbor years, I now live ashore in the Oregon woods, we have a substantial Deer mouse population here, my vehicles, yard boxes, and RV all are at risk, take a deep breath ... alhough we have "no" RV duct work, our vehicle A/C Heat system airway needs constant inspection and cleaning.
I wonder/worry about my (ahem, "older") neighbors, their knowledge base, even their immune system status and health, Oregon (inland or offshore) has always had a mold and Hantavirus problem from our humidity, rock chucks, squirrels, mice, rats, shrews, prairie dog types, and, did I mention, MICE ? Most people are aware of their air (furnace) filters but ...
In my past I have cleaned many ducts, some so filthy that they required full replacement, out of sight, they can go for years unserviced, full of black mold, mildew, and dead critters (these are premium dwelling places for mice, and whatever debris that falls into a grate), most RV/Tiny/Boat air ducts are aluminum flex tubing and easily hold debris ifloorn their folds.
