Owning a static caravan or holiday lodge is all about relaxing, comfort, and escaping the everyday grind. But power usage and bills can add up fast, especially if your holiday caravan is kitted out with modern appliances, heating, and lots of lighting, and you don’t want to be hit with high running costs when it’s time to relax.
A few smart changes can help you trim down your electricity use without powering off completely! Here’s how to keep your static caravan snug, functional, and affordable all year round with our energy saving tips.
1. Don’t just stand by – switch off
Appliances left on standby still draw power. TVs, microwaves, kettles, coffee machines, even mobile phone chargers, can quietly drain energy. When you’re leaving your holiday caravan for more than a day or two – or even before you go to bed – turn them off at the socket.
A power strip with a switch makes this even easier.
2. Defrost and disconnect
Don’t leave your static caravan’s fridge and freezer running when you’re not using your caravan for a while. Defrost and empty it before any long absences and unplug it to cut down unnecessary energy use.
Did you know? A defrosted freezer works more efficiently when you switch it back on.
3. Upgrade to energy efficient appliances
If your caravan’s appliances are getting on a bit, consider upgrading to energy efficient models. Look for ones with a high energy rating (A-rated or better).
A newer fridge, heater, or TV could use up to 50% less electricity than an old one. Regular servicing of your boiler – or an upgrade – will keep things running efficiently too.
4. Cooking clever
Instead of firing up the oven every time, use an air fryer, microwave, or slow cooker. They cook faster and use far less energy.
Air fryers in particular are a game changer – they’re compact, efficient, and ideal for holiday meals. In fact air fryers are a creature comfort for many static caravan owners and a great caravan cooker alternative.
5. Switch to LED lighting
Still using old light bulbs? LED lights use up to 90% less electricity and last much longer.
They’re a quick, easy win for cutting costs – to your inside and outdoor lighting.
6. Let solar take over
Instead of leaving an outdoor light on overnight (and racking up the watts), switch to solar-powered decking and outdoor lights.
They charge during the day and glow through the evening – no wiring, no bills.
7. Control your heating
Don’t heat an empty static caravan. Use a programmable timer or smart thermostat to only warm things up when needed. If your site has Wi-Fi, a smart thermostat can let you control heating remotely, which is handy in the off-season, or when you’re not there.
You might also want to consider zonal heating, using a portable heater in occupied areas rather than heating the whole caravan.
8. Seal up the drafts
Heating a draughty static caravan is like pouring water into a sieve!
Use draught excluders, thermal curtains, and window seals to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. You’ll use less energy to stay cosy and warm.
It’s also said that caravan skirting can reduce cold air coming up through the floor in winter months.
9. Insulate your hot water
If you use an electric water heater, check it’s insulated. Pipe lagging is inexpensive and can reduce the cost of keeping water warm when you need it.
10. Keep an eye on usage
Consider a plug-in energy monitor to see how much power your appliances are using. They can be bought for less than £20 and can help you pinpoint where the biggest savings can be made. These meters allow you to enter your park’s cost per unit of electricity so you can see how much you’re spending each day.
Over to you….
Why not try using these energy-saving tips for a few months and see how much you save on your next utility bill. The saving might pay for day out or two.
Got any energy-saving tips to share with fellow static caravanners? We’d love to hear them. Simply share in the comments box below.
