Heating a van: diesel, gas or electric
Cold nights decide whether van life is comfortable. The three heating routes differ in fuel, running cost and install — here's the honest trade-off.
Fuel types at a glance
Which to choose
A diesel air-heater (Webasto, Eberspächer, Autoterm) is the efficient default: it sips fuel and runs off the vehicle tank. Gas (Truma Combi) heats air and water together and is the premium-motorhome standard, but needs LPG. Electric heating is silent and simple but pulls hard on the battery — practical mainly on shore power or a large LiFePO4 bank. See our diesel-heater comparison for models. Whichever fuel you pick, a combustion heater burns inside a small sealed space: HSE advises that gas appliances and flues are checked for safety at least once every 12 months, and that a carbon-monoxide alarm complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries an approval mark such as a Kitemark.
Key takeaways
- Diesel air-heaters are the fuel-efficient default for off-grid.
- Gas (Truma) pairs heat + hot water but needs LPG.
- Electric heating is clean but battery-hungry — best on hookup.
- Any combustion heater needs servicing and a CO alarm — HSE advises a safety check at least once every 12 months.
Sources
What this page is based on — every source is verified, and links out whenever the document is still reachable.