Now that temperatures are hitting around 90 degrees in Michigan, RVers are turning to their air conditioning units for relief. And unfortunately, many of us are learning the hard way that it’s easy to forget about routine maintenance to our A/C units. As most can attest, a family vacation can quickly be soured by hot and humid nights spent in a scorching RV. Proper and regular maintenance is needed in order for your A/C unit to operate efficiently. Unlike household air conditioning units, your rig shouldn’t require any expert technician to inspect or repair. With research of your system and these basic tips and tricks, you can easily maintain your unit yourself – and at no cost!
First, it is important to understand that there are two main systems in an RV roof air conditioning unit. There are a few other styles, such as the basement model, but, we will stick with roof-mounted systems as they have been around the longest and are the most common. Maintenance and care are generally the same for all models.
The two main systems are:
- The Sealed System: This is the “cooling” mechanism of the air conditioner and contains the compressor, condenser and evaporator; these are all inside the unit.
- The Air Moving System: The motor and two fans exist in this portion of the unit. One of the fans moves air across the condenser, while the other moves air across the evaporator.
Every once in a while, these systems experience mechanical problems, causing the air conditioner not to work to its full capacity. It is important to identify issues you are having with your air conditioning unit. Common problems are the unit’s age ; water or debris have damaged the unit; it is too hot outside for the unit to keep up; or the air filters, fins, and coils are dirty. Factors that contribute to the problem are how hot and humid it is outside, the size of the interior of your rig, how insulated your rig is, and if you have dual or single roof air conditioning units. Often times, air conditioners fail because the unit does not get the required amperage needed. The unit then heats up and destroys itself.
It is important to inspect both the inside and outside components of the A/C unit(s). Below are suggestions for proper maintenance. First and foremost, avoid from being shocked. Unplug your air conditioner before you begin any inspection – indoor or outdoor.
Inspect from outside your rig
Carefully climb on top of your rig to inspect the plastic cover over the A/C unit for any cracks or splits. This cover must be in excellent condition in order to keep out rain, water, and snow from the inner mechanical workings. Other elements, like the sun’s UV rays or debris, may have deteriorated the plastic as well. Inspect thoroughly to avoid serious damage.
Make sure the air conditioner unit is securely mounted to the top of the RV. There should be a foam rubber gasket between the unit itself and the roof of the RV. If the mounting is not functioning properly, water can find its way not only into the unit itself, but to various locations in your RV, creating a waterlogged disaster.
The air conditioner condenser fins should be clean and straight. Any sort of bend will restrict air flow through the unit. Although it is recommended to hire a technician to straighten these out, you can safely use a comb or dull knife to straighten them yourself. It is important to know that if your condenser fins are dirty, your filter is not covering the intake area as it should and may need to be replaced. Technically, no dirt should be able to get through this filter.
Condenser coils should be cleaned by carefully removing the plastic cover and vacuuming out any dust and spraying the coils with coil cleaner. Make sure to follow the coil cleaner instructions to avoid damaging the coils. Again, make sure your unit is off and unplugged!
Inspect from inside your rig
Make sure the air filters in the unit are clean. If these are dirty, they can reduce the cooling capacity tremendously. These should be washed with warm soapy water and be left out to air dry. Filters should be cleaned at least once or twice a month depending on how much you run your unit.
Since the air filters will already be removed from the unit, clean the evaporator coils with the soft bristle brush of a vacuum. Routine cleaning will keep grime from building up and allow the air conditioner to operate efficiently.
Other tips for maintaining your air conditioner
Manage your thermostat settings by simply turning on the “fan” function. This allows the air to distribute throughout the RV at a moderate setting and avoids over working the A/C unit.
When you are not inside your RV, consider opening the roof vent. Not only does this avoid running the air conditioner while no one is indoors enjoying the cool air, it also allows moisture to evaporate inside the unit and prevents damage.
Checking the condenser twice a year is critical to your air conditioner’s life span. Inspect it before you get on the road and before you winterize your RV. If dirt and leaves build up, the A/C won’t cool your RV and may potentially need to be replaced.
Oil the fan to ensure proper circulation.
Covering the air conditioner in the off-season can also prevent from costly repairs from water or snow damage.
Your RV air conditioner doesn’t work like a household unit. The Freon cannot be checked and recharged since they run based on a closed system like a refrigerator. In most cases, units cannot be fixed at all and require being completely replaced. With proper inspection and maintenance, however, your air conditioner should operate efficiently and have a longer lifespan.