Top Tops for Keeping the RV AC in Tip Top Shape

Hot summer days and humid summer nights—thank goodness for the modern convenience of air conditioning to keep your home comfortable throughout the warmer seasons. It is so simple to just adjust your RV's temperature at the touch of a finger. Like with anything, however, it's easy to begin taking this amenity for granted. Then, all of a sudden, you set your thermometer to "cool" and nothing happens. Perhaps, instead, it begins running but the air emerging isn't cool at all, or at least not as cool as it should be. What do you do?

Fortunately, there are several things you can address that reduce the likelihood of this occurring. There are also a few things to check before deciding to invest in the replacement of the entire system. Monitoring and cleaning the various AC elements that are the most likely to get dirty or congested is a good place to start. With a just bit of diligence, effort, and forethought, you can keep your RV cool and comfortable for years—or even decades—to come.

Keep the Vent Filters Clean

To keep your air conditioner working at capacity, it's important to regularly clean your vent filters. The purpose of the filters is to keep dust and debris out of the blower, which helps maintain the integrity of the motor and duct system. This improves how the air conditioner runs. The filters also reduce pollution in the RV, enable the unit to use much less energy, and thereby improve the AC's cooling efficiency. Failure to do so can result in a blocked system that makes the compressor work harder in an attempt to keep your RV cool.

Related Read: Keeping Cool without Over-Using your AC

Experts suggest that you monitor your inside filters every two weeks, and clean them as needed. This is especially important when you're traveling or residing in dusty environments. Merely remove the vent grill, which usually will just snap off, and extract the filter. This can easily be washed with soap and water in your sink. Once it's dry, place it back where it belongs and snap the vent cover back on. It's a quick and simple task that makes a big difference in how well the AC cools your RV.

Clean the AC Radiator Coils

Another part of the unit that can become dirty, clogged, and inefficient is the "radiator", which includes the cooling and drying portion of the air conditioner. This can really affect how efficiently the air conditioner will cool the area. You'll need to get on the roof of the RV to clean them.

Begin by shutting off the breaker to the unit, climb onto the roof, and remove the shroud or AC cover. Being careful to avoid bending the vanes, begin by using a wire brush and sweep it in the direction of the vanes. This removes any debris that has accumulated. Follow this by using a can of compressed air to blow out the loosened debris without damaging the electrical components. Once you're done, flip on the breaker and check the AC output.

Troubleshooting Problems with Your AC Units

If your air conditioner is shutting off regularly and unexpectedly, it is probably drawing too many amps with use. Once the amperage threshold is met, the compressor will shut down to reduce overheating, and even the possibility of catching on fire. It will try to restart, but the result will be the same, and eventually—if it's continually pushed—it will trip the breaker.

This usually occurs at the end of the unit's lifecycle. If this is happening, it does no good to spend time cleaning it. Unfortunately, an RV's AC is a closed system and individual parts like the compressor can't be replaced. Installing a new air conditioner is the only solution.

Related Read: Keeping Cool in Your RV When the Weather is Hot

Replacing Your Air Conditioner

The air conditioner comes in two parts: the top and the bottom. Since the top half holds the moving parts and the majority of the electronics, it's the half that most frequently needs to be replaced. In fact, it is rare that both sections are faulty at the same time.

The first step—after flipping the breaker and shutting off the power—is to remove the old AC unit. To ensure you can properly reconnect the electrical lines when you install the new unit, it's a good idea to take a picture of how it's hooked up before you begin disconnecting it. Mark each line as you unhook it to make the replacement process easier and hopefully error-free.

Next, remove the bolts that hold the top half of the unit on, as well as the bezel, also referred to as the gasket. The bezel is the part that keeps water from seeping between the AC unit and the roof of the RV. Whenever the AC is replaced, the bezel must be replaced, as well.

Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions to replace the unit. There are many YouTube videos that provide additional info if a visual reference is required. Lay out the new bezel and make sure it's firmly in place to ensure no moisture gets in. Bolt on the AC unit and reattach the electrical lines exactly how they were on the prior unit. Refer to your photo for accuracy.

Once you're done, flip the breaker and turn the power back on. Then adjust the thermostat and turn on the system to check that it's running properly.

In Conclusion

With proper maintenance, your air conditioner will be cooling your RV for many years. Regular cleaning of the filters and vanes can extend the life of your unit, and using it in moderation helps, as well. Even with the best efforts, however, after a decade or more you are likely to need a new unit. When replacing your AC, remember "safety first". Make sure to shut off the power to the unit when you're working on it. Always contact a professional if you do not feel capable of safely and effectively handling the job yourself. Your comfort is not worth your life. Stay cool!