Tips and Tricks on Repairing Your RV's Air Conditioner

Planning on a summer road trip with your RV? If so, then you want to make sure that your caravan’s air conditioning is in great shape. The Australian heat is known for beating down on caravanners with faulty air conditioning. Keeping your A/C unit well-maintained ensures that no matter how hot things get, you’ll have plenty of that sweet, cold air to cool you down.

You don’t need to call a technician to repair your RV’s air conditioning. With the proper tools and knowledge, you can be your own mechanic and save money throughout the entire repair procedure! Here are a couple of tips and tricks that you can use to get your RV’s A/C unit in good running condition.

Common A/C problems

One of the most common issues caravanners face with their RV air conditioners is that the unit won’t turn on. If this happens, you want to check the power supply first by plugging an appliance into an  outlet. If everything is working properly, you want to check the breaker next as there’s a possibility that you’ve tripped the breaker. Invest in a multi-meter and test the voltage coming into the RV.

Another problem that persists with RV air conditioners is the air getting hotter as the A/C unit operates. There are several reasons why the A/C isn’t able to keep the air cool inside your RV:

• The air conditioner could be old. It’s common for older A/C units to struggle with cooling air after years of use due to a burned-out air compressor.

• The air is too hot outside for your air conditioner to keep up. Check the size of your air conditioner and make sure it can cool the interior of your RV.

• The air filters, fins, and coils are gunked up. Dust and dirt buildup can drastically reduce the performance and efficiency of your A/C unit.
  
  

All it takes is a good deep-cleaning to restore the performance and efficiency of your RV air conditioner. Follow these easy tips on how to clean your A/C unit.

How to clean your RV’s air conditioner

• Unplug the A/C unit first before starting the cleaning procedure.

• Remove the air filters according to manufacturer instructions. If you use your A/C regularly, you want to clean the filters at least once a month to ensure optimal performance.

• Check the filters for any signs of damage. If they’re torn, replace them immediately. If not, use warm, soapy water to remove all of the accumulated dust.

• With the filters removed, you should have clear access to the evaporator coils. Clean the evaporator coils using a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled brush attachment.

• Clean the condenser coils of the A/C unit. Climb up your RV’s roof, unscrew the bolts, and remove the A/C shroud.  Vacuum out the dust and spray the condenser coils with an appropriate condenser coil cleaner. Follow the product’s instructions to avoid damaging the condenser coils.
  
  

How to maintain your Rv’s air conditioner

Now that you’re done cleaning the A/C unit, it’s time to implement a couple of maintenance procedures that not only will prolong its lifespan, but also improve its cooling performance. Follow these 5 maintenance tips to keep your RV air conditioner running smoothly.

1. Manage your thermostat settings

While your RV air conditioner is capable of withstanding heavy usage, that doesn’t mean you should overload its capacity. Instead of leaving the thermostat at a low temperature, try to set the fan to the “on” setting. Doing so allows the A/C unit to adjust the temperature when it reaches the desired heat/cold and distribute the cool air inside your RV.

By keeping your temperature at a moderate setting, the A/C unit will perform better and will not suffer from excessive wear and tear.

2. Open the roof vent

If you’re outside and you’re not using the air conditioner, simply open up the roof vent to allow the moisture to evaporate. Doing this will help prevent damage to your A/C unit in the long run.

3. Check the condenser at least once a year

The condenser can potentially be blocked by leaves or dirt so it’s a good idea to check on it frequently. If you find that the A/C unit still isn’t cooling your RV after cleaning the condenser, consider replacing it.

4. Lubricate the fan

An air conditioner fan is responsible for circulating air inside your RV. Make sure to lubricate it evenly so the cool air can circulate properly.

5. Cover the A/C unit during the off-season

You can prevent costly repairs by simply buying a breathable air conditioner cover. This helps prevent damage to the coils and inhibits moisture damage during the off-season. By keeping dirt, debris, and other elements out of your A/C unit, it will perform better once summer rolls around.