Whether your AC could benefit from a little TLC or is brand new, it's important to regularly service and maintain your unit just like everything else on your RV.If you haven't run into problems yet, great! The tips below will help you keep your AC in top shape. If you are experiencing problems such as leaks, freezing up, or lack of airflow, check out our RV AC maintenance overview below for help getting your AC back to full health.Regular maintenance is just a routine part of RV ownership, and though it may not be the most fun part of RVing, keeping your AC in good working order will save you money in the long run!
Disclaimer: The following is intended as a general guide for maintaining RV air conditioners. We cannot provide diagnostic or technical assistance for your specific AC unit. Although many common issues can be remedied at home, when in doubt, it's always best to bring your RV to your local professionals.Warning: ALWAYS disconnect the AC from its power source prior to servicing it. Make sure not to touch capacitor terminals with your bare hands, even after disconnecting the power. The capacitor can still hold a charge even after disconnecting and must be discharged before handling.
RV Air Conditioner Components: What You'll Find "Beneath the Hood"
Before we begin, it helps to have a basic grasp of the components found on an RV air conditioner. Here are a few you'll run into:COMPRESSOR: Compresses the vapor refrigerant (such as Freon) and heats it before the vapor travels to the condenser.CONDENSER: Cools the vapor and condenses it into a liquid. The condenser can be seen from the rooftop after removing the AC shroud.EVAPORATOR: Changes liquid into a superheated vapor. The vapor is pulled into the compressor, and the cycle begins again. You can usually see the evaporator from inside the RV when the filter is removed.FANS & MOTOR: One fan moves air across the condenser. A second fan moves air across the evaporator. The fans and motor can be accessed from the camper rooftop after removing the shroud.CAPACITORS: (Motor run and motor start capacitor.) Provide a high voltage charge to the fan motor and compressor. The capacitors can be accessed from the rooftop after removing the shroud. Capacitors may still be charged even after shutting off the power, so make sure not to touch the terminals with your bare hands, even after disconnecting the power. Use a capacitor discharge tool to safely dissipate any remaining charge prior to servicing the unit.
RV Air Conditioner - Side View of Fan and Motor
RV Air Conditioner - Top View
RV Air Conditioner - Side View
Pro tip: When disassembling your AC unit, take a picture first so you can easily reassemble it.
How to Service an RV Air Conditioner
Not sure where to start when it comes to servicing and maintaining your RV's AC unit? Below, we've provided some general maintenance tips to keep your AC in top working order. A little maintenance today goes a long way in preventing costly problems tomorrow!
Cleaning and Maintenance To-Do List:
Filter | Clean 1-4x Per MonthStart by vacuuming the filter on a low setting to remove dust and debris. Most filters are also washable with warm water, a mild detergent, and a sponge or soft brush (although some are disposable and must be replaced rather than cleaned). Allow your filter to dry completely after cleaning before replacing it in the unit.Filters may need to be cleaned more or less often depending on AC use. For instance, if you're a full-timer blasting the AC 24/7 in the midwest summer, you probably want to check the filter once a week. It's a quick, easy maintenance task that can spare you trouble down the road.If the filter is torn or will not come clean, it's time to replace it.
Condenser & Evaporator Coils/Fins | Clean at Start/End of Camping SeasonUse spray cleaner (you can find coil cleaners at most HVAC supply stores) and a shop-vac. Make sure not to bend the fins (an inexpensive fin comb is recommended to straighten bent fins and keep them in proper working order).Pro Tip: Make sure not to let cleaner or debris fall into the opening of your RV! Use a trash bag or other barrier to protect the opening while you clean.
Fan Motor | Oil 1x Per YearFan motors will often have an oil cap or port. Add 3-4 drops of oil. If your motor does not have oil ports, oil the shaft where the sleeves enter the motor housing. Consult your owner's manual or manufacturer's instructions for proper oil type (typically SAE 20-weight). Oil can typically be purchased at your local HVAC supply store.If the fan doesn't easily spin by hand even after lubricating it with oil, and it's free of dirt and debris, test your capacitor to make sure it is functional. If the capacitor works but the fan still isn't functioning properly (it's slow to start, only works at certain speeds, etc.), the motor should be replaced.
AC Shroud | Inspect at Start/End of Camping Season, Repair as NeededIf the shroud is cracked or broken, repair it with epoxy or similar product. If it's too far gone to be repaired, replace it for maximum AC effectiveness and safety (you don't want the shroud flying off as you drive).
Critter and Bug Infestations | Clean at Start/End of Camping SeasonMake sure the unit is free of bee/wasp nests or other critter infestations, especially after uncovering your RV after winter.An AC cover or RV cover can help keep your AC free of these pests!
Capacitor | Replace As NeededIf the fan motor or compressor fails, a bad capacitor is often the culprit. You can test your capacitors with a multimeter. Capacitors are relatively inexpensive to replace (typically $20-$40), just make sure your replacement is the right size and voltage for your AC. Also be careful not to touch the terminals with your bare hands, as the capacitor can hold a charge even after disconnecting power from the RV.
Compressor | Hope It's Not BrokenAlthough compressor problems are often the result of a bad capacitor, relay board, or thermostat, in some cases the compressor itself could be bad. Use an ammeter to test your compressor, and hope for the best. It's rarely worth trying to replace a compressor unless you can find a used one and have the technical ability to install it yourself. It's usually more cost-effective to just replace the AC unit.
What Else Do You Need to Know About RV ACs?
Now that we've gone over the maintenance must-dos, here are a couple of other questions we receive about keeping up RV air conditioners. (And, of course, our answers!)
Should I Cover My RV Air Conditioner in Winter?
It's not strictly required that you cover your RV's air conditioner in winter, but it may be beneficial in shielding the unit from dirt, snow, sun, etc.If you decide to cover your unit, make sure to avoid the traditional blue tarp covers. These tarps are not designed to protect an RV through the winter and can in fact do damage to your rig. The tarp and its ropes can shift and flap against your RV, and moisture can build up beneath it.Instead, use a cover designed for your camper, either a full RV storage cover or an air conditioner cover. Covers are specific to RV size and air conditioner model, so you can be sure to find the perfect fit, which is important in keeping out both the elements and any insects or animals that would set up camp in any small, enclosed spaces.
Are RV Air Conditioners Rechargeable?
Unlike a vehicle AC, which you can recharge with Freon as needed, RV units are not built to be recharged in the same way. RV AC units are sealed systems, so the only way you should run out of refrigerant is if the unit has a leak.The good news is that if you're having an issue with your AC, the problem is rarely a refrigerant leak. The bad news is that if it is a leak, you'll mostly likely have to take your rig to the pros for a fix. Your local RV shop can tell you whether or not fixing the leak and recharging your unit with refrigerant will be cost-effective. In some cases, it will be more cost-effective to purchase a new unit.
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