RV Air Conditioner Tips
Trouble Shooting
RV Air Conditioner (Roof):
Nothing Works on AC.
* Check to make sure thermostat is set below room temperature.
* Make sure 120 Volts AC is available from generator or shore power.
* If using generator, check all circuit breakers on the generator.
* Check coach circuit breakers and 12 volt fuses.
* Some A/C's Have a 12 volt fuse in the electric box inside the A/C where you clean the filter
Runs but coil freezes and compressor cycles too soon.
* Control may be set too low.
* Make sure filter is clean and unobstructed
* Check to see if too many outlet vents are closed
* Try running the fan mode on high to help move more air
Doesn't get cold enough.
* Give the air a head start on the heat of the day
* To offset heat gain:
o Close windows and blinds
o limit use of entrance doors
o Use awnings
o Avoid heat producing appliances
o Make sure outside power supply is not below 108 volts.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
One of the most common complaints related to RV refrigerators and air conditioners takes the form of "my refrigerator or air conditioner isn't working very well." This complaint is frequently related to electrical supply problems and in the case of the refrigerator, is easily checked by switching to gas (assuming that you have kept it in operating condition.) If you are running an air conditioner, you should be using a voltage monitor of some type! Your air conditioner requires 120 volts +/- 10% to operate correctly. With low voltage, either the compressor will not run or if it does, you risk damaging the compressor motor. Protecting your appliances from low voltage is fairly easy, you need a voltage monitor or voltmeter to check voltage at an outlet in your unit, with and without the AC running. One of the other easy protections is to use either NO extension cords or a cord that is properly sized. If you are running an air conditioner and you must have an extension cord, you should be using the 10 gauge RV extension. Don't forget to check your refrigerator vents and vent door for obstructions. You should be able to look up from the bottom vent to the roof vent trap without anything but refrigerator coils to restrict the view. The vent door should not have any screens or furnace filters over it. They are not supposed to be there and will restrict air flow. Clean your air conditioner filter and check the condenser fins on the roof occasionally. Wash the filter (foam) in mild detergent and rinse well. Non foam filters should be vacuumed or replaced. Any other maintenance should be done by qualified technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Conditioner (Roof)
Q: Why does my air conditioner freeze up? Does it need Freon?
A: Your air conditioner will freeze up because you have turned down the fan speed and not the temperature setting. Too low of an air flow over the coils will cause them to freeze. If you are too cold, turn down your thermostat first, then adjust your blower/fan speed. Also some A/C's have a sensor on the coils to help prevent freeze up that has been know to pop off.
Q: I'm getting water dripping from my roof air conditioner, why?
A: The drain plug on top could be clogged. You could have restricted air flow, or a bad AC seal.on the roof top.
Q: How cold will my air conditioner get?
A: The air coming out of the air conditioner will blow 18 to 20 degrees cooler than it draws in. If it is 90 degrees in you camper it will blow out 70 degrees air, and will keep reducing the temperature as it sucks in cooler air.
Q: When should I have my air conditioner recharged?
A: These units are not like a car with rubber seals that can leak out over time. They are sealed from the factory, the same as your in house refrigerator. You do not recharge roof air conditioners. Theses unit are more replace as needed.
Including the tips above in your RV maintenance routine will help you keep your vehicle in good working order.
