Not too long ago, our RV air conditioner began to behave up. At first it was just a bit squeak, however quickly sufficient it became a full-fledged moan that we couldn’t ignore. Nonetheless, we let it go for a few weeks…till lastly the fan stop working totally.
Actually, I couldn’t be too mad. The A/C lasted very long time and we have been operating it just about continually, even with it appearing up. Nonetheless, I wasn’t thrilled to be left with no air conditioner in the summertime warmth.
The excellent news? We have been truly capable of get our A/C up and operating once more pretty simply. Should you’re dealing with this identical downside, I’ve laid out a listing of issues we have now accomplished to aim to repair RV A/C models, each this time round and previously.
How an RV Air Conditioner Works
Earlier than we go any additional, I really feel like I ought to clarify what I find out about how RV air conditioners work. Having this info will show you how to higher perceive what’s going on along with your unit and the way you would possibly resolve the issue.
An RV air conditioner has three programs:
- Electrical System — This supplies energy, normally 120-volt A/C when plugged into shore energy or a generator, generally supported by an inverter.
- Refrigerant System — This makes use of a compressor, condenser, and evaporator coil to flow into refrigerant and switch warmth out of the RV.
- Airflow System — This depends on followers, filters, and ducts to maneuver cooled air inside and sizzling air outdoors.
If one among these programs fails, the entire unit can cease cooling successfully. I make it my aim to determine which system isn’t working correctly earlier than I make any repairs.
Widespread RV Air Conditioner Points
A number of the RV air conditioner issues we have now confronted (like final weekend’s downside) have been tremendous easy fixes. Others have been a bit extra complicated. Under is a listing of a number of the signs we’ve skilled and the problems that may trigger every symptom. Hopefully, it helps you slim down what’s unsuitable along with your unit.
The Unit Received’t Flip On
That is typically attributable to energy provide points, tripped breakers, or defective wiring. It’s occurred to us a number of instances, and it was at all times a flipped breaker.
Blows Heat Air
This could possibly be low voltage, a nasty capacitor, soiled coils, or refrigerant leaks. Soiled coils have been the difficulty after we had heat air coming from our vents.
Uneven Cooling
We’ve skilled uneven cooling quite a lot of instances. Blocked ducts, clogged filters, or weak followers could also be the reason for this symptom.
Freezing Up
That is the commonest RV A/C difficulty we’ve had. Usually, it’s attributable to restricted airflow, soiled filters, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Cleansing our filter tends to resolve the issue.
Extreme Noise
Extreme noise was what we have been experiencing till our fan stopped. In our case, it was the fan needing some grease. That mentioned, it is also free parts or worn bearings.
Water Leaks Inside
Typically, we see this after the A/C freezes up, which simply means it’s thawing and the thawed ice is dripping inside. That mentioned, in case you have a water leak when the A/C just isn’t frozen, it could possibly be condensation drainage points or clogged drain pans.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
So, how do you repair your damaged RV air conditioner? Relying on the signs the A/C is presenting, I prefer to attempt the troubleshooting steps under.
Verify the Energy Provide
In case your A/C unit doesn’t appear to be attempting to activate, you’ll wish to be sure it’s truly getting energy. Keep in mind that it’s fairly simple to by chance flip a 30-amp breaker—particularly when operating the A/C—so it must be one of many first belongings you take a look at.
- Shore Energy or Generator Output: Confirm that your RV is plugged right into a working 30-amp or 50-amp outlet. If utilizing a generator, make sure that it’s operating correctly and is producing sufficient wattage.
- Circuit Breakers and Fuses: Verify your RV’s breaker panel. A tripped breaker or blown fuse will shut the A/C down. Reset breakers fastidiously and change fuses if obligatory.
- Low Voltage Points: RV parks generally have poor electrical infrastructure. If the voltage dips under 105 volts, your A/C can wrestle or refuse to run. Use a voltmeter or a surge protector with a show to test.
Examine the Thermostat
We’ve by no means truly handled thermostat points, but when your RV air conditioner received’t cycle on or doesn’t reply accurately, the thermostat could also be responsible. Should you consider the thermostat could be the difficulty, test the issues under.
- Battery Verify: Many RV thermostats run on batteries. Change them if lifeless.
- Unfastened Wiring: Take away the duvet and test for disconnected or corroded wires.
- Settings: Make sure that it’s set to “Cool” and that the specified temperature is under the present room temp.
Clear or Change the Air Filter
I can’t let you know what number of instances we’ve forgotten to wash our RV air conditioner air filter. The consequence? An excellent soiled filter and a frozen A/C unit. Fortunately, it is a tremendous simple repair:
- Take away the filter cowl inside your RV.
- Wash reusable filters with heat soapy water or change disposable ones.
- Clear them each 30 days of use to take care of airflow.
Study the Airflow
Should you’re having points with poor or uneven airflow and your filter appears clear, chances are you’ll be coping with one other blockage down the road. We’ve got discovered blankets blocking vents, crushed ductwork below our mattress, and a pal as soon as discovered a circle of cardboard blocking a few of his ductwork.
- Vents and Registers: Make sure that they’re open and never blocked by furnishings or belongings.
- Ductwork: Verify for crushed, kinked, or disconnected ducts in ducted A/C programs.
- Fan Operation: Pay attention for the fan motor. If it’s weak, noisy, or not operating, it could want substitute.
Examine the Coils
RV air conditioner coils will get soiled over time. Soiled coils will trigger your unit to freeze up and work inefficiently. For that reason, you’ll wish to clear them commonly. Consider, your RV air conditioner has two foremost coils: the evaporator coil (inside) and the condenser coil (outdoors, on the roof). Each must be cleaned gently, and bent coils must be combed again into place.
Check the Capacitors
Capacitors are small electrical parts that assist the compressor and fan motors begin up. A weak or failed capacitor is a quite common difficulty in RV A/C models. We’re fortunate in that we’ve by no means had this difficulty, however if you happen to assume you would possibly, you should utilize the data under to diagnose and handle the issue.
Signs of a Dangerous Capacitor:
- Buzzing sound however no fan or compressor begin.
- Unit tries to start out however shuts down rapidly.
- Intermittent cooling.
Testing
Use a multimeter with a capacitance setting. Examine readings to the score on the capacitor label.
Alternative
Capacitors are cheap and comparatively simple to swap out if you happen to’re snug with electrical repairs.
Security Word: Capacitors maintain a cost even when energy is disconnected. All the time discharge them earlier than dealing with.
Search for Refrigerant Issues
In contrast to residential programs, most RV air conditioners are sealed models. This implies they aren’t designed to be recharged like a automotive A/C system, and in case your RV A/C loses refrigerant, it can seemingly should be changed.
Indicators of Refrigerant Loss
- Heat air regardless of operating constantly.
- Frost buildup on coils.
- Lowered cooling capability over time.
Sadly, if you happen to suspect a refrigerant difficulty, you’ll want an expert HVAC technician or simply change the unit totally if you happen to’re snug doing so.
Deal with Extreme Noise
Noisy air conditioners may be irritating, particularly within the confined house of an RV. In addition to, as we discovered lately, some noises may be indicators of issues.
Rattling
In case your unit is rattling, you’re most likely coping with free screws or panels. On this case, attempt tightening {hardware}.
Grinding and Squealing
Grinding or squealing noises are most likely worn fan motor bearings. Motor substitute could also be obligatory, however if you happen to’re fortunate, you may get away with greasing the bearings like we did.
Buzzing and Buzzing
Lastly, if you happen to hear buzzing or buzzing you could be taking a look at failing capacitors or electrical parts. As talked about above, changing a capacitor isn’t an enormous deal.
Repair Water Leaks
Water dripping contained in the RV is normally condensation that isn’t draining correctly. Sadly, a puddle of water on the RV flooring could be very more likely to result in some water harm. In addition to, you do wish to be sure the water isn’t getting in resulting from poor seals.
- Verify the Drain Pan: Situated below the evaporator coil. Clear it of grime and particles.
- Unclog the Drain Line: Use compressed air or a plumber’s snake to clear blockages.
- Seal Gaps: Make sure the A/C gasket between the unit and roof is undamaged to stop rainwater leaks.
Preventative Upkeep Suggestions
Preventive upkeep is my greatest pal. I do my absolute best to remain on prime of all my RV upkeep so I don’t must take care of sudden points whereas I’m out attempting to get pleasure from a cool vacation spot. My RV A/C is included on my upkeep schedule.
I attempt to verify to…
- Clear filters each month throughout heavy use.
- Examine and clear coils each season.
- Verify roof seals yearly to stop leaks.
- Use a surge protector to keep away from electrical harm.
- Run our A/C periodically in storage to maintain parts lubricated.
- Cowl the unit in winter to guard from particles and snow.
When to Name a Skilled
I’m all about DIY RV repairs. In truth, I’ve fastened nearly each difficulty we’ve had with our rigs. That mentioned, there are a handful of RV air conditioner issues that must be addressed by an expert.
I like to recommend calling for assist if…
- You observed a refrigerant leak.
- The compressor just isn’t operating regardless of energy provide.
- You’ve changed capacitors and checked wiring with no success.
- You’re uncomfortable working with electrical energy.
Emergency Cooling Alternate options
Being with out A/C in the course of summer time was a nightmare. Actually, completely nothing we did got here anyplace close to matching the cooling energy of our air conditioner. That mentioned, we did discover some issues that helped a bit till we received the A/C up and operating once more.
We parked within the shade, saved roof vents open, used followers to assist enhance airflow, and put Reflectix on our home windows to dam out daylight. We had thought of buying a swamp cooler or transportable A/C unit, however we didn’t find yourself needing to do this. It is usually potential to place a window unit in an RV window, however it can should be held up by one thing, and a few RV parks will frown on placing an A/C within the window.
I do know from expertise that shedding your RV air conditioner when you’re out attempting to get pleasure from your travels is a serious bummer. Thankfully, we’re nearly at all times capable of repair the issue on our personal. Use the information above and also you would possibly be capable to do the identical!
