RV air conditioning repair and maintenance is an important part of preventative care for your vehicle. Addressing minor issues early prevents them from escalating into costly replacements later and helps you stay within your warranty requirements. If you’re searching for rv air conditioner repair near me, be sure to find qualified professionals to keep your system running smoothly.
Keeping your RV rooftop AC unit(s) clean and obstruction free will help improve the performance and longevity of your RV. Here are some common RV air conditioner problems and their fixes:
1. No Cooling
If your RV air conditioner blows warm air instead of cool, there’s a chance that it’s simply not getting enough power to operate. Check that the thermostat and other controls have a good 12-volt direct current supply from your RV’s battery, as well as 120-volt alternating current from the shore power pedestal. If not, flip the breaker at the pedestal and make sure you’re not running too many other appliances that consume the same amount of watts, which could overtax the system.
It’s also common for warm air from the ductwork or attic to mix with the cool evaporator coils up on the roof, so periodically inspect and seal problem areas in the plenum or dam area. Cleaning the air filters and coils regularly will help prevent ice from forming in your AC unit, as will keeping the fan speed set on high.
2. Leaking
If you are noticing water leaking inside your RV air conditioner it is a good idea to check that nothing is blocking drainage. This could include debris on the roof or caulk that is not allowing water to exit the air conditioner. Also make sure the unit itself is securely mounted to your roof. Check that the bolts are tight and there is no rust or damage to the roof mounts or seals.
Most AC units have a small drain hole on the bottom that allows condensation to drain out onto the roof. If this drain hole becomes clogged with dirt, leaves or other debris the water will seek out another place to escape, which is often into your RV. You can clean this by removing the cover and metal shroud, then vacuuming or brushing off the dirt.
3. Noise
An RV rooftop air conditioner needs to be kept clean and maintained just like any other appliance in your house. A yearly inspection and cleaning of filters, evaporator coils and compressor can keep it running efficiently.
RV roof top AC units can also develop problems that may require professional help. These include rattling or buzzing sounds from the fan and the compressor. Buzzing can be caused by a bad fan motor or by electrical issues such as a relay switch that is sending incorrect amperage to the compressor.
Another potential problem is when the air conditioner fuses trip. This can happen if the RV is using more than its allotted wattage of power, especially when running other appliances at the same time. Adding a power management system will keep your RV from overpowering its air conditioner.
4. Cycles on and off
A faulty RV air conditioner is one of the most common problems that RVers encounter. If your air conditioning unit is constantly tripping the breaker, you may need to contact an RV tech for professional help.
This problem is usually the result of high humidity and can be resolved by using a dehumidifier or by checking for leaks. Leaks can occur around the vent, ductwork, or roof. Since RV air conditioners are set into a hole in the roof, they need to be sealed with a rubber ring to keep water out. However, this ring can become loose or damaged over time.
Additionally, it is important to regularly comb through the AC fins and vacuum them for dirt, which can cause the system to short cycle. This is another task that should be on your annual RV maintenance list.
5. Not Cooling
You’re on a road trip and the air conditioner in your RV isn’t keeping you cool. This problem could be due to several factors including low refrigerant, a bad thermostat, dirty condenser coil, or a faulty fan.
It’s important to know how to do basic RV maintenance and troubleshoot your AC before you call a technician. This will save you money and make sure you have cool air to enjoy your road trip!
First, double check that the unit is plugged in. If it is, flip the breaker. If that doesn’t work, try testing the capacitors using a multimeter. It’s also a good idea to clean the coils and fins regularly. These can get bent out of shape, and you can straighten them by hand or with a fin comb. Finally, lubricating the fan can help with air flow.