If you're planning on taking an RV down the country road this summer to go away on your little adventure, you can't start without an Air Conditioner installed inside.
I mean, imagine drifting along the highway with the humid, summer temperatures clinging to your skin in the form of sweat. Simply put, an AC for your vehicle is a must-have. However, it's not as simple as that.
With great (cooling) power comes great responsibility, and sometimes your AC might work backward and not work at all.
What I'm trying to say is, there's a considerable amount of possible problems that you might run into with the AC in your RV.
So before you set your expectations, it might help to go through this article and be informed about the most common problems reported by RV air conditioner users so you can be prepared for them if they happen to you.
List Of RV Air Conditioner Problems
1. RV Conditioner Turns On and Off Repeatedly
Listening to your RV AC repeatedly turn itself on and off with no prompting on your part can get annoying pretty quickly. You may not be alone in facing this problem, most RV users run into it at some point, but that doesn't mean you have to bear it either.
If your RV is turning on and off repeatedly, it is advisable that you check the coils, first and foremost. This is because the coils might be messing with your AC startup because they are frozen due to extremely humid conditions or even a dirty air filter.
In such a scenario, you can try fixing this problem by turning the AC off completely and waiting for the coils to unfreeze before using it again. You can also try to use the AC in fan mode to help melt the ice off.
If you find that it is not frozen coils causing the problem, you might want to consider the possibility that it could be a wacky control board or thermostat. These problems don't really fall in the range of self-help DIY repairs, so it's advisable that you get in contact with a professional.
2. RV Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air
Again, most RV owners have experienced this more often than not. If your unit is turning on but blasting warm or hot air instead of cold, that can be a real inconvenience. Don't worry, though, it might not be as serious as you think.
In fact, if your RV AC is acting up this way, you might want to introduce your AC coils to a washcloth. Basically, your air conditioner is due for a cleaning session. We don't often realize it, but internal AC parts can get dirty and dusty very easily.
For instance, you might find dirt covering your coils, or trapped between your fins. All of this can cause your AC unit to not function to its full capabilities. For this reason, it's time to pick up a fin comb, or some elbow grease and clean up the inside of your AC.
However, cleaning might not always give you the results you were hoping for. If your AC has a compressor-based system that runs on Freon, it might be leaking slowly. To recharge your system, it is recommended to contact a technician rather than handling it yourself.
If your AC unit is blowing hot air, another course of action you can take is checking the motor to see if it's receiving its required voltage.
3. RV Air Conditioner Leaking
While issues like hot air and frozen coils are common, leaks in your AC are more problematic. They’ve got a reputation for having the potential to damage your whole unit and also affect the walls of your RV. Your AC may leak in dry weather or rainy weather, and you must deal with the leak accordingly.
You may be driving down all sorts of troublesome roads on your journey. All the bumps and shakes may be doing more harm than good to your AC without your notice. It is often possible that AC leaks can be facilitated because your entire unit has loosened up.
A quick and easy solution, of course, is to simply fasten your unit back in place. If you find your bolts perfectly tight, it could be that you need to get a new gasket.
Usually, gaskets help stop rainwater from getting inside the AC, but even the gasket is subject to wear and tear if it has been protecting your unit for too long.
Also, checking your RV for any damages can also help you identify the source of your problems. Any breakage to your roof might be giving rainwater free entry right into your air conditioner.
It is a little more worrying if you’re experiencing AC leaks while the weather is dry. Consider that you might be experiencing a leak because your drain pan is clogged up by dirt or other substance. Try cleaning the clogged drain pan it may help in avoiding the water puddles.
4. RV Air Conditioner Making Noises
AC’s are supposed to be sources of comfort in your travels, not noisy, rattling inconveniences that make you regret the purchase altogether.
Driving your RV can be exhausting, and it can get even more bothersome if you’re trying to squeeze a nap before your next shift but your AC decides to keep you up with nightmarish sounds. If you encounter a situation like this, your AC needs a little inspection.
Usually, the root of a problem like this is not unsolvable. Your first option is to check your AC for any loose parts or bolts that might be banging against the unit.
Otherwise, it could be a faulty fan motor or clogged-up air filters that need to be replaced with new ones. Usually, replacing or repairing a bad fan might take more experience, so it would be better to call in somebody professional.
Also, re-check to see whether your anti-vibration pads are in place. If it is a newly installed AC, there’s a chance that your technician could have forgotten to place them.
5. RV Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
We’ve already established multiple times that an AC unit for your RV is not something to be forgone. It is practically impossible to journey your way through summer in an RV without an AC to support you. But what use is an AC that won’t turn on?
If your AC is failing you while you are on the road, you should address this problem as soon as possible you don’t want to spend the next few weeks relying on the summer breeze.
To tackle this issue, your first response should be to ensure that there are no malfunctioning fuses or tripping breakers in your RV. Furthermore, re-check to see if your RV is backed up by adequate power to run the AC.
Also, consider the fact that your circuit board or a malfunctioning thermostat might be causing this problem. You can also try to reset your AC according to the user guidelines, but it’s probably better to call in a professional to take a look at your unit and reset it if the need arises.
How To Maintain Your RV Air Conditioner
Now, if you’re a new user, and this list of potential future problems from your AC freaked you out don’t be! Most of these issues can be avoided if you maintain your unit well right away.
Also, it’s not entirely possible to handle any piece of machinery without loose screws every once in a while. However, if you clean your unit as per the user manual and handle it with care, your AC will be sure to last you for a long time.
To clean your AC regularly, you’re encouraged to frequently check up on different parts of your AC for any signs of wear and tear. Parts like the top shroud, the air filters, the radiator fins, fan motors, drain pans, and coils are the ones you should keep in mind as they are susceptible to degeneration and corrosion.
You can also take preventive and precautionary measures to take care of your AC. You can cover your AC shroud so that no dust or debris lands on it.
You can use oil to keep the fan running smoothly, and elbow grease to clean your coils. Through routine and good maintenance, you can get the most out of your AC unit.
Related: Also, Checkout Our Best RV Air Conditioner List Check Here
General FAQs Regarding RV Air Conditioner
1. How often should I clean the air filters?
Cleaning requirements vary from brand to brand. However, it is generally recommended that you clean your air filters every few months (1-2) if you’re using your ac regularly. For most filters, washing with soap and water does the trick, while other brands may have disposable filters that you can replace.
2. What should I do when my AC unit overheats?
Usually, overheating AC units are signs that your aircon needs more maintenance. You should check the coils. It’s likely that you might find them covered in dust.
3. What should I do when my RV air conditioner is tripping breakers?
For ACs tripping breakers, the problem typically lies in the voltage level. It could be that your AC is not getting enough power. Try checking and adjusting it.
4. Should I repair my RV air conditioner?
For simple repairs like cleaning out a drain, or replacing a shroud, it might be okay for you to repair your AC yourself. However, it’s probably not a good idea to tamper with your unit if the problem seems serious. Not only is it a serious safety issue, but it can also mess with your warranty and leave your damages uncovered.
5. Will my RV air conditioner have problems if I don’t use it frequently?
While it is not necessary that you have to run your AC every day for it to remain in shape, you might consider using it every few months. This, along with regular maintenance of your AC should take care of any future problems.