A Guide to RV Air Conditioner Maintenance

by  R.A. Rowell; Co-Owner of Intent-sive Nature & the Brand Shamans network

The BroncoBago! Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

During the summer months, you want to make sure that your air conditioner is in the best possible condition to keep you cool and comfortable. That’s especially true in your trailer or motorhome. RV air conditioner maintenance should be done regularly to make sure that all components are working properly. If RV air conditioners aren’t properly maintained, they can be very expensive to repair. You don’t want your RV air conditioner quitting and ruin your summer vacation, after all.

An RV air conditioner is similar to the split system air conditioners you find in some homes. This means that the condenser and compressor units are installed outside, in this case on the roof. Then ,the air-cooling unit is installed inside, on the ceiling. One unit is enough for many RVs, but for RVs that are longer than 35 feet may need two units to keep the space relatively cool.

Here are some tips to keep your RV air conditioners operating well through the spring and summer months.


Wash or Change Your RV Air Conditioner Filters Monthly

Your RV air conditioner filters should be washed or charged at least once a month. When the RV air conditioner is in use, disposable filters should be changed every month. If you use reusable filters for your air conditioner, they should be washed with water, then left ot drop dry before putting them back in.

It’s important to avoid having clogged air filters, since clogged filters can lead to lower efficiency, higher energy using, and potential damage to other A/C components such as the evaporator coil. Also, while changing the filter, using a damp cloth with a bit of dish detergent should be used to remove dirt and dust from the entire unit. You don’t want to be blowing all of that around!


Clean Your Evaporator Coil Regularly

The evaporator coil is one of the most important components of your RV air conditioner. If it’s not kept clean or becomes damaged, your A/C efficiency will be greatly reduced. The coil is located on the back of the rooftop part of the unit, so not only is it exposed to the elements but to possible damage from leaves, tree branches, and other hazards.

This coil is the part that circulates the cold refrigerant in your air conditioner, so you want to make sure this component is cleaned regularly. Use a soft bristled brush to remove any dirt that’s accumulated on it. While some RV air conditioner units already have shields for the fins and coils to protect them from the elements and potential damage, not all do. If your A/C unit lacks shields for these things, it may be a good idea to have them installed.


Check RV Air Conditioner Gasket Seals

Condensation can often occur due to much of the A/C components being outside. Because of this, the gasket seals on your RV air conditioner can become damaged. So, the gasket seal between the ceiling and the bottom of the unit should be checked regularly.

Also, the drainage holes in the condensate pan should be regularly cleared of any debris, such as leaves. Any clogs can cause condensation to leak into the RV. Not only is this an annoyance, but the excess water still inside can damage your A/C unit.


Before a Trip, Start and Check Your RV Air Conditioners

Before you set off on your big summer trip, start your RV air conditioner to make sure everything is running correctly. Be sure the the fan and your temperature control are working properly. Also, when checking your A/C, be sure that you have an adequate power source. A 15-amp extension cord may not be sufficient for some RV air conditioners, especially on larger RVs.

You don’t want to underpower your A/C when checking it, because insufficient amperage can actually damage your A/C motors, compressors, and other components. Check your A/C unit’s power requirements for the right amperage and make sure that you have the right switches and circuit breakers installed in your home to not cause power issues.


By following this regular RV air conditioner maintenance routine, you should be able to enjoy summer after summer with well-performing air conditioning. Have fun and stay cool.