Maintaining Your RV Air Conditioners in tip-top condition

Having your air conditioner in tip-top condition when summer is round the corner should be your top priority, especially if you have a RV air conditioner. In fact, RV air conditioners should be maintained on a regular basis as they have many parts such as motors, compressors and other components. Absence of regular maintenance can lead to expensive repair bills that could spoil the entire fun of the summer vacations.

RV air conditioners are similar to split system air conditioners with the condenser and compressor units installed outside on the roof and the air-cooling unit installed inside on the ceiling. One cooling unit is enough for an entire office space but if the space is over 35 feet in length, you may need two units. With the summer round the corner, here are some tips to keep the RV in good operating condition.

The filter should be changed or washed at least once a month. Disposable filters should be replaced once a month when the RV air conditioner is in use and the reusable filters should be washed with water and left to drip-dry before reinstallation. You must avoid having clogged filters, as they would lead to less efficiency, higher running costs and potential problems with other components of the system such as the evaporator coil. A damp cloth with a little detergent should be used to clean the entire unit to remove dirt and dust.

The RV air conditioner's efficiency could be seriously impaired if the evaporator coil is not kept clean and free of damage. Since this coil is located on the back of the rooftop, it is most vulnerable to damage caused by trees, leaves and other environmental hazards. Moreover the cold refrigerant is circulated in these coils. It is, therefore, necessary to clean these coils with a soft bristled brush to remove accumulated dirt. It would be a good idea to provide shields for the fins and coils.

As a lot of condensation might occur due to the external location of the RV air conditioners, the gasket seal between the ceiling and the bottom of the unit should be checked regularly. The drainage holes in the condensate pan should be cleared of debris such as leaves. To avoid leakage of the condensate into the RV, clogs must be removed at the earliest.

Before going on a summer trip, you should start your RV air conditioner and make sure that all systems like the fan and temperature controls work properly. The power source should be sufficient for running a RV air conditioner. A 15-amp extension cord to the RV air conditioner might not be sufficient to deliver the power required to run this unit. You must check the power requirement especially the amperage and then make suitable arrangements to install proper switches and circuit breakers. Insufficient power can lead to serious damage to motors, compressors and other components.

If you want to enjoy the summer with your RV air conditioner, you must ensure proper and regular maintenance of the same.