As the air conditioner or AC provides a sense of tranquility, it also sometimes malfunctions and causes confusion. In spite of being a reputable brand, RV air conditioners may have some issues.
The most common RV air conditioner problems will include water leaks, refrigerant leaks, and dirty filters. Sometimes, the air conditioner may also fail to turn on.
However, if you are a little aware of using AC and know the solutions to these common issues, you don’t have to worry about using the device. So, let’s jump into the depth of the article.
Troubleshooting and Fix For RV Air Conditioner Problems
Once you know the causes and solutions to the common RV AC problems, you can better try to fix the problem on your own. Below you can see the steps to troubleshoot and fix RV air conditioner problems:
The Air conditioner is not turning on
One of the most common complaints about RV air conditioners is that the AC doesn’t turn on at all.
There are several reasons that can cause the problem including faulty thermostat, clogged air filter, blown fuse or circuit breaker.
Additionally, insufficient power supply and unplugged power cord can also cause this issue.
To fix this problem, you should check the power supply and the power cord is securely plugged in. Also, you might need to check the circuit breaker and fuse box to ensure the air conditioner has power.
You may need to replace the fuse or the circuit breaker if they are blown or tripped. If there’s no issues with that, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and functioning properly.
If the thermostat seems fine, clean the air filter, as a clogged air filter may lead a RV AC to click but won’t turn on.
The air conditioner is not adequately cooling the RV
Another common problem that may come with a RV air conditioner is the AC doesn’t cool down. This can be the result of a dirty air filter or coil inside the air conditioner.
Additionally, the air conditioner may fail to cool down the RV if there’s any leaks or loose gaskets and nuts in the roof of the air conditioner.
To fix this, try out the following solutions:
- Clean the air filter and remove any dust or debris, as a dirty filter can hinder cooling efficiency.
- Check to see if there’s any leaks in the roof portion of your air conditioner. Find the source of the leaks and fix them as necessary.
- Ensure there is proper insulation and weather sealing around windows to prevent hot air from entering the room.
The air conditioner is making excessive noise
Many RV air conditioner users experience excessive noise from their AC while they are operating that for a long time.
Overtime, the screws or bolts on the air conditioner’s casing or panels can be loose or broken, resulting in a noisy air conditioner unit.
This problem can also occur due to the lack of lubrication. If the fan motor is corroded or clogged with debris, it can make sound while running the AC.
To solve this issue, tighten any loose bolts or screws or replace them as needed. Also, look for any debris or loose parts inside the unit and remove them if necessary.
If there’s no issue with that, go ahead, and check the fan motor, if it is corroded. Lubricate the motor if applicable. You may also need to replace it, if it is blown out.
The RV AC is leaking water
This is another common problem you may face while using a RV air conditioner. If the drain pan or drain line is clogged by dust, lint or debris, the water will overflow from the pan and result in leaking out.
It can also occur by a faulty condensate pump. However, water leaks can damage the entire unit if it is not immediately fixed.
You can simply fix this problem by cleaning out the debris from the drain pan if necessary.
Furthermore, you have to make sure the air conditioner is properly leveled to prevent water from pooling and leaking.
The air conditioner is short-cycling
The air conditioner turning on and off frequently is a very common problem that most RV users experience.
Dealing with an air conditioner that is short-cycling might be very annoying as it can be triggered by multiple reasons at a time.
However, the main reason for this problem would be the poor electrical connection. So, check the connection cables if they are loosened or broken and fix them as needed.
Also, check the air filter for any blockage, as it can cause the unit to overheat and cycle on and off.
A faulty thermostat can also be a culprit. So, verify that the thermostat is set correctly and not set too low, causing the unit to cycle frequently.
How to Prevent RV Air Conditioner problems?
A faulty RV air conditioner is enough to make your campaign exhausted. So, following some prevention methods can make your journey with your RV hassle-free.
- Regularly clean and maintain the air conditioner unit.
- Check the air filters regularly and clean and replace them as necessary.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the air conditioner unit.
- Monitor the power supply and voltage regularly.
- Avoid overusing the air conditioner or running it at extreme temperature for a prolonged period.
- Keep the RV well-insulated and minimize air leaks.
- Use sunshades or reflective covers on windows and skylights to reduce heat gain and lower the cooling load on the air conditioner.
FAQs
Are you still confused about the common RV air conditioner issues? Let’s check the following FAQs section for the answers to the most common queries regarding the topic.
How often should I service my RV air conditioner?
Apart from regular inspections and maintenance, you should schedule professional maintenance for your air conditioner at least once in a year. A qualified technician can perform a thorough inspection and identify any potential problems before they worsen.
Does Keystone RV air conditioner any good?
Keystone is one of the best and largest manufacturers of comfort creatures for RVs in the world. Their air conditioners feature high quality materials and characteristics and give great value for your money.
How often should I clean the air filters on my AC?
It is recommended to clean the air filters on your air conditioner every 2-3 weeks. If you use the air conditioner daily or in a polluted environment, it’s better to clean them every week to enhance the performance.
Conclusion
The air conditioner for your recreational vehicle is definitely a rich investment. So, proper maintenance and operation are essential to keep it in optimal condition.
If there’s any problem, try to diagnose and fix it before the AC unit is badly affected by the issue.
So, if the solutions we discussed earlier do not solve the issue, consult the owner’s manual, learn more on campertroop.com or contact a professional HVAC mechanic.