The air conditioner inside your recreational vehicle (RV) takes a lot of wear and tear with constant use. To keep the AC running efficiently, the unit requires routine maintenance. If your RV's air conditioning is not cooling or working properly, you might be able to correct the problem by recognizing the cause first. The following is a short list of reasons why your RV air conditioner might not be doing its job:
1. A Dirty Air Filter
Just as the air filter in your home air conditioner needs to be changed out on a regular basis, the same rule applies to the unit in your RV. This may mean once or twice a year or whenever it appears to be torn or damaged. However, in between changes, you need to clean the air filter to remove dirt and debris, in order for it to cool properly. Without doing so, your AC will need to work harder to keep up and cool properly. Every few weeks you should clean the filter. If you have waited for a longer period of time, it is probably a good idea to have a technician inspect and clean the filter for you.
2. Dirty Or Damaged Condenser Fins
Although you can inspect the condenser fins for signs of damage or dirt by looking under the air filter with a flashlight, it is best to have a professional RV repair technician a damaged condenser fin for you. If the condenser fins need replacing, the technician can determine the correct size and install them for you.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
Dirt or corrosion on the air conditioner condenser coils is another common culprit. Before you inspect the coils, disconnect all power from the AC unit. A simple fix may be to use an air compressor to blow out the debris and dirt from the condenser coils. However, if you suspect rust or corrosion, you need to contact a professional technician who will either replace the damaged coils or suggest you replace the entire unit.
4. The RV Roof Needs Ventilation
If you have not been running the air conditioning much, you may notice excess moisture has gathered on the AC unit. A simple fix is to open the RV roof vent for ventilation. This helps the moisture evaporate. In doing so, you may notice your AC running more efficiently and cooling better. It's also a way to prevent any serious damage to the unit itself.
