With about 10 million US households that own RVs, and 17 million more that want to, RV air conditioner maintenance is something a lot of people are interested in. Rightfully so, since not only can you miss a few steps, you can do a lot of damage.
So what are some of the top tips for RV AC maintenance? Keep reading to find out what to do!
1. Your RV AC Unit Cover
Your RV AC unit cover hits probably four out of the best 10 tips on RV maintenance for safe travels. Your roof integrity, seals, HVAC, and safety devices.
Let’s face it, in a heatwave your AC doubles as a safety device — a critical component of your RV.
To that end, check that plastic cover for cracks, UV damage, scrapes, dirt, debris, and other objects.
2. Your Evaporator Fins Are Straight and Clean
An often neglected part of AC maintenance in homes, cars, RVs, and pretty much every situation is the fins. They’re very delicate parts of the unit, and often get bent out of shape.
A handy little tool is a fin comb, often made in various sizes. If you don’t have one, you could use a fine-tooth comb in a pinch. Once they’re straight, air can flow more freely and you can also vacuum the dirt and debris trapped in it.
3. Clean Your Filters
RV filters are usually made in such a way to get washed with soap and water. Make sure to clean them at least every six months and to let them air dry.
Eventually, though, even washable filters need replacements. If the filter size for your unit isn’t made anymore, you can more than likely buy a bigger filter and cut it down to size.
Also, there are probably many other RV owners with the same issue that have found solutions. A few Google searches can probably find you a suitable alternative.
4. Make Sure There Are No Leaks
As an RV owner, you know the problems that a leak can cause very well. Most people are worried, rightly so, about external leaks. But there are also leaks that can cause immense problems that come from your AC.
Make sure the seals around your AC are still waterproof. They can get resealed if there is a leak coming from the AC seal. As well, there could be a leak in part of the condensation loop.
5. Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
You’ll have to take up the air filter in order to clean your evaporator coils. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment in order to clean all the dirt, dust, and webs.
Likewise, with the AC unit cover off, you can get to the condenser coils. Take off the shroud and you can see the condenser coils. Grab the vacuum with a brush attachment again to grab all the dust.
There’s also AC condenser coil cleaner you can use after the dust is gone.
The Best RV Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
These are the best RV air conditioner maintenance tips for you to follow. Only, make sure once you’ve cleaned everything you’ve put your shroud back on and put your filter back in once it’s dried!
Next, all you need to do is pull anchor and drive away.
Need more tips on your RV maintenance? Or maybe you want to upgrade? Keep browsing our articles for more tips on what to look for in an RV and more!