There are two main types of air conditioning (A/C) units used in most RVs. These are ducted and non-ducted. A roof-mounted ducted A/C unit uses ducting between the ceiling and roof, routed to various locations throughout the RV. This type has a wall-mounted thermostat like what you have at home to control the A/C functions. The roof-mounted non-ducted type cools the entire RV from the ceiling assembly location. The controls for the A/C unit are also on the ceiling assembly, as opposed to using a wall-mounted thermostat. Some units also offer a remote to control the A/C functions.
Depending on the size of RV you have, the A/C unit could be 7,000 BTUs up to as much as 15,000 BTUs. Larger RVs with 50-amp electrical service typically have two or more roof-mounted A/C units. Many years ago, RV A/C units were large and noisy. Modern technology allows for units that are small and low profile and are much quieter. Some A/C units have a heat strip option too, which means it can provide heat to take the chill off on a cool morning without the need for the forced air furnace. A/C units can use a significant amount of amperage to start and run. This is why you may have heard it’s not wise to use the A/C and another appliance like the microwave at the same time. Today, some new A/C models come equipped with soft-start technology that draws less amperage to start and run the unit, so it’s not as big an issue. Check your RV owner’s manual for more information.
RV 101 Tip:
I highly recommend using some type of surge guard protector at the campground pedestal to protect the A/C unit and other high-dollar 120-volt appliances and accessories.
Both types of A/C units above have filters and both are in the ceiling assembly. Typically, you can remove a couple screws and gain access to the filters. The cleaner the filters, the more efficient the A/C unit. I prefer a small hand-held vacuum to clean the filters, but you can also wash them, let them dry and reinstall. It’s a good idea to keep some spare filters on hand in the RV.
Another area of concern for cleanliness are the fins on the condenser coils on the AC unit. They can get dirty and damaged. This requires a trip up on the roof, so it’s best left to an authorized RV service center to inspect if you are not comfortable or familiar doing this task. The evaporator coil (toward the front of the AC unit) is enclosed and should be inspected and cleaned by an authorized RV repair facility, too.
RV 101 Tip:
If you keep your AC filters clean, the evaporator coil fins will stay cleaner.
More RV A/C Tips
- Park the RV in the shade if possible.
- When it is hot outside and you run the A/C, close the window blinds or shades to help block heat.
- The more you open and close entry doors, the less efficient the A/C unit is.
- Cook outside when possible.
- Use the main patio awning and any window awnings to help keep the RV cool.
- When it’s hot outside, you can use products like Refletix. It is available in most home improvement stores and is inexpensive. Cut to the size of your window and install it in the window openings. It will reflect most of the heat at the windows, making it easier for the A/C to cool the RV.
Written by Rv Expert Mark Polk.
Mark Polk of RV Education 101®, a trusted RV expert and educator, has spent the past 25 plus years educating millions of RV consumers on how to properly and safely use and maintain their motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers, all known as RVs through RV Education 101s vast offerings of RV training material found at rvonlinetraining.com
This article by Mark Polk on A/C Tips was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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