Page 4 - Spring 2019 Travelore

Page 4 - DRVC Travelore
How to Keep Your Cool
Tips for RV Air Conditioner
With the summer season coming on, it’s a good time
to check what a great many RV owners rely on but may ignore, the roof-mounted air conditioners. From cool-
ing the RV better to dampening the undue noises from a malfunctioning AC, inspecting the RV air-conditioner and cleaning it regularly can help the owner and family stay cool when it gets hot.
Basics of Operation
Air conditioners and refrigeration units are similar in design. Two, essential components are required to make them function correctly: A condensing unit and an evapo- rator unit. The condenser cools the AC fluid and the evapo- rator cools the room air as it flows over the coils.
Following are some easy inspections to troubleshoot the common air conditioning issues in an RV. While we may think they’ll last forever, there are some issues to look into to keep things working well. The scariest thought of all
is that if there have been regular power fluctuations, it is likely that the RV AC has suffered some “internal” dam- aged which will cause it to function less efficiently.
Check and resolve most RV air-conditioner issues
• If the AC is not keeping the air cool in your RV, the unit could have dirty or clogged air filters. And if the fins and coils are of the unit are dirty, the issue could be the culprit. This is because a build up of grime can dramatically decrease the efficiency of the AC unit.
• If you use the AC often, the interior filters should be cleaned at least once a month. Wash them gently with warm water, rinse, and let them air dry before replacing. If the RV has ductwork for the distribu-
Leading the way in brand awareness and popularity with upper-end RVs is Dometic’s, low-profile, roof-top model which may also double as a heat pump for cooler temps.
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tion system, this will involve checking the filters of the return channel.
Find a safe way to climb on the top of your RV’s roof. Remove the screws and detach the shroud from the
air conditioner unit then set it aside. Use a vacuum to remove out the dust in the fins or lying within the open cavities of the unit including the drip pans. Spray the coils with an air-conditioner coil cleaner.
To thoroughly rinse the area with soapy water, it may be necessary to use old towels to close the return air opening that is protruding through that 14 x 14 hole in the RV ceiling. This is especially true should you also remove the insulated shroud covering the room air blower and the cool side of the coil and fin assembly. Then, and only then, it will be safe to wash the fins
and coils just as is done with the radiator stack of a diesel motorhome, with a gentle mist of water. This is a
Roof Cavity
Room Air Fan
Fan Motor
Condenser Fan
Exterior AC Shroud
Air Conditioner Base Pan
RV Roof
Return Air from Interior Vent or Duct
Supply Air to Interior Vent or Duct
Compressor, Dryer and Expansion Valve
The view from above on a typical roof-top air conditioner.