welcomia
Basic tools and minor DIY skills is all it takes to ensure efficient cool air.
Words by Amy Speer
RV ownership doesn’t come without maintenance, which is especially important if you travel extensively throughout the summer or visit the southern United States in the winter. Regardless of your travel habits, travelling in warmer climates can put a strain on some of your RV systems with constant use, most notably with the AC unit.
In certain areas, southern U.S. winters can get equally as warm (if not warmer) than Canadian summers. Short of being the select few who embrace sleeping in these conditions, your RV AC’s unit is constantly put to the test when providing cool relief and comfort throughout hot days and nights
Common RV maintenance on systems includes the routine process of inspecting, changing, and cleaning these components, and an A/C unit is no different to ensure proper operation. So before your next trip south or that summer vacay, be sure to follow this maintenance checklist, which should be performed at least once a year.
Do an Initial Inspection
Before performing any maintenance, make sure to disconnect the AC’s power. This is an important safety measure and once it’s disconnected from the power source, carefully access the roof to examine the AC’s plastic shroud for any damage or wear. It’s not all that uncommon for the hot elements, low-hanging branches or other obstacles to crack the shroud, causing water to seep into the AC unit and consequently, your trailer or motorhome.
NPS Peri Sasnett
Regular maintenance of an AC unit isn’t difficult and ensures you’ll have the utmost comfort in hot conditions.
Use a Designated RV Air Filter over a Stock Air Filter
Most RV maintenance checklists indicate replacing the AC filter on an annual basis. While you definitely should, don’t settle for the standard stock filter. These filters are about as handy as those used back of hair dryers; they only keep particles out of the AC unit — and not the interior of your RV. Even then, these thin, black filters don’t do a great job of doing that.
RV-designated AC filters like those from RVAir feature 40 layers of nonwoven polyester and are sprayed with an anti-microbial tackifier, which can effectively capture particles like dust, pollen, mould spores, pet dander and other allergens as small as three to ten microns.
Not only does this style of filter help your AC run more efficiently, but it also acts as an air filter that greatly reduces allergies even when the AC is running on fan mode. It’s also effective at filtering particles in the air, preventing the build-up of dust on the coils, which further helps cool the interior.
Also, avoid replacing the RV AC filter with one that’s designed for your home unit. It may be tempting to cut a residential AC filter for an exact fit but they are not meant for an RV AC system. For example, when the temperature increases in your trailer or motorhome while in storage or not in use, these filters become breeding grounds for mould spores.
Faungg's Photos
Hot desert days - stay cool once you’re at your snowbird destination.
Take Time to Clean the Coils of the Evaporator/Condenser
When the filter is removed, you’ll see the unit’s evaporator coils. If you are replacing a basic filter, you’ll likely see debris. Simply use the soft bristle brush of a vacuum head (or other type of brush) to remove the build-up.
Next, access the condenser coils by removing the roof-top shroud. Unscrew the bolts, detach the shroud and vacuum out the dust. Depending on its condition, you may want to use a specific spray-on coil cleaner. Be sure to check the condenser coils twice a year for dirt, small leaves or other debris.
If your RV filter is really dirty or no longer effective, avoid cleaning it. Most RV filters can’t be exposed to water as it washes away the tackifier, which is the material that holds the filter together. So simply replace it. It’s worth a breath of fresh air.
Always Store Your RV with an AC Cover
When your RV is not in use or when it’s in winter storage, protect the AC unit with a cover. They are inexpensive and help protect the unit from the elements, which means you’ll spend less time inspecting, replacing, and cleaning and more time enjoying cool, refreshing comfort.
For more information visit www.rvair.com
RVAir is one of the leading manufacturers of RV air filter replacements. The industry's only MERV 6-rated RV AC filter, this product captures dust, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, mould spores and other allergens as small as 3-10 microns. RVAir fits most RV AC units, including those from Coleman and Dometic. For rare instances when a filer can’t accommodate a unit, RV Air offers cut-to-fit filters, along with a carbon-activated filter that captures odors.