How to Maintain RV Roof Air Conditioning

The RV roof air conditioning unit is the most common type and perhaps one of the most popular among all types of RV air conditioners. As with the many RV components, the roof-mounted air conditioners require proper care and regular maintenance if you want them to properly operate on a continuous basis. The most common complaint about this type of RV air conditioners is the Freeze up condition. Common symptoms of this condition are water dripping from the home ceiling and no air flow inside the RV even when the fan is constantly running.

There are many people who stay with their RV roof air conditioning unit full time because when they are away, they cannot control or monitor the temperature inside the house. When they finally reach home, they will find that although the unit is running it is terribly hot inside. Well, it is not the fault of your RV roof air conditioning unit. It might be because you lack proper care and maintenance. To help you deal with it, here are some of the maintenance tips you can follow to help keep your RV air conditioner in top running shape:

1. Clean the RV roof air conditioning intake filters regularly. Use a nozzle and a compressor to blow out the filter but if these are not possible, you may use tap water.
2. Turn the RV roof air conditioning fan speed selector to high. This should be done when the unit is running in AC Cool mode.
3. The thermostat should be in moderate setting. When the thermostat is set to a temperature that is almost the actual temperature inside, it becomes easier for the compressor of the air conditioning unit to cycle.
4. Open one or two roof vents. This is advisable when you are going to bath, shower, have friends for dinner, or even when you are going to boil water.
5. Check the condenser at least twice a year for blockages or fins damages. These damages may be caused by dirt, leaves, or other foreign debris.
6. Straighten the condenser. This is to allow a more proper flow through the use of a Radiator comb. You can find these combs at auto parts stores. Upon getting a Radiator comb, start combing out the crushed fins. However, you have to be very careful in doing so because it is very easy to tear the paper-thin aluminium fins found in the condenser. If you see that the damage is quite severe, you may have to completely replace the RV roof air conditioning unit. You may ask for professional help from RV service centres if you think the replacement is very complicated to do.

There are many other reasons why your RV roof air conditioning may be in a freeze up condition. These include a badly run fan capacitor, split plenum, a shorted or grounded motor, and low levels of Freon; however, by ruling out the causes mentioned above first, and telling the RV servicing centre the necessary information, you can save on the diagnostic time which also means money savings!