RV Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold: Why Does This Happen?
- Check the voltage of the power source. All electrical appliances need ample power supply to operate. ...
- A malfunctioning thermostat. ...
- The RV AC not properly sized for the rig. ...
- Examine the AC fan. ...
- The vent-covering flap may be stuck. ...
- The AC unit is clogged with dirt. ...
- Check your ducted air conditioner. ...
Why is my carrier air conditioner not cooling?
- Make sure the mode switch or selector switch is set to HIGH HEAT and the temperature control is set to a higher number.
- Make sure the air filter has been cleaned in the last 30 days. ...
- Make sure nothing is blocking the air flow coming from the air conditioner such as furniture, drapes or lamps.
Why is my RV AC not cooling?
Why is My Coleman RV Air Conditioner Not Cooling?
- The voltage could be low. Check the voltage between #1 on the overload switch and the “R” terminal of the compressor while it is not humming.
- A capacitor could be shorted, weak or open. To troubleshoot, first start by turning the power off. ...
- Start relay contacts could be open (if so equipped). ...
How do you recharge RV air conditioner?
To refill the refrigerant and recharge your RV’s air conditioner, follow these steps:
- Shut off the power to your RV A/C unit. ...
- Check the owner manual for your RV to find the right brand of refrigerant or coolant to use. ...
- Get on top of your RV to remove the plastic lid or cover for your air conditioner, and lift straight up so that you don’t bump or damage the system ...
How to fix air conditioner not cooling?
Your portable air conditioner is cooling… but not enough
- Close all doors and windows. This may sound obvious, but your portable AC won’t be able to cool your room down if the doors and windows are open.
- Vent the exhaust hose outside. One of the most common issues of insufficient cooling from a portable AC is a leaky exhaust hose. ...
- There is too much heat load. ...
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.
Do RV air conditioners need to be recharged?
Camper air conditioning units are closed systems and have no refill point. If an Open Road RV Repair technician or any RVIA Certified Technician tests your system and determines that the issue is low refrigerant charge the only option is replacement of the rooftop assembly.
Why Is My RV AC blowing warm air?
4:328:08My RV A/C is Blowing Warm Air - w/"The Air Force Guy" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs it gets colder in here then that air is going to get colder. Typically you're getting to yourMoreAs it gets colder in here then that air is going to get colder. Typically you're getting to your campsite. If you're getting there in the afternoon.
How do you reset an RV air conditioner?
How To Reset Your RV Air Conditioner With The Reset ButtonTurn off the unit.Then, press down on the reset button continuously for three to five seconds.Wait 10 to 15 seconds.Press down again and hold it for three seconds.Turn the unit back on. This will reset your AC, so check if it runs normally again.
How long do RV air conditioners last?
Even a new air conditioning unit will need to be replaced eventually, depending on factors like how often it is used and how well it's maintained. So, how long do RV AC units last? An average RV AC unit lasts anywhere from 3 years to 5-10 years or longer.
How cold should an RV air conditioner get?
Typically RV AC units have a temperature conversion increment of about 20 degrees. What this means is that your RV may be really hot, like 100 degrees, but your AC can only drop the temperature down about 20 degrees. Doing a quick bit of math here, the air temperature will be around 80 degrees.
How do you clean the coils on an RV air conditioner?
1:568:02RV AC Maintenance - Air Conditioner Coil & Filter Cleaning MADE EASY!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the second is to make sure these fins are straight when we're finished the two chemical cleanersMoreAnd the second is to make sure these fins are straight when we're finished the two chemical cleaners i use are the frost king foaming cleaner for my condenser coil. And i use the evap. Fresh.
How do I know if my RV AC compressor is bad?
The Signs Of A Faulty AC Compressor Capacitor The air conditioner hums as it tries but fails to start. The air conditioner operates for a few minutes before turning off, but no circuit breaker is tripped. To get the fan blades moving, give them a little push.
Does RV air conditioner need freon?
Your RV takes an unusually long time to cool down. If they determine that your AC is low on freon, they will recharge your unit and get it operating like normal.
Where is the AC reset button?
Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don't see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.
Does AC unit have a reset button?
Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. These buttons tend to be red and quite small. If you're having a tough time finding it, consult your owner's manual.
Is there a reset button on an AC unit?
Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.
How much does it cost to recharge RV AC?
The average cost to recharge the Freon levels in an air conditioner unit ranges between $200 and $600.
Can you add Freon to an RV AC unit?
It is possible to put Freon in an RV air conditioner by welding a charging port into the air conditioning system. This is a highly skilled job, and it can be expensive. So if an RV AC system is leaking and requires frequent refilling, repairing or replacing the unit is a better long-term solution.
Do camper air conditioners need Freon?
An RV air conditioner should provide enough cooling power without the need to add freon. Warm air coming from the unit is a red flag that something is wrong, whether it's a leak or simply a dirty filter.
Can a Dometic RV air conditioner be recharged?
Dometic RV air conditioners can be recharged, but not recommended to DIY. Recharging Dometic RV air conditioners is often costly and may be more worth it to just buy a new unit. The reason they are so expensive is because you have to tap into your coolant line, which can cause major issues if done incorrectly.
Why Is My RV Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air? (Common Reasons)
Before we talk about solutions, let’s talk about the problem and why it’s happening. There are quite a few reasons that your AC isn’t blowing cold air, but we’ve given a list of the most common problems:
Important Elements Need To Be Checked On RV AC
If you start to notice any issues with the RV AC, like a change in temperature or a strange noise, then there are some specific parts you should check. These components should be checked annually even if there are no specific issues, and regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your AC running properly.
How To Fix RV AC Not Blowing Cold Air
As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your RV AC might not be blowing cold air, but here’s a quick guide to help you troubleshoot the problem and fix it.
How Cold Should an RV Air Conditioner Blow?
Your RV isn’t built to deal with extreme or freezing temperatures, and anything under -20 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the machine. So ideally, you would keep your RV around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum comfort. Of course, some people prefer it hotter or colder, but this tends to be the sweet spot.
Popular RV Air Conditioner Brands Not Blowing Cold Air
Every AC is slightly different, and they’ll face their own unique problems. Here’s a quick guide for how to deal with common issues faced by two popular RV AC brands:
Conclusion
RV air conditioning is important and can be the difference between a relaxing holiday and a sweatbox. However, if your AC stops blowing cold, you need to act quickly. Hopefully, this guide has given you some valuable information to get your RV air conditioning running properly again.
Check the voltage of the power source
All electrical appliances need ample power supply to operate. So, a problem with the power seems to be the most likely reason for RV AC not blowing cold. The voltage might be too low or the power source could be faulty. If the voltage is at or less than 110 VAC, the AC unit will not function effectively.
A malfunctioning thermostat
When the RV air conditioner not cooling, you may want to check the thermostat. The problem could be because of a worn-out thermostat or its malfunctioning temperature sensor.
The RV AC not properly sized for the rig
Another common cause of why the RV AC not cooling enough is because it might be too small for the space. This can be especially true if you are looking to cool a larger area.
Examine the AC fan
If the RV air conditioner cooling system is working, but you still feel hot air coming out of it, there could be a problem with the fan. The blades might be caked with dirt or bent. You can try to clean them up or replace them if they are heavily damaged.
The vent-covering flap may be stuck
When the RV air conditioner not blowing cold and you’ve checked all of the above, there’s a chance that the vent flap may be stuck shut. In that case, the AC unit will not work even if it gets cool outside because there is no open path for the cold air to enter inside.
The AC unit is clogged with dirt
If your Dometic RV air conditioner not blowing cold air (or the AC unit from a different brand), dirt is one of the main reasons. What you might see as the normal accumulation of dirt or dust can actually be a bigger problem.
Check your ducted air conditioner
The problem of a camper air conditioner not cooling can also happen because of the type of AC unit you have in the rig. There are commonly two types of RV air conditioning systems – ducted and unducted. Some issues with the first type can easily cause the RV air conditioner not blowing cold.
Why won't my RV AC cool?
The RV AC won’t cool the air properly due to many reasons. It may be due to the AC fans that exhaust the air. You can start by checking the fan wire to make sure it’s in good condition. If not, then it might have to do something with the thermostat. It tells your AC what its targeted temperature is.
Why is my AC not cooling?
If your AC isn’t cooling, you can do a few tests to check why so. There might be a problem with the thermostat because of a loose wire in the connections. The fan motor might require a new capacitor. There might be a leakage in the compressor.
How Do I Winterize My RV ‘s Ac?
Winterizing means storing/parking your RV safely throughout the winter. If you do so correctly, the next time you need to use an RV, you would have a ready RV for any trip.
What happens if the refrigerant inside a compressor is low?
The refrigerant inside the compressor may be low. If so, there might be ice or frost buildup around the compressor. The refrigerants are available at automotive stores. They either fill your compressor up or provide you with a can of freon. When buying it, make sure to get a good quality one by increasing the expenditure.
How to tell if compressor is leaking gas?
Instead, it goes back and forth inside the compressor, cooling the air. There are many signs that the compressor is leaking the gas. The first is that even though everything works perfectly. The refrigerant isn’t cooling as effectively as it used to. The unit can produce strange noises.
What to do if your compressor is dirty?
You could open up the compressor to check the cooling fans if they got dirty. Or if the compressor has burned out, then the final option would be to replace it. You should get a reliable technician to check if the new unit you’re getting is in good condition or not.
What does a thermostat do in an RV?
The thermostat is the brains of an RV AC. Just like the brain in our body, it tells the AC what temperature it needs to maintain. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, then your AC won’t be able to cool your RV properly. Think of it like this, if our brain isn’t working, we won’t even be able to think.
1. Air filters
When was the last time you cleaned the filters in your air conditioner? If you are not sure how to access them, here is a video on that:
2. Evaporator coils
After you take the filter down, the evaporator coils should be exposed. If you can reach them, they can be cleaned gently with a brush.
3. Condenser coils & fan
Condenser fins can have all kinds of stuff in them! It can be covered with anything from spider webs to leaves and dead wasps! Here is some good information on rinsing and maintaining your condenser coils and a fan:
4. Ducts
Sometimes, the cool air would escape through the roof due to worn-out factory seals or other holes previously unnoticed. All you have to do is to find where cold air is escaping and patch those holes with aluminum foil tape.
Compressor
Electrical troubleshooting of your AC should be checked by a qualified professional, but if you think you are up to the task, you should get yourself a multimeter.
Refrigerant
You can easily notice low refrigerant levels if your condenser coil turns to ice! Also, if you see a leak (that looks like an oily residue) under your AC unit, that’s a sure sign that the lack of refrigerant is a problem with your cooling system.
This article is for informational purposes ONLY and is NOT a replacement for professional advice!
You can find out how much solar power you need by calculating your daily usage in watts. Average RV traveler
What happens if RV air conditioner overheats?
If the air conditioner system of the RV overheats or drips, this means that the fins and the coils will have to be dusted and cleaned. At this point, it is also advisable to take a look at the roof portions of the air conditioner to confirm if there are any gaskets, loose bolts or any leaks.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Running But Not Releasing Any Cool Air?
There are definitely a number of reasons why your air conditioner may have started to malfunction. This includes:
What Steps Should I Take When My Vehicle’s Air Conditioner Stops Blowing Cold Air?
The first thing that you should do is prioritize your thermostat and the electrical system that controls your thermostat. There is a chance that it could be something as small as a low battery or a loose wire.
What causes an air conditioner to stop working?
There are definitely a number of reasons why your air conditioner may have started to malfunction. This includes: 1 The thermostat of your AC may be having an issue 2 The fan of your AC may be having a problem 3 The freon level of your AC may have malfunctioned 4 The compressor may be dirty 5 The capacitor may have burned out
What is the purpose of an air compressor?
Most of these systems are inclusive of an air compressor which basically distributes a Freon cooling liquid through the vehicle’s coils and fins inside the condenser.
What does it mean when your thermostat blinks?
This can easily be identified by checking if the thermostat shows the temperature, or maybe the temperature displayed looks unrealistic, or perhaps the thermostat blinks. This means that your thermostat definitely requires to be replaced.
How does a compressor fan work?
The compressor, as well as the fan, function by using an inbuilt switch that is inside a thermostat. The thermostat operates through the onboard electrical system of 12 Volts. As soon as the required temperature on the thermostat is achieved, the system turns off.
Why is My RV AC Not Blowing Cold Air?
There are many issues that can keep your Dometic AC unit from blowing cold air. One has already been mentioned. When the fuse blows or trips, the AC unit does not have the power it needs to keep running.
Why is my AC unit not producing cool air?
Two other sources could be that the compressor is broken and has stopped producing cold air. Or you have an icing problem which when it takes place, will stop the AC unit from producing any cool air.
How to fix a broken air conditioner?
To fix the first problem, all you need to do is reset or replace the fuse. Then your air conditioner should work just fine. The solution for the second problem is just as easy and as cheap. To start, you just have to raise the thermostat setting a little higher, maybe 10 degrees higher.
Why does my fan blow but not cool air?
Another source may be that you or your spouse, etc., have set the thermostat too low. This causes the compressor to overwork and eventually shut down. When this happens, the fan may continue to blow but without the cool air you want.
Why does my AC unit blow cold air?
Usually it can be a broken capacitor that stops your AC unit from blowing cold air and lets it blow warm air instead.
Why cover an air conditioner?
Covering the unit is a way to protect it and the capacitor from potential damage. Then make sure to do routine and preventive maintenance on your unit and fan. This helps the air conditioner run right and avoid possible problems like the compressor shutting down.
How to tell if compressor is working?
Find out if the compressor is working or not - you do this by turning it on and listening for noises and feeling for vibrations. If it isn’t running, then check your thermostat setting or the fuses.
Why won't my AC turn off?
If you notice that you try to turn off your AC unit, but it keeps running, then you will have to fix it right away to prevent damaging of the machine or decrease in longevity. There are a few reasons as to why your AC unit won’t turn off. First, it could be a busted thermostat, in which case you will have to replace it with a new one. If that does not appear to be the issue, then the circuit board could be affected, and so you will have to hire a professional.
Why is there ice on my AC unit?
There is Ice on Your Air Conditioner. Although it is not a very common issue, ice can appear on the outer part of your AC unit. The problem itself is related to the Freon levels in your AC unit, but it is a rather easy problem to fix. The first thing you need to do is check if there are any leaks.
Why does my air conditioner smell?
This can happen when the filters aren’t regularly cleaned or replaced. If you do clean the filters and the smell remains , then the problem comes from the radiator.
Why is my AC unit loud?
This noise is very likely caused by the fact that the rubber shock absorbers are not in their rightful place.
Why is it important to check the condenser coils?
It is important to occasionally check the condenser as it can accumulate dirt, dust and other debris ( as it is exposed to the elements). 4. Air Out roof vents.
What to do if your AC is blowing out hot air?
If your AC is blowing out hot air, then the first step is to check the thermostat. If however, you set the temperature right and the AC keeps blowing out hot air, then it is possible that the problem itself is in the thermostat.
Do air conditioners need maintenance?
Air Conditioners are practical and useful devices, but they do need some sort of regular maintenance, in order to function properly. Whether you own a class A motorhome or a fifth wheel or a small pop up camper, air conditioner are very important while camping.
