RV Tip An Ounce of Prevention

An Ounce of Prevention

Summertime in south Texas is full of excitement, with endless opportunities for fun and outdoor activities. However, the hot and humid climate can also pose challenges, particularly when it comes to staying cool and comfortable. This is especially true for RVers who rely on air conditioning to keep their mobile homes at a livable temperature. Similar to cars, RVs can quickly become unbearably hot if the air conditioning system fails, so it’s important to take precautions and maintain your cooling system. With a little effort and some due diligence, you can ensure that your RV remains a cool oasis in the midst of the Texas heat.

Interestingly, RV air conditioning units share several similarities with window unit air conditioners. These units typically operate on 120-volt electricity, the evaporator and condensing coils are inside the unit, and they’re “closed systems,” which means that the refrigerant is charged and sealed at the factory, and there are no fill valves in case of refrigerant leakage. Depending on your RV’s size, you could have up to three air conditioning units on your vehicle’s roof, and replacing them could cost you $1,200 or more for each unit. Therefore, it’s important to perform preventative maintenance to avoid costly repairs and ensure your air conditioning units run smoothly when you need them most.

Maintaining your RV’s air conditioning unit is a crucial aspect of extending its lifespan and minimizing unexpected failures. Keeping air flow in mind, it’s important to clean or replace air filters regularly and ensure there are no obstructions over vents. Cleaning the unit, lubricating moving parts, and checking electrical components with a volt meter can also prevent future problems. However, if you lack the experience to do these tasks yourself, it’s recommended to call a professional to do a pre-season check. Though this may incur a cost, it’s much less than having to replace the entire unit. By keeping these tips in mind, you can take care of your RV’s air conditioning unit and reduce any costs or inconveniences that come with unexpected failures.