RV Air Conditioner Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

If you own an RV, you know how important it is to have a reliable air conditioner. Not only does it help keep you cool and comfortable during hot summer days & months, it can also help prevent heat-related health issues. However, like any appliance, RV air conditioners can experience problems from time to time

In this article, we will discuss some common problems that can arise with RV air conditioners and provide solutions for each issue.


One of many problems that you may encounter with your RV air conditioner is that it is not turning on. This could be due to a variety of factors. First, check to make sure that the unit is receiving power. This may seem obvious, but it is worth doublee checking. Make sure the power cord is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the unit is not receiving power, this could be the cause of the issue.  If the unit is receiving power, the next step is to check the thermostat settings. Make sure the unit is set to "cool" and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If the thermostat is not set correctly, the air conditioner will not turn one.


Another potential problem with an RV air conditioner is that it is not cooling effectively. This could be caused by a dirty air filter, which can restrict the flow of air through the unit. To fix this problem, simply clean or replace the air filter.
In addition to a dirty air filter, another factor that can affect the cooling performance of an RV air conditioner is the condition of the cooling fins on the outside unit. If these fins are dirty or obstructed by debris, it can reduce the unit's ability to dissipate heat. To fix this problem, simply cleaning the cooling fins.
Another potential cause of poor cooling performance is low refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant level in your RV's air conditioning system is low, it can cause the unit to struggle to cool effectively. To fix this problem, youu will need to have a professional add more refrigerant to the system.

Another issue that you may encounter with your RV air conditioner is strange noises. This could be caused by a dirty air filter, as well as cooling fins that are rubbing against debris. To fix these problems, clean or replace the air filter and remove any debris from the cooling fins.
In addition to these issues, you may also experience a leak from your RV air conditioner. This could be caused by a clogged or frozen drainage hose, or it could be due to the slope of the RV causing water to pool near the air conditioner. To fix this problem, clear any blockages from the drainage hose and make sure the RV is levell.
Troubleshooting an RV air conditioner can be a daunting task, but by following these simple steps, you can identify and fix many common problems.

To help you remember these troubleshooting steps, here is a checklist to follow when you are trying to fix your RV air conditioner:

• Check to make sure the unit is receiving power.
• Check the thermostat settings to make sure the unit is set to "cool" and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature.
• Check the air filter and clean or replace it if it is dirty.
• Check the cooling fins on the outside unit to make sure they are clean and not obstructed by debris.
• Check the refrigerant level
• Check the mounting bolts to make sure they are tight.
• Check the drainage hose to make sure it is not clogged or frozen.
• Make sure the slope of the RV is not causing water to pool near the air conditioner.
• If the problem persists, consider having a professional service the unit.

I hope this checklist helps you troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing with your RV air conditioner. If you follow these steps and are still having problems, it may be necessary to have a professional service the unit.