RV Air Conditioning-Summer Heat
Tue Jul 26, 2011
Author: Joe McNamara
Summer's coming, you think you're ready, but is your RV? Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the summer time while traveling with your RV:
Can your rooftop air conditioner beat the heat? Here are a few helpful hints to help it do just that:
-It is important to periodically remove the air filters from your air conditioner and clean them out. Most RV air conditioners have a reusable, cleanable non-allergenic filter that should be removed monthly, cleaned with a mild soap and warm water, allowed to dry and reinstalled. Remember not to run the air conditioner without the filters as this may cause the evaporator to become clogged with dust and other particulates. A sure sign the filters and or evaporator are clogged is that the air conditioner will "ice" up. If this occurs, run the a/c on fan only mode until the ice dissipates and then continue running on "cool mode". If icing continues after maintenance is preformed it may be a sign of improper refrigerant levels and should be looked at by a qualified service technician. Also you will want to make sure the return air and discharge air ducts are cleaned with a soft cloth and soap with warm water. Remember do not use harsh or abrasive chemicals as this may damage the air conditioner.
It is important not to forget other scheduled maintenance but some of the most overlooked items are:
-Replace the battery in your smoke detector, your CO monitor, and LP detector where applicable. Did you know CO detectors have an expiration date and should be replaced when expired? This date is located on a sticker, usually on the back side of the detector.
-Check the fire extinguisher charge. Most RV fire extinguishers have a "test" button. Simply depress it and it should immediately "pop" back up. If it stays down or is slow to "pop" up it should be replaced. Most of them are not serviceable.
-Check battery water levels
-Check tire pressures
-Check body sealants
If these few items are looked after it can help you have a cool and happy vacation, if not, you may end up hot under the collar.
Additional Information: http://www.grwrv.com/pages/rveducationandtraining.htm
