Rooftop RV air conditioners come in two major systems namely the air handling system and the sealed refrigeration system. Other than these systems, there is also the control system, which consists of the thermostat and fan switches. The main component in the sealed refrigeration system is the compressor. One thing that all rooftop RV air conditioners have in common is that they have to route the return and supply air through a standard 14” x 14” cutout in the roof.
Two of the most common problems of RV air conditioners are insufficient cooling and leaking.
If your RV air conditioner is not cooling enough, there could be a problem with the compressor. Check the unit’s airflow as well as its voltage. If the voltage is below 110 volts, then your unit’s effectiveness is more likely to suffer. It should also have enough air flow over the inside and outside coils, which are the evaporator and condenser, respectively. If the air filter is clogged, the refrigerant is not able to generate enough heat from the inside air. Also, if the condenser coils are obstructed, it cannot give off adequate heat to the outside air as well. If the problem is not with the compressor, it could be a control glitch with the thermostat or relay board for a wall-mounted thermostat.
Most rooftop RV air conditioners have washable filters that can be rinsed off or vacuumed clean. Make it a habit to vacuum your filters at least once a week especially if your air conditioner runs 24 hours a day in hot weather. Have the evaporator coils cleaned as well. Some RV air conditioners draw in air from the back while some draw out from it. You can tell which yours is by checking both of the condenser’s sides.
Another common problem with RV air conditioners is leaking. This is due to the close proximity of both the supply and return air, which can be a problem if both are not properly sealed from each other. This is because the evaporator coil can freeze up easily if the supply air circulates back to the return side. To check for leaks, simply put your hand carefully into the return air duct and feel for cold air. Once you feel cold air, then there is a leak.
RV air conditioners also need adequate insulation, so you need to keep it away from direct sun exposure in order to maximize its cooling and increase your comfort.
