There's nothing worse than being stuck in a hot, stuffy RV for miles on end—which is why a well-functioning air conditioning system is crucial to keeping your travels pleasant and enjoyable.
At Parts Via, we understand how important it is to keep your RV's AC running efficiently. That's why we've put together these 7 tips to help you maximize your RV's air conditioner performance and enhance your overall RV airflow. From simple maintenance steps to smart upgrades, these tips will ensure your AC system keeps you cool and comfortable no matter where your travels take you.
1. Regularly Replace Air Filters
One of the most effective ways to improve your RV air conditioner's performance is by simply replacing the filters. Over time, filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, reducing airflow and making your AC work harder than it needs to.
A clean filter allows your AC unit to operate more smoothly and maintain better airflow, leading to a cooler and more comfortable environment inside your RV.
When shopping for new filters, consider the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, a number which indicates how effectively a filter can trap airborne particles. Filters are rated on a scale from 1 to 16, with higher numbers capable of catching more particulars. For RV air conditioners, however, a MERV rating around 6 is optimal; anything higher will start to tax the system.
Check out RV Air filters, available here on Parts Via. Available in a variety of sizes designed to fit the most popular RV air conditioners, like Coleman and Dometic, RV Air’s filters are all MERV 6-rated and highly effective at capturing airborne contaminants.
2. Clean the Vents and Coils
Your RV air conditioner’s exterior vents are the first point of contact for dust and debris, which means they can quickly become clogged with everything from pollen and grime to leaves and spider webs, impacting the performance of your entire AC system—including those filters you just replaced.
To prevent these problems, regularly vacuum and wipe down your vents, both inside and outside. Remove any debris that may have gathered over time, and make sure to clean the coils according to your AC manufacturer's instructions.
A foaming, no-rinse, no-wipe cleaner like AP Products’ Coil Clean makes quick work of this maintenance task. Simply spray it on and let it work. The product rinses free with condensation, leaving the unit clean and deodorized.
Beat the heat with the perfect RV AC unit.
3. Maintain the Gasket
The gasket under your RV's air conditioner, typically made of neoprene foam, ensures a tight seal between the AC unit and the roof, preventing air and liquid leaks. Over time, however, the weight of the AC unit compresses the gasket, causing it to work loose as your RV rattles down the highway.
A loose or worn-down gasket not only compromises your AC’s efficiency, but also leaves room for condensation or rainwater to drip into the RV.
To maintain optimal performance, inspect your AC gasket every six months. Tighten any loose bolts to keep the AC unit securely in place, and if you see the gasket is damaged or severely compressed, replace it with a new one. You can find replacement gaskets here on Parts Via in the standard 14"x14" and 14"x16" sizes.
4. Optimize Interior Airflow
Ensuring good airflow inside your RV can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your air conditioner. Proper circulation helps distribute cool air evenly throughout the vehicle, preventing hot spots and ensuring a comfortable environment.
Simple and affordable ways to promote airflow include keeping interior doors open to allow air to flow freely between rooms, using fans to help distribute cold air faster, and making sure furniture or décor aren’t blocking AC vents.
If, however, you’ve tried all these hacks and found that your RV’s air conditioner performance is still suffering, then maybe it’s time to consider investing in an RV Airflow System.
Installing between the bottom of your A/C and the cover plate, the RV Airflow System captures discharged air and directs it in an optimized way into your RV's existing duct work. The module is a non-electrical, non-mechanical device that removes air friction and turbulence, reducing noise and improving the airflow of your roof mounted air-conditioner by an average of 40%!
5. Maximize Awnings, Shades, Blinds and Curtains
By utilizing awnings and window shades strategically, you can reduce the strain on your RV's air conditioner during sunny days, improving overall energy efficiency and enhancing your camping experience.
For example, drawing shades, blinds, and curtains on the sunward side of your RV can help block out hot rays and maintain cooler temperatures inside the cabin. Likewise, extending your awning on that side provides additional shade, reducing the heat load and enhancing interior comfort.
To transform that shady outdoor space even more, consider adding an RV awning enclosure. Made of the same material used for camping tents, these one-piece designs simply attach to your existing roll-up awning, maximizing space with no drilling necessary.
6. Don’t Shut Off the AC
Contrary to popular belief, running the AC consistently at a moderate setting can be more energy-efficient than frequently turning it on and off. In addition to maintaining a steady cooling cycle by not allowing interior temps to get too high, keeping the AC running at a low demand reduces strain on the AC compressor.
So, next time you're leaving your RV for the day, resist the temptation to turn off the air conditioner entirely. Instead, set it to a low cooling setting or a higher temperature to maintain a comfortable environment inside. When you return, you won't have to wait long for the interior to cool down.
7. Use Roof Vents When Unit Is Off
Obviously, leaving the air conditioner running continuously may not be feasible for every camper, especially if you're not connected to shore power. If that’s the case for you, then be sure to open the roof vents to help expel any hot air that builds inside the cabin.
The passive ventilation may not be as effective as air conditioning, but it will help regulate interior temperatures so the AC won’t have to work quite as hard when turned back on.
Consider installing vent covers, so you can keep the vents open even during rain or inclement weather. Likewise, you can upgrade your vent cover to one that includes a fan to help bring in fresh air. The MaxxFan offers the best of both worlds, as it’s the only complete RV ventilation system that incorporates a vent, fan, and rain protection in a single all-in-one-unit.
Keeping your RV cool and comfortable is essential for an enjoyable journey. By following these tips, you can maximize your RV air conditioner's performance and efficiency. For high-quality parts and accessories to enhance your RV's airflow, visit Parts Via and make every trip a pleasant one.