If you’re out on the road and your RV air conditioner isn’t blowing cold, it can be a major inconvenience. This is especially true during hot summer days or if you have been driving in the sun for hours. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to troubleshoot why your air conditioner is not functioning properly. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons why your RV air conditioner may not be blowing cold and what you can do to get it running smoothly again.
Table of Contents
Why Is My RV AC Running But Not Cooling?
A problem with the thermostat
If your RV AC runs but doesn’t blow cold air, the most likely cause is a problem with the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for controlling how much coolant is released into the system. If it’s not functioning properly, then you won’t be getting enough coolant to make a difference in the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. You may want to double check that your thermostat is set correctly and that all its components are working properly. [2]
Problems with the fan
Another possible reason why your RV AC isn’t cooling is due to a problem with the fan. If the fan isn’t able to circulate the air properly, then that air won’t get cold. Make sure the fan is set at the correct speed and check it for any signs of damage. If you find any problems with it, you should replace it with a new one as soon as possible. [2]
Air filter blockage
The common cause of an RV AC not cooling properly is a blocked air filter. The air filter needs to be clean in order for cool air to flow through efficiently and reach its destination. Check your filters regularly and if they appear clogged or dirty, replace them immediately with fresh ones. [2]
Low Freon levels
If all the above solutions have been checked and are not the cause of your RV AC running but not cooling, then it’s possible that your Freon levels may be low. The Freon is a refrigerant gas used in air conditioners, and if its levels are low, then you won’t get cold air from the vents. Have a qualified technician check the Freon levels and recharge them if needed. [2]
A dirty compressor
If it’s dirty, then the coils won’t be able to do their job effectively and you may end up with lukewarm air coming out of the vents. Cleaning the compressor should help get rid of this problem. [2]
A burned out capacitor
Have a qualified technician inspect the capacitor and replace it if necessary.
If you’ve followed all these steps but still can’t get your RV air conditioner to blow cold air, then it may be time to call in a professional for help. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem quickly and get you back on the road in no time! [2]
How Does An RV Air Conditioner Work?
Before we can get into the details of what to do if your RV air conditioner isn’t blowing cold, it’s important to understand how it works. An RV air conditioner works much like a residential air conditioner – by using a compressor to cool and circulate the air. The main difference is that most RVs have one single unit for both heating and cooling, as opposed to having two different units for each. A typical RV AC uses an evaporator coil, which absorbs the heat from inside the cabin, and then releases that heat through the condenser coil on the outside of the RV. [2]
Is It A Problem With The Thermostat?
One of the most common causes of a caravan air conditioner not blowing cold is a problem with the thermostat. The thermostat controls how much refrigerant is released into your RV, and if it’s not set to the right temperature, it won’t cool properly. If you suspect that the thermostat is at fault, you can try resetting it or checking for any loose wiring connections. You should also make sure that the air filter isn’t clogged, as this can prevent cold air from circulating properly.
If none of these steps work, then it might be time to call in a professional to assess and repair your RV’s air conditioning system. It could be something simple like replacing a fuse or compressor, or it could be something more serious like a refrigerant leak. Either way, having a qualified technician take a look is the best way to ensure that your RV’s air conditioner is up and running again in no time.
And remember: Don’t forget to check on your thermostat regularly to make sure it’s set properly, and keep an eye out for any odd noises or vibrations coming from your air conditioner – these could be signs of a bigger issue! With just a little bit of maintenance, your RV will stay cool and comfortable all summer long. [2]
How Do I Replace A Burned-Out RV Thermostat?
If your RV thermostat is burned out, the first thing you need to do is check that it has power. Check the fuse box or circuit breaker panel in your RV and make sure the fuse or breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it and see if that resolves the issue.
If the problem persists, then you will need to replace the thermostat. Here are some steps to help:
- Shut off all power to your RV’s air conditioner unit. Make sure you turn off both breakers associated with the AC unit — one for outdoor and one for indoor wiring — before proceeding further.
- Unscrew and remove the old thermal control from the air conditioner.
- Carefully inspect the mounting plate and wiring for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, replace the mounting plate and/or wiring with new parts.
- Connect the new thermostat to the wires as per their markings on the unit and secure it in place with screws or clips.
- Turn power back on to your RV’s AC system and set the temperature to its lowest setting — this will help cool down your RV faster when you turn it on again. Once everything is working correctly, feel free to adjust the setting according to your comfort level. [2]
Is It A Problem With The Fan?
The next step in troubleshooting a caravan air conditioner not blowing cold is to check the fan. If your RV’s fan isn’t working, it won’t be able to circulate enough cool air into the cabin. In some cases, this can cause warm airflow even if your AC unit is operating properly.
To test your fan, you’ll need to switch on the power and use a multimeter or voltmeter to measure the current going through the fan motor. If there is no current, then something may be wrong with either your motor or its wiring harness.
If you find that the current output is lower than normal, then you’ll need to replace your fan motor as soon as possible. This could be caused by a faulty capacitor, worn-out brushes, or other electrical problems. [2]
What If It’s A Problem With The Compressor?
If you’ve checked the basics and everything looks good but your RV air conditioner still isn’t blowing cold, then it’s possible that there’s an issue with the compressor. This is when a professional comes in handy, as testing and diagnosis of the compressor requires specialized knowledge and tools.
Common signs of compressor issues include:
- Unusual noises coming from the unit
- Unit not turning on or off properly
- Uneven cooling from different vents (i.e one vent is cooler than others)
- Poor cooling performance
Typically, if your compressor has failed completely, you will need to replace it altogether. However, before doing so, we recommend having a qualified technician check. [2]
Is It A Capacitor?
It helps regulate the flow of air in an air conditioner and can be the cause of why your RV’s air conditioner isn’t blowing cold. If there’s a capacitor issue, you may hear a humming noise coming from your unit. If this is the case, it’s best to call a professional for help as capacitors are complex components that require special tools and skills to repair or replace properly. [2]
How To Replace A Burned Out Capacitor?
If you have determined that your RV air conditioner’s capacitor has burned out, then the first step is to find a replacement. You can purchase an aftermarket capacitor from any hardware store or home improvement center. The size of the capacitor should match the one that was previously installed in your unit.
Before replacing the part, it is important to ensure that all power sources are off and that you discharge any remaining electricity in the circuit by touching both terminals of the capacitor with a grounded metal object such as a screwdriver handle. Once these steps are complete, unscrew and remove the old capacitor and replace it with the new one. Securely tighten all screws and connections for optimal performance. [2]
When Should I Seek Professional Services?
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your RV air conditioner still isn’t blowing cold, it’s time to seek professional help. A qualified technician can determine what issue is causing the lack of cool air and can repair or replace any damaged parts. Be sure to hire a reputable company with experience working on RV air conditioning systems. [2]
How Do I Winterize My RV’s Air Conditioner?
If you’re preparing your RV for the winter months, it’s important to take the necessary steps to winterize your air conditioner. This is because the cold temperatures can damage the internal components of an air conditioner and reduce its efficiency. Here are a few tips on how to properly winterize your RV’s air conditioner:
- Disconnect power sources – To ensure that no power is running through the AC unit while it’s in storage, be sure to disconnect any external power sources like generators or battery lines.
- Remove all filters and covers – Take out any removable filters from both inside and outside of the unit. This will help keep debris from getting sucked into the system when it’s not being used. If the AC unit has any removable covers, take those off as well.
- Clean the unit – Gently spray down both the interior and exterior of the air conditioner with a clean cloth or sponge. This will help get rid of any dirt or dust that may have accumulated over time. Make sure to use mild soap and warm water for this task.
- Add insulation – Wrap insulation materials around exposed metal surfaces of your RV’s air conditioner to further protect it from cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions. You can also try using expanding foam insulation for a tighter seal around connectors and other exposed parts. [2]
Park Your RV in the Shade if Your RV AC Isn’t Cooling
The temperature and humidity inside your RV can cause air conditioners to become less efficient. If you park your RV in direct sunlight, the hot sun will warm up the interior of the vehicle and make it harder for the air conditioner to cool down the space. Try parking in shaded spots or using awnings or tarpaulins to keep out direct sunlight when parked outside.
You should also check that all windows and doors are properly closed so that there isn’t any extra heat being allowed into your RV. This helps ensure that all cold air is staying inside and is not escaping through open windows or vents. [1]
Insulate Windows and Roof Vents
If you’ve noticed that the air conditioner in your RV is not blowing cold, the first thing you should do is check for any drafts or air leaks coming from windows and roof vents. Insulating these areas can help keep the cool air inside and provide extra protection against hot weather. Additionally, it’s a good idea to inspect other potential sources of heat buildup, such as walls or furniture near the A/C unit, and make sure they are properly insulated as well. This will help ensure the maximum efficiency of your system. [1]
Clean or Replace the Inside Air Filter(s)
If the air conditioning system in your RV is not blowing cold, check the inside air filter(s). If it looks clogged with dust and debris, replace or clean it. This needs to be done regularly as a maintenance issue – at least once every three months – in order to keep your RV’s AC running smoothly.
If you have more than one filter, check them all and replace or clean accordingly. It’s also important to note that if you have an air conditioner model with two filters (one on each side), they need to be replaced together for the best results. [1]
Clean the Coils or Fins if your RV AC Isn’t Cooling
What you’ll need:
- Coil cleaner
- Garden hose with adjustable nozzle
- Scrub brush (optional) [1]
Steps to cleaning the coils:
- Shut off power to your air conditioner.
- Locate the condenser coil fins on the outdoor unit of your AC and spray them down with a garden hose, making sure you reach all sides of the coil fins.
- If necessary, use a scrub brush or scraper to remove any debris or buildup from between or around the fins.
- After removing dirt and debris, spray the entire area again with a garden hose using an adjustable nozzle set at low pressure in order to flush out any remaining particles that may have gotten stuck in small crevices.
- Take a coil cleaner and spray it onto the fins, making sure to evenly distribute it across the surface. Let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
- Turn on the power to your air conditioner and let run for a few hours in order to test that it’s blowing cold air correctly. [1]
Make Sure You Have Enough Power
Before you start troubleshooting, make sure that your RV air conditioner has enough power. Check to see if the circuit breaker is on and that it hasn’t tripped. You should also check the plug-in connections to ensure they are secure and tight. If everything seems okay, reset the unit by unplugging and replugging, then try turning it back on again. [1]
Keep Your Generator Tuned Up for Running Your AC Without Hookups
If you’re running your RV air conditioner without access to a power hookup, then it’s particularly important to make sure that your generator is properly tuned up. Your generator is what powers the AC, so if it isn’t running smoothly and efficiently, it will affect how well the AC runs.
Make sure you check your engine oil and filters before each trip and regularly take the time to get your generator professionally serviced – this will ensure that it can keep up with powering all of your appliances while on the road. [1]
FAQ
What to do if AC is blowing but not cooling?
If your AC is blowing but not cooling, there could be several reasons why it’s not working properly. First, check the thermostat settings and make sure they are set correctly. Then, inspect the unit for any signs of leaking or clogged air filters. If the filters appear dirty, clean them according to manufacturer directions.
Why is my RV AC blowing warm air?
If your AC is blowing warm air, make sure that the thermostat settings are correct. Additionally, check for any signs of blockages in the vents or ductwork. If these are clogged or blocked, you won’t get cold air from the unit. Also, keep an eye out for any leaks in the system that could be causing the warm air to escape instead of circulating properly. Finally, make sure that all electrical connections are secure and working properly.
How do I reset my RV AC unit?
If your AC unit isn’t cooling properly, it may be necessary to perform a reset. To do this, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and then wait for a few minutes before turning it back on. This should reset the electronic components of your AC unit, allowing it to work correctly again. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact an RV technician for assistance.
Where is the RV reset button?
In most cases, your RV AC reset button is located near the compressor. It may be hidden behind a panel or on the side of the unit.
How do you reset an RV?
Resetting your RV involves shutting off the power at the circuit breaker and then waiting for a few minutes before turning it back on. This should reset all of the electronic components in the RV, allowing them to work correctly again. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact an RV technician for assistance.
How do I reset my RV thermostat?
If your RV thermostat isn’t working properly, you may need to perform a reset. To do this, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and then wait for a few minutes before turning it back on. This should reset the electronic components of your AC unit, allowing it to work correctly again. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact an RV technician for assistance.
How do you reset an RV regulator?
If your RV regulator isn’t working properly, you may need to reset it. To do this, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and then wait for a few minutes before turning it back on. This should reset all of the electronic components in the RV, allowing them to work correctly again. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact an RV technician for assistance.
Useful Video: Diagnosing An RV Air Conditioner That Is Not Cooling
Conclusion
If your RV air conditioner is not blowing cold air, there are a few things you can try. Start by checking the settings of your thermostat and ensuring that the compressor is operational. If this doesn’t help, you may need to replace your filter or contact an RV specialist if it’s more complicated than these steps. Hopefully, these tips will help you get your caravan AC working efficiently so you can enjoy all of your summer camping trips!
Do you have any other questions about RV air conditioners? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading and happy camping!
References
- https://www.thervgeeks.com/rv-ac-not-cooling/
- https://www.rvingknowhow.com/rv-air-conditioner-not-blowing-cold/