Troubleshooting RV AC: Why is my RV AC not Cold?

Q: Can I run my RV AC all day?

Yes, It is fine to run your RV air conditioner for as long as you would like . You just want to make sure you are not stressing the unit in extremely hot temperatures . Adjust your thermostat a little bit lower so your compressor can still cycle on and off and be able to work effectively. So if you are plugged into shore power you should have no problem letting your AC run all day and night .

Q: Can RV air conditioners be repaired?

The simple answer is yes , but that brings up another question: Is it worth spending the money to repair your RV air conditioner? Probably not! The most common part to fail on your unit is the compressor which is the most expensive part to replace also. So, it really depends on what fails before this question can be answered in full. If the compressor goes out it most likely means your unit is an older one. Since replacing the compressor can cost you half of the cost of just getting a brand new unit, in most cases, it is not really cost-effective to replace.

I know we are camping out in the middle of the woods but when it gets so hot out we all want to be able to cool off. When it is that time of year we reach for our air conditioner for relief, but sometimes the call is not answered. That is when we panic and start asking how to troubleshoot my RV AC,

Why is my RV AC not working?

There are a few reasons why your RV air conditioner could be struggling to blow cold air. Just being too hot outside, having a not-very-well-insulated RV can simply overwork the unit. Other culprits can be dirty filters inside and dirty fins and coils on the outside part of the unit. Low freon or your unit has just taken its last breath due to age. So, take each area of opportunity and check them one at a time.

I will supply a few methods for troubleshooting your RV AC and answer some commonly asked questions in this article. My goal is to help you stay cool as you travel around, hopefully for years to come. So, let’s get started.

Since most likely you will be heading up on the roof of your RV to clean your unit, check the roof condition also. If there are any concerns that need addressing check out this article on, How do I properly seal my RV roof?

Why is my RV AC not blowing cold air?

Troubleshooting RV AC Tips

First as stated above, your unit could be fine just too hot for it to keep up. A second unit may be needed for a larger size RV.
Check the air conditioner filters inside of the RV. These should be checked and cleaned regularly to make sure airflow is not restricted. This will help keep your A/C blowing cold air.
Next, you will need to climb on top of your RV and pull the shroud off your unit. This is usually very easy, just a few nuts hold it on. Inspect the condenser and evaporator coils for any dirt or debris buildup. This should also be done on a regular basis to keep your unit from overworking and getting hot.
It could be a Freon-level issue that is keeping your unit from getting cold. If your unit has been running a while before you get up on the roof, check for icing. This can be a sign of low Freon, but probably also means you have a Freon leak somewhere in the system.

What is the problem?

AC does not turn on at all

Check that you are indeed connected to a power source (generator, shore power, etc.)
Make sure that you do not have breakers that may have tripped.
If you are using the remote, check that the batteries are good.

AC Unit is louder than normal

Inspect the inside parts of the unit, but most likely you will need to get on the roof of the RV to find the problem.

Is the shroud secure?
If so, remove the shroud and inspect the unit.
Make sure the fan is not hitting on anything as it spins.
Inspect the rubber shock absorbers to make sure they are not rubbing or hitting anything.
Touch the compressor to make sure the noise is not coming from there. (use caution, it may be hot)

It should be easy enough to follow the noise back to the source.

AC Unit is blowing warm air

Is your thermostat functioning properly? To check this, bypass the thermostat completely using the 2 lead wires. Remove these wires from the thermostat and connect them together. This is just removing the switch portion of the thermostat and if it turns on, you have the culprit.
Is the compressor kicking on? Again you will most likely need to be on the roof to check this, but possible to hear from inside.
Freon may be at low levels

Your Unit has ice buildup on the lines

Ice on the coils outside is most commonly caused by low freon levels due to a leak somewhere in the system.
Check that the filters and fins are clear of dirt and debris.

AC Unit is dripping on the inside of the RV

This can be caused by the AC itself or you actually have a leak. Does it drip when the unit is off and it rains?
Check that the AC drain hose is not clogged
See the Below videos for cleaning the drain and resealing your AC Unit

Boost the performance of your unit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run my RV AC all day?

Yes, It is fine to run your RV air conditioner for as long as you would like. You just want to make sure you are not stressing the unit in extremely hot temperatures. Adjust your thermostat a little bit lower so your compressor can still cycle on and off and be able to work effectively. So if you are plugged into shore power you should have no problem letting your AC run all day and night.

How long does an RV air conditioner last?

The common answer is Between 5 and 10 years, depending on the unit make/model and how often it is serviced. On the flip side, mine is 30 years old and blows ice cold. Am I just lucky or can they last a little longer than people believe? Time will tell how long my luck will hold out but happy to have a long-lasting unit.

Can RV air conditioners be repaired?

The simple answer is yes, but that brings up another question: Is it worth spending the money to repair your RV air conditioner? Probably not! The most common part to fail on your unit is the compressor which is the most expensive part to replace also. So, it really depends on what fails before this question can be answered in full.

If the compressor goes out it most likely means your unit is an older one. Since replacing the compressor can cost you half of the cost of just getting a brand new unit, in most cases, it is not really cost-effective to replace.

How much does it cost to replace an RV air conditioner?

The cost to replace an RV air conditioner depends on the brand and the class of your RV. The unit itself may cost between $650 to $2,000, not including the price of labor. Total installation could run anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500.

Why does my RV air conditioner drip inside?

Condensation collection and a clogged drain hose are the main things to check first. When you are up on the roof of your RV cleaning the unit, check your drain hose. You want to assure water is draining outside as intended and not inside your RV.

Dicor seal leveling roof sealant

Cleaning clogged drain hose

Every time you fire up your RV air conditioner, it pulls humidity out of the air inside and puts it outside. The higher the humidity, the greater the amount of water produced.

Keeping your filter/unit clean so airflow is not restricted will help to reduce any ice buildup on your coils that will create more water when it thaws. That extra water needs to go somewhere and sometimes it is inside your RV.