Air conditioning is an essential part of an rv fridge fan, especially during hot weather. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or just want to take your rig on a weekend trip, you’ll need an RV air conditioner to keep the interior cool and comfortable.
The Best Way to Cool an RV
An RV air conditioner works by extracting heat from the surrounding atmosphere and dissipating it, lowering the temperature of the interior of your RV. In order to work, your unit needs a coolant, a compressor and an evaporator that accepts the cooled liquid from the condenser.
A RV air conditioner’s compressor works by vaporizing the refrigerant (Freon or AC-G). Once the vapor has absorbed all of the heat, it goes into the condenser where it cools down. The evaporator accepts the cooled liquid from the condenser and makes it expand. This process takes a lot of energy, so it’s important to choose an efficient RV air conditioner that can handle a lot of load.
Low-profile RV air conditioners are usually more aerodynamic and lightweight than larger units, helping your RV’s fuel efficiency increase. In addition, these units are often less expensive than more bulky models.
In some cases, you can even opt for an RV air conditioner that runs on 12V power, which is a great option for RVers who don’t have access to shore power or are camping off-the-grid. Dometic’s RTX1000 and RTX2000 12V DC RV air conditioners are examples of such an option.
How to Maintain an RV Air Conditioner
Your RV’s air conditioner has a shroud that protects the components mounted on your roof and helps ensure it operates properly. It’s important to inspect this on a regular basis and make sure it’s not damaged or missing.
You can also check your RV’s exterior air exchanger to see if the cooling fins are clogged with debris, which reduces the unit’s efficiency. This can be done a few times each year to avoid unnecessary repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner.
Use Ceiling Fans or Freestanding Fans
Ceiling fans can help spread cool air throughout your RV and lower the temperature faster. In addition to helping your RV’s interior stay cooler, using a fan will also help you save energy, which will help you keep your RV cool and reduce the amount of time you need to run the AC.
Minimize Appliance Use
All the appliances and electronics in your RV give off heat, so they need to be turned off when not in use. This will make the air conditioner’s job easier and save you money on your utility bills in the long run.
Park in Shade
The more direct sunlight your RV receives, the harder it will be to cool down the interior of your rig. This can be avoided by parking your rig in the shade during the daytime and using ceiling or fan-based air circulation to push cool air into the interior.