3 Common RV Air Conditioner Repairs Anyone Can Do

A faulty air conditioning unit is one of the problems that RVers fear the most in warm weather. A family vacation is a lot less fun when you’re sweating all the time. When it comes to major damage or malfunctions, you are better off relying on a professional or replacing the entire unit. Luckily, there are a few air conditioner problems that you can troubleshoot and fix yourself.

1. The RV Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

If you’re having issues with your air conditioner not turning on, then your first step is going to be checking your power source. Look for tripped breakers or blown fuses. If you have multiple appliances using the same power source then you should also check to make sure you have enough power to run everything at once.

Still not working? If you have power and everything seems to be in order, your next step will be to reset your unit. 

Reset the system by following the instructions in your unit manual. After a hard reset, if you still don’t have power, there could be an issue with your circuit board or thermostat. Check your warranty before trying to fix it yourself and consult a professional. 

It is worth noting, though, that repairs like this may be costly and not worth the investment, so it may be time to replace your unit.

If you must replace the unit, we love this 13500 BTU RV Air Conditioner and this 15000 BTU RV Air Conditioner by GE Appliances. 

2. The RV Air Conditioner Is Leaking

An air conditioner leak is not only inconvenient but could potentially be quite damaging to your RV. Whether you are experiencing leaks when it is raining outside versus when it’s not raining can indicate what kind of repairs you may need to do.

If your unit is only leaking when it is raining, then you will first check to make sure the unit as a whole is not loose. Units can loosen over time with bumps along the road and it could just be a matter of tightening all the bolts. 

Bolts are not the issue? Then you may need to replace the gaskets. Over time, rubber gaskets can grow brittle and stop working as they should to protect your AC unit and RV. It is a fairly easy fix to replace the gaskets and you should be able to do this on your own. 

If your problem is neither the bolts nor the gaskets, then check your RV roof for visible damage to things like vents, mounts, or caulk.

A leaking AC unit when it’s not raining is also a cause for concern. Condensation from your unit needs to go somewhere. If it’s ending up inside your RV, check that caulk or silicone isn’t blocking its exit. You’ll also want to check your unit’s drain pan if there is one to make sure there is no debris blocking the drainage hole.

The good news is that in almost all of these instances, you can do the relatively inexpensive fixes yourself. Severe roof damage, on the other hand, will require an expert opinion.

3. The RV Air Conditioner Is Not Blowing Cool Air

In your RV or your home one of the most frustrating AC unit problems is when the system is running, but not blowing out cool air. Why run if you can’t cool, right?

Fortunately, this could be just a matter of giving your RV air conditioner a thorough cleaning. Dirty coils and fins can cause inefficient air conditioners. Cleaning both and carefully straightening any damaged fins should help solve the problem.

While regularly cleaning your system is important to the general maintenance, it may not always solve this particular problem. If your unit relies on Freon for cooling, it may be running low. In this case, however, we suggest getting the help of a professional because of the dangers of Freon.

No matter what problems your RV air conditioner is facing, there is always a good chance that you can try troubleshooting before starting from scratch or spending large sums of money. 

If the repairs get to be too much, however, don’t hesitate to seek help or invest in a new unit that will last you longer with the proper maintenance.

When you find yourself in need of a replacement part or a new RV air conditioner, you can rely on MWSS for the best products and the best service.

Shop all RV Air Conditioners and parts now. For OEM wholesale orders, please contact your sales representative.

All Things GE Appliances RV Air Conditioning

Learn More
Rec Living white logo
GE Appliances Recreational Living