Can RV AC Be Recharged?

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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Can RV AC Be Recharged?

The simple answer is yes, an RV AC can indeed be recharged, but it is not always necessary or the best solution. This discussion aims to provide comprehensive insights into RV AC recharging, its necessities, and its implications.

• Check air temperature to confirm low refrigerant before recharging.
• Locate the compressor and use a low-side service port for recharging.
• Identify the RV AC unit’s refrigerant type (R-22, R-410A, R-134a).
• Avoid overcharging to prevent damage to compressors and components.
• Regular maintenance prevents AC issues, reducing the need for recharging.

Traveling in your RV during summertime is a thrilling experience. All you need to beat the summer heat are some sweet tunes and a good AC.

However, your adventure might be a disaster if you’re dealing with a broken AC. Driving through the harsh summer heat with a broken AC is not a fun experience.

Does this mean you’ll have to postpone your summer road trip? 

Of course not! 

Usually, air conditioners stop working if they run out of refrigerant. There might also be other causes that might prevent your AC from functioning correctly.

So, do you need to install a brand-new AC unit?

In this post, I’ll help you:

• Figure out why your RV AC isn’t working
• What you can do to fix it
• How to recharge your RV AC

A quick read through this post might save you from spending extra money on a new AC unit for your RV.

Can RV AC Be Recharged? Yes, absolutely. Expect to pay around $300 – $600 for it to be done professionally. I wouldn’t recommend attempting it yourself as you need specialist equipment, which can be hazardous.

Why is my RV AC Not Working?

Before you grab your toolbox to fix the problem, you need to understand the exact problem.

You can’t fix your RV air conditioner if you don’t know its cause. 

So, let’s look at some of the main reasons RV ACs break down.

Dirty Filter

This might surprise you, but something as simple as a dirty filter can prevent your AC from working correctly. 

While on the road, if your AC isn’t cooling the RV like it usually does, you might want to look at the filter. 

As your RV travels through various locations, dirt and debris accumulate on the AC filter. Not only will this impact the performance of your AC, but it is also harmful to your health as harmful germs spread through the air.

Moreover, a dirty air filter can block airflow and cause freezing up (below).

The solution to this problem is straightforward. All you need to do is clean your AC filter regularly. I recommend you make a cleaning routine to avoid running into unnecessary AC troubles.

Freezing Up

One would assume that an AC freezing up is standard. I mean, ACs are expected to produce cold air. 

Nope, if your AC is freezing up, it’s a sign that something is wrong.

To understand what ‘Freezing up’ is, you must know a little about how an AC works.

For your air conditioner to produce cool air, it needs a coil full of cold refrigerant. Your AC requires warm air to blow across the coils to keep them warm. As the refrigerant is extremely cold, the coils freeze without this warm air.

Blockage in airflow and pressure are the main reasons why the inside of your AC might resemble an ice box.

Regular maintenance can help you deal with this problem.

Air Leaks

Another common issue that prevents ACs from functioning is air leakage. If your AC’s airflow is weak, there’s a high chance air might be leaking from the ducts or the vents.

I suggest you keep aluminum foil tape on your dashboard if such a situation arises and cover up any leaks or holes. Also, make a habit of regularly inspecting your air ducts to avoid such issues.

Wiring

If it’s not any of the abovementioned issues, I suggest looking at the wiring of your RV’s AC unit.

Here are a few things that might damage the wiring of your AC:

• Exposure to water
• Wear and tear over time
• Overheating
• Animals chewing on them

Again, regular inspection and maintenance can help to deal with such issues. The longer you leave these problems unresolved, the more damaging it is for your AC unit.

Can RV AC Be Charged?

Yes!

Like regular air conditioners, your RV AC must be recharged to operate effectively. 

Remember the refrigerant in the coils that I mentioned earlier? This refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air. 

You can fill it to the required level if you’re running low on it. On the other hand, if you’ve run out of refrigerant, you will need to recharge your RV AC unit.

How Can I Charge My RV AC?

No need to scratch your head in confusion if you don’t know how to recharge your RV AC. I have all the details you need. I’ll walk you through the whole process step by step, so don’t fret.

Ready? Let’s begin!

Step One: Getting the Right Refrigerant

Before recharging your RV AC, the first thing to do is figure out which type of refrigerant your AC uses. Depending on the specifications of your AC unit, different kinds of refrigerants may be used.

I recommend checking the owner’s manual or your AC unit’s side to determine which refrigerant you require.

Step Two: Turning off the Power

Safety should always be your priority. Before recharging, you must ensure the power supply is switched off.

You don’t want an electric shock to hit you while recharging your AC unit.

To turn off the power supply, locate the breaker panel and turn off the breakers that provide your AC unit power.

Step Three: Removing the Casing

Once you’ve successfully disconnected the power supply, you can start opening your AC unit.

The way your unit opens varies depending on the model. You can find instructions on how to open it in the user manual.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a user manual, you should inspect the unit carefully – look for any clasps or screws that hold the casing together.

Take caution while opening your unit; you don’t want to damage the casing.

Also, be careful if any wasps or bees have made a home inside your AC unit. Yes, you’ve read that right. 

It might seem odd, but you’ll be surprised to know that it’s not that uncommon for nests or hives to be formed inside AC units.

Take the necessary precautions if you see any insects flying near your unit.

Step Four: Inspecting the Refrigerant Levels

After you’ve removed the casing, the next step is to check the refrigerant levels in your AC unit. You can use a refrigerant gauge to determine the level of refrigerant. 

However, depending on your model, this might be a bit difficult. Some RV AC units do not provide a place to check the refrigerant level. In such situations, you can install a line tap.

A line tap allows you to access the refrigerant line through a gauge. It would be best to be careful when installing a line tap, as the process requires creating a line in the refrigerant line. If not done correctly, it can damage your unit.

If your refrigerant level is below 30 or 40 degrees, you run low and need a refill.

As you recharge, keep an eye on the levels. Also, it is crucial to check beforehand the refrigerant capacity of your AC unit.

Step Five: Testing Your AC Unit

Once you’ve recharged your RV’s AC, it’s time to test the unit!

Turn on the AC for a while and then wait. I usually grab a drink or enjoy a movie while waiting to see if the unit works correctly.

If your AC still does not function as it should, inspect it again. If you can’t figure out the issue, you might need to pay an RV mechanic visit.

On the other hand, if your AC’s performance improves, you resume packing for that summer road trip you had planned.

How Long Do RV AC Capacitors Last?

On average, RV AC capacitors can last up to 20 years if maintained under optimal conditions. However, this lifespan can significantly reduce if the AC unit is frequently subjected to over-cycling, extreme temperature variations, or power surges. Moreover, any defective parts within the capacitor can further shorten its lifespan.

How Do I Know If My Capacitor Is Okay?

This device measures the capacitance of the capacitor when set to the correct mode. Connecting the probes to the capacitor, one can obtain a reading and compare this value with the expected capacitance.

If the obtained value falls within a tolerance of 10-20% of the expected value, the capacitor is functioning correctly.

However, a reading outside this range suggests that the capacitor may be faulty or bad. Thus, a multimeter is an essential tool to test the condition of a capacitor.

Final Words

The question, “Can RV AC Be Recharged?” can be answered affirmatively. However, steps must be followed to ensure the procedure is carried out correctly and safely. Firstly, the air temperature should be checked to confirm low refrigerant before recharging.

This preliminary step is crucial to avoid overcharging, which could potentially damage the compressor and other integral components of the AC unit. Once confirmed, locate the compressor and use a low-side service port for recharging.

It is also essential to identify the specific refrigerant type of the RV AC unit (R-22, R-410A, R-134a) to ensure compatibility and effectiveness of recharging.

Lastly, it cannot be emphasized enough that regular maintenance helps prevent AC issues, reducing the need for recharging. Therefore, while recharging an RV AC unit is feasible, it should be done with caution and a proper understanding of the involved components and procedures.

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