RV Air Conditioner Turns On And Off Repeatedly Troubleshooting
Understanding why an RV air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly is essential for maintaining a comfortable travel environment. Our discussion will delve into the potential causes, providing valuable insights into how you can diagnose and potentially resolve the issue.
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- RV air conditioner short cycling due to size mismatch.
- Dirty air filters cause inadequate airflow and frequent shutdowns.
- Malfunctioning thermostat misreading temperature, triggering premature cycles.
- Low refrigerant levels lead to insufficient cooling and frequent restarts.
- Electrical problems such as faulty wiring cause repeated on/off cycles.
- Quick cooling in a small area due to an overpowered AC causing frequent cycles.
So many issues can haunt the air conditioner in your RV; however, one of the most annoying must be when your RV’s air conditioner turns off and on repeatedly.
It can be pretty frustrating to have the air conditioner cycle off every 15 minutes; it is imaginably worse when it does this every five or even 2 minutes.
This problem, called short cycling, can be quite frustrating, leading to high energy consumption and expensive repairs.
Why Does this Happen?
It can become frustrating and downright intolerable, particularly during the hot summer, when your RV’s air conditioner shuts off repeatedly. There are numerous reasons as to why this happens.
Below are a couple of common reasons as to why this happens:
Faulty Thermostat
The majority of RV owners typically set their thermostats to automatic. When the automatic setting does not function, the air conditioner repeatedly turns off and on.
Incorrect unit placement, perhaps near air vents or windows, can also cause this issue to happen to the device.
This tends to happen when cool air from the vents comes into contact with the thermostat. The thermostat erroneously believes that the living space is excellent enough, thereby turning the AC off.
This is the same process when the thermostat is placed in the path of sunlight; it could turn it on, believing that the living space is warm and requires cooling.
You should change the thermostat setting and, most likely, place the air conditioner elsewhere.
Fault Control Board
Every air conditioner comes with a control board, and when one begins to fail, it could cause the AC unit to turn off and on repeatedly.
If you are electrically sound, you could try replacing your control board; if not, you can enlist the help of an HVAC professional to handle it.
Dirty Condenser Coils and Air Filter
Like any electronic system and device, your RV’s air conditioning unit must receive regular maintenance, repairs, and cleaning to function correctly.
If your air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly, it could be down to dirt in the condenser coils and air filter. A clogged or grimy filter can restrict airflow so much that it shuts the entire system down.
When condenser coils become dirty, they are unable to dissipate heat, which then causes the air conditioning unit to struggle, overheat, and ultimately shut down.
If the issue happens to stem from the dirty air filter and condenser coils, you can proceed with the steps below to ensure that it works properly:
- Clean the filter. Your RV’s air conditioner is most likely made from washable materials. Wash the filter and air dry it using warm water before replacing it. If, on inspection, you discover that the filter is cracked or broken, it should be changed.
- Your condenser coils should be cleaned using a vacuum with a soft bristle attachment.
- If you have frozen coils, you will have to defrost them. This can be done by using the fan-only mode of the AC or not using the unit until the coils return to their proper condition.
How to Correctly Maintain Your RV Air Conditioner
If there were a primary reason why most RV air conditioning units develop issues, it would be insufficient maintenance.
When these issues occur, it is because RVers don’t lubricate bearings, change filters, or clean coils. The best way to ensure your RV’s AC is in top working order is to do these basic maintenance actions.
Cleaning the Coils on your RV AC
Your RV’s air conditioner can last longer and efficiently with adequate maintenance. It does not matter what type of RV you have, be it a popup camper, fifth wheel, travel trailer, or motorhome; the repair and maintenance procedures are identical.
One thing to note is that, as with all machines, most air conditioners’ cooling power and efficiency tend to diminish after a few years of use.
It does not matter if you regularly clean the filters; the evaporator and condenser coils are bound to be coated in dirt and grime, which can build up and eventually cause airflow and cooling efficiency to become inhibited.
Before undertaking any maintenance procedure, ensuring that the unit has no access to electricity is essential.
Once you have cut off the electric supply to the air conditioner, you can begin unscrewing the bolts that hold the air conditioner’s cover in place.
While it is possible to use household cleaners for this job, they are unlikely to clean your coils as an AC coil cleaner would.
Using something specifically formulated to ensure the grime build-up is eradicated without damaging the coils is always best.
Maintaining your RV’s Air Conditioner Fan Motor
Since the cover has been removed, cleaning the fan and servicing its motor might also be a good idea. It does not matter who your air conditioner manufacturer is; RV AC units have just a single fan motor.
You can take steps to oil the fan’s motor as well. Your RV’s air conditioner might have bearings with oil ports at the side of the engine.
This can be accessed by removing the metal sheet that covers the motor. You might have to remove some screws to get access to the bearing’s oil ports.
If your fan does not have oil ports, the motor does not utilize bearings but instead sleeves.
If this is the case, you will have to oil the shaft. Doing so causes the oil to seep in, seamlessly increasing your fan motor’s lifespan.
Keep your RV’s Air Conditioning Unit Covered when Not in Use
Doing this is most likely the least technical way to ensure your RV’s air conditioner remains in optimal working order. It is also likely the cheapest way as you don’t have to spend too much money purchasing a cover.
RV air conditioner covers can be affordably purchased, and they help protect your AC from moisture, extreme temperatures, and foreign bodies from insects, birds, and storms.
How to Clean an RV’s Air Conditioner
As stated earlier, excess debris, dirt, and dust can build up in the RV’s AC unit, causing it to slow down and eventually fail. While some aspects of the unit require cleaning by a professional, you can still do a few things to ensure your RV’s air conditioner is properly running.
There are three significant areas of an RV AC that you need to clean:
- The condenser coils which have been mentioned. You need to take the AC cover off by unscrewing the bolts. Only a specialized condenser cleaner should be used.
- The evaporator coils are typically hidden under the air filter. A soft bristle brush can be used to clean them.
- The air filters have to be cleaned every other month. While some air filters are disposable, some can be cleaned using water and soap. Doing this can help save money. Nevertheless, you must clean them carefully so as not to cause any damage to them. This is because damaged filters cannot be used.
How do I know if my RV AC Compressor is Bad?
Recognizing the signs of a failing AC compressor in your RV is crucial for maintaining comfortable travel. The most common symptoms include insufficient cooling, unusual noises, and excessive vibration while running the AC unit.
If the compressor fails, you might also notice that the AC frequently trips the circuit breaker.
Furthermore, any leakage from the compressor indicates a severe problem. Should you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a professional immediately to prevent further damage.
Final Words
One common issue RV owners face is when the air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly. This phenomenon, also known as short cycling, can be triggered by several factors.
Size mismatch of the air conditioner can lead to short cycling, where a unit that is too large for the space cools the area quickly and shuts down prematurely, only to restart once the temperature rises again.
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to frequent shutdowns due to overheating. Similarly, a malfunctioning thermostat that fails to read the temperature accurately may trigger unnecessary cycles.
On another note, having low refrigerant levels can cause insufficient cooling, leading to repeated restarts to maintain desired temperature levels.
Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, can cause the air conditioner to continuously cycle intermittently. Lastly, an overpowered AC unit can cause quick cooling in a small area, leading to frequent cycles.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand why an RV air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly and take necessary measures to address these issues.