How to install RV air conditioner
Contents
Possessing an assortment of convenient appliances and excellent facilities, recreational vehicles provide their occupants with a high level of comfort. However, nothing can last forever so you will have to replace some of the RV features when the time comes. Among the replacements, you should pay special attention to the A/C unit because it has a major influence on the interior atmosphere. If you want to learn how to install RV air conditioner and the A/C working principle, you come to the right place. This article will tell you everything you should know about unit operation along with its installation process.
To be on the safe side, make sure that you check the installation manual that comes with the new unit. For most of the time, reading carefully is all you need to get your A/C up and running successfully. In the case you are unsure about certain aspects of the A/C, you could always consult its manufacturer for a reliable answer. You could always drop by a workshop and let the professional takeover if you are not confident with your techniques. However, in the usual case, the A/C installation is pretty straightforward so anyone with minimum electric skill could accomplish it without fail.
How does RV air conditioner works
In order to lower the interior temperature, air conditioners utilize chemicals that absorb the heat when they are converted from liquid to gas. By evaporating and condensing the chemicals repeatedly, A/C is able to cool the down atmosphere and make it bearable. When the thermostat detects that the interior temperature is at the ideal level base on user input, it will temporarily deactivate the A/C unit. The thermostat will immediately reactivate the air conditioner when the temperature of the vehicle interior rises above the desired level.
The reason why you need to replace the A/C unit
You should consider getting a new A/C when it becomes too expensive to repair and maintain the original unit. An old air conditioner with inconsistent performance is simply not worth the money you have to spend in order to keep it operational. Therefore, when the repairing expense of the original A/C cost you more than half as much as a new unit, just throw it out. Attempting to drag on with the situation would only make you waste more money for little gain so act wisely. Besides the obvious high operation cost, old air conditioners are also dangerous liabilities since they could cause lots of hazards.
What do you need to replace and install A/C unit
As stated above, you should be able to get rid of your old unit and install a new one with basic skill and minimum knowledge. The entire process would not last very long and it could be finished pretty fast if you have a helping hand or two. In general, the only tricky part that worth mentioning is to get the old unit down and lift the new one up on the roof. You should handle the A/C units carefully so you don’t get hurt by accident in the process. Once again, having a couple extra pairs of eyes would really come in handy here. Finally, cut the RV power before you attempt to do anything, electric shocks could cause nasty injuries so be careful.
In term of gear, there is no need for specialized stuff, your toolbox would have everything you ever need. You have to do the wiring, take care of the ceiling assembly, unattached/attach the retaining flange and deal with the unit gasket. If you have all the necessary items then it’s finally time to get down to business.
How to install RV air conditioner
1. Prepare RV roof and remove the shroud
It’s often advised to cover the area around the installation site with thick cloths to protect the roof surface from potential damage. Though A/C units are not very heavy, they could scratch the roof material or bend the structure you don’t prepare beforehand. Furthermore, don’t jump on top the roof right away, you must make sure that it’s able to handle your weight first. To play it safe, arrange several wood planks so your weight is equally distributed across the roof. While you are at it, take some time to wipe clean the roof so you don’t run into unexpected hindrances later on.
A/C shrouds are normally secured by a couple of screws or bolts, remove them so you could get the shroud out of the way. Deal with any old adhesive or flashing around the old A/C unit if you manage to spot them. In the usual case, there should be a considerable amount of residues here due to repeated coating over the year to prevent leakage. Take some time to process these leftover materials before moving on with the A/C installation.
2. Unscrewing and getting the old unit out of the vehicle
Grab a wrench and remove all the securing bolt of the old unit, the flange should drop down right after that. Next, you have to disconnect the wire and take care of the ducting by unscrewing or pulling it loose, depending on the design. If everything goes smoothly, you could start removing the unit now. Use a sharp putty knife to gently loosen the unit grip on the roof and lift it out of the hole. When you are done, clean the hole and prepare it for a new seal. Old putty and adhesive could lead to leakage so check everything thoroughly.
3. Install the new A/C unit and finish
It’s smooth sailing from now on, you just have to redo everything that you have done in a reserve order while obeying the installation manual. Namely, you will put the new A/C in the center of the duct hole, position the unit flange and then thread the bolt. After that, do the wiring, finish the ceiling assembly and attach the shroud. By that point, the installation is completed.
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Conclusion
And that is most of what you should know about A/C and its installation, not too hard to take in, right? Knowing how to install RV air conditioner would allow you to replace your old unit with a new one effective and efficiently. With the help of this article should be able to master the techniques within a blink of an eye.
