How to Recharge an RV Air Conditioner
by Shannon JohnsonIn order for the air conditioner in an RV to operate effectively, it must be recharged when necessary. According to the HubPages website, the air conditioner in an RV uses refrigerant to cool the air as it passes over the evaporating coil. The refrigerant maximizes the efficiency of the entire air conditioner. If the refrigerant is low it can be refilled to the necessary level. However, if the refrigerant runs out completely then the air conditioner will have to be recharged.
Step 1
Lower the power that is supplied to the air conditioner before beginning to work on the unit. The FullTimeRVer.com website explains that this can be done by accessing the electrical breaker in the panel box. The power must be lowered in order to work on the air conditioner safely.
Step 2
Determine the specific kind of refrigerant that should be purchased in order to recharge the RV air conditioner. The specifications should be listed on the side of the RV air-conditioning unit.
Step 3
Remove the lid of the RV air-conditioning unit. The FullTimeRVer.com website specifies that the shroud screws around the lid should be removed using a socket. Lift the lid straight up in order to guard against damaging the coils inside the unit.
Step 4
Use a refrigerant gauge to check the level of the refrigerant. Adding more refrigerant will recharge the air conditioning unit. In order to add refrigerant, unscrew the port with a wrench.
Step 5
Slowly add the refrigerant to the air-conditioning unit. As the refrigerant is added, the temperature differential between the air within the unit and the air in the RV should be monitored and recorded numerous times. When enough refrigerant has been added, the temperature differential between the air-conditioning unit and the RV temperature should vary by about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6
Restore the power to the air-conditioning unit and monitor the temperature in order to ensure that the air conditioner has been charged effectively. Make sure that the lid to the air conditioner unit is securely in place so that the system stays protected and clean.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Socket wrench
- Thermometer
- Refrigerant gauge
- Refrigerant
Writer Bio
Shannon Johnson has been a freelance writer since 2008, specializing in health and organic and green-living topics. She practiced law for five years before moving on to work in higher education. She writes about what she lives on a daily basis.
