Beat the Heat: Why RV AC Maintenance is Crucial

Welcome to another Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy—the largest hands-on RV training school in America. I’m Jeremy Wagers, and I specialize in teaching advanced air conditioning and heat pump systems. Today, I’m sharing my top maintenance tips to help your RV stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

🔧 Seasonal AC Maintenance: When & Why It Matters

Before the summer heat hits, you want your RV’s AC system running at peak performance. I personally recommend performing basic AC maintenance twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall when temperatures are cooler. It’s the perfect time to climb up on the roof and give your system the care it needs.

🧼 Step 1: Clean Those Coils

Your RV’s air conditioner has two sets of coils—and if they’re dirty, your unit won’t cool efficiently. Here’s how to keep them clean:

• Remove the AC shroud (the protective cover on top).
• Use quality cleaners like Frost King or Nu-Calgon.
• Carefully spray and clean both coils.
• Remove any dust, debris, or gunk that’s built up over the seasons.

Dirty coils reduce your AC’s cooling power and put extra strain on the system, which can lead to premature failure. A clean AC is a happy, efficient AC!

🌬️ Step 2: Don’t Forget the Ducts

After handling the outside unit, head back inside your RV. Over the winter, it’s common to close off your air ducts—but when warm weather rolls in, it’s time to open them back up.

Why? Because airflow is king when it comes to cooling. Closed or blocked vents reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and cool less effectively. Make sure all vents are open and unblocked for proper air distribution.

⚠️ Step 3: Know When to Call a Technician

While DIY maintenance can go a long way, some issues require professional help. Watch for these two common signs that your system may need expert attention:

❌ The Fan Runs, But No Cold Air

If you turn on your AC, the fan starts, but after a few minutes there’s no cold air—your compressor may not be turning on. That’s your cooling power right there, and without it, you’re just blowing warm air.

❌ The Compressor Runs, But No Airflow

On the flip side, you may hear the compressor humming but feel no air coming out of your vents. This typically indicates a fan failure, which means no circulation of cool air inside your RV.

In either case, it’s time to call a certified RV technician to troubleshoot and get you back to comfort.

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☀️ Final Thoughts: Stay Cool & Stay Ahead

Here’s your quick summer AC maintenance checklist:

✅ Clean both coils at least twice a year
✅ Open all interior ducts before the summer hits
✅ Watch for signs of fan or compressor failure
✅ Call a pro when needed—don’t wait until it’s too hot!

Taking a few proactive steps now can save you a lot of frustration and money later. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time RVer, preparation is key to a comfortable summer.

Need help understanding your RV systems? Ready to go deeper than just DIY? Come train with us at the National RV Training Academy—where RVers become experts.

Beat the Heat: Why RV AC Maintenance is Crucial