If you have a camper, chances are its AC unit gets a lot of use. So you know how to clean camper air conditioner? The summers in Texas can be pretty brutal, and having an air conditioner is the best way to make it through without breaking down or getting heat stroke. And while most people keep their AC units clean on the outside.
There’s actually a lot more that goes into keeping them running smoothly. Then just make sure there’s no dust or dirt buildup around the filter coils. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what needs to happen when you give your camper air conditioner some much-needed TLC. So that it runs smoothly during those hot summer months!
How To Clean Camper Air Conditioner: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Remove Outer Cover
To clean a camper air conditioner, start by removing the outer cover. It’s held in place with screws and may need to be unscrewed before prying it off. Once you have access to the components, give them a good look-over and scrape off any visible grime. Use a soft cloth or sponge (for example, mild soap).
Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly using warm water. If you’re using a hose or pressure washer, make sure there is no residue left behind on any of the parts when you are done spraying them down. This could cause mold growth in future years that could ruin your AC unit permanently!
Step 2: Start at AC Unit
Now that you’ve removed the cover, you can get started cleaning the inside of your air conditioner. First, look at all of the components and make sure that there’s nothing obstructing their airflow. If you see something like leaves or debris on them. Use a hose or pressure washer to clean it off so that it doesn’t cause damage down the road. Next up is using some AC cleaner spray to give everything a deep clean inside as well as outside of your camper unit. Spray around in there, concentrating on those coils’ fins because they tend to get pretty dirty over time, too!
Step 3:Inspect Components
Now that you’ve removed the cover take a look at all of the components to see if there’s anything loose or broken. If there is, make sure to fix it before you put the cover back on. If you’re lucky enough to own a camper with an air conditioner that came standard with a heater (which Moampers are), your unit will have two fans. One fan is for cooling, and one is for heating. To clean these fans, just follow steps 1-7 above and skip over step 8 since we don’t want oil getting into our heater!
Read More: How Many Amps Does A Camper Air Conditioner Use?
Step 4: Scrape Off Grime
Now, you should know the answer “how to clean camper air conditioner.” First, check to ensure your air conditioner has been turned off. Then, remove any visible grime with a wire brush or paint scraper. You may also use strong detergents such as vinegar or bleach if you prefer. But be careful not to get any liquid into the fan blades. This could damage them and cause severe consequences down the road.
Avoid using knives or other sharp objects, as they can damage the fin surfaces on your air conditioning unit’s condenser coils. It causes leaks in your system. Once you have removed all of the visible dirt, wipe down each fin with a clean cloth dampened with water. In order to remove any remaining debris before moving on with cleaning, steps two through four are below!
Step 5: Use Hose/Pressure
You can use a hose or pressure to ensure no residue is left behind. The best way to do this is to use a hose or pressure washer and go over the entire AC unit with water. You want to make sure there is no residue left behind on the inside of your air conditioner.
Step 6: Apply AC Cleaner
Now you know how to clean camper air conditioner. But there are some essential things to keep in mind when doing so:
- Ensure you only spray the cleaner on the coil fins and not on the fan blades or electrical components.
- Don’t spray it on either of your vents (intake or exhaust).
Step 7: Reassemble Unit
- Reassemble the camper air conditioner unit, which is typically just putting back on that outer cover you took off first.
- If you have screws, make sure they are reinserted correctly and tightened down.
- If you removed an electrical cover, be sure to replace it before turning the power back on.
Read More: Do Portable Air Conditioners Work For Campers?
Maintenance Tips:
The following tips on how to maintain your camper air conditioner will help ensure that it functions efficiently and has a longer lifespan.
1. Regular Filter Maintenance:
You need air filters for your camper’s air conditioner to work right. Dust, pollen, and other airborne particles are trapped by these filters, so they don’t get into the system. You should clean or replace your air filters regularly to ensure optimal airflow and energy efficiency. Filters that are dirty can restrict airflow, causing the unit to work harder and consume more energy. Your air conditioner will last longer if you use reusable filters, which are eco-friendly and improve air quality.
2. Annual Deep Cleaning:
In addition to regular filter maintenance, you should deep clean your air conditioner once a year. The evaporator and condenser coils need to be cleaned thoroughly. Dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on these coils over time, reducing their efficiency. You’ll have to remove the outer cover or access the coils from inside the unit to clean them. Coils can be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent or a specialized AC coil cleaner. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue from the coil fins. Maintaining the unit’s efficiency and extending its life is easy with proper annual cleaning.
3. Protect from the Elements:
Air conditioners in campers can last longer if they’re protected from the elements. The unit will wear out faster if it’s exposed to harsh weather conditions, like extreme heat, cold, or UV radiation. If the camper isn’t in use, use an RV cover or shelter to shield the air conditioner. They’re designed to fit over your AC unit and protect it from the weather. You can keep your air conditioner in better shape, prevent weather-related wear, and avoid costly repairs and replacements by investing in a cover.
4. Professional Service:
While regular maintenance can be done by the owner, it’s a good idea to get a professional HVAC tech at least once a year to do a thorough inspection. The average camper owner might not notice potential problems without the help of a trained technician. They can check for refrigerant leaks, make sure the electrical connections are good, and examine every part of the unit. Keeping your camper’s air conditioner serviced can extend its life and give you peace of mind.
5. Monitor Thermostat Settings:
You can save a lot of energy and money by monitoring and optimizing your camper’s thermostat settings. During cooler times of the day, lower the thermostat to reduce the load on the air conditioner. Many thermostats have programmable features so you can set specific temperatures. When cooling demand is low, you can use these features to maintain a comfortable temperature. Consider using fans to circulate air, as this will help distribute cool air better and reduce the need for the AC to run constantly.
6. Insulate and Seal:
Your camper’s air conditioner won’t work as hard if you have good insulation and seals. Keep the camper’s interior insulated to prevent heat gain in hot weather and heat loss in cold weather. Additionally, make sure there are no gaps or leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. By improving the camper’s insulation and sealing, you can reduce the air conditioner’s effort to maintain the temperature, resulting in energy savings and better comfort. Additionally, proper insulation and sealing will make your cooling system more efficient and effective, which will benefit both you and your wallet.
Read More: Can I Run My Camper Ac On 20 Amp?
Conclusion
Cleaning a camper air conditioner is an easy process that will keep your camper cool and comfortable for years to come. We hope this article has given you some ideas about how to clean camper air conditioner! If there are any other questions left unanswered, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments below!