Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by Leepu Da Maxim
Generally, the vast majority of RV uses two particular classes of refrigerants. They are R-410A and R-22. R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant while R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant.
Key Takeaways
- The R-410A is known as Puron and it is more environmentally friendly than R-22 which is known as Freon
- If your RV air conditioner uses R-410A then you don’t have to refill it with Freon
- The filters of RV air conditioners help to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air before it is circulated through the RV
- If you are unsure which refrigerant your RV air conditioner uses then you should consult a qualified technician for assistance
List of Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants for RV
| Refrigerant | Global warming potential | Ozone depletion potential |
| R-410A | 2088 | Zero |
| R-22 | 1810 | Medium |
| R-32 | 675 | Zero |
| R-134A | 1430 | Zero |
Does The RV Air Conditioner Need Freon?
Recreational vehicles usually have air conditioning and specific operation. In this case, this system requires a specific refrigerant for proper operation. So, this refrigerant works in conjunction with an evaporator coil from the air conditioner.
Of course, it is necessary to mention here that not all refrigerants can provide the same functionality in any recreational vehicle. So, it may be useful to analyze the different refrigerants that are compatible with a vehicle.
This will make it much easier to acquire the most appropriate option for a given vehicle model. Along with this, it is also necessary to apply proper maintenance to any air conditioning system.
Do RV Air Conditioners Have Filters?
As with other similar systems, air conditioners that are designed for RVs have a certain number of filters. In this case, they are an essential part of the correct operation and temperature regulation. That is why it is necessary to apply the most adequate maintenance to avoid damages and failures in refrigeration.
If these filters are not properly maintained, the efficiency level and cooling capacity are considerably reduced. When you look under the air distribution bezel on a recreational vehicle, you will find the filters.
Also, removing these filters allows you to check the evaporator coils. This will make it much easier to apply proper maintenance to avoid any type of failure.
How Do You Recharge An RV Air Conditioner?
To efficiently recharge an air conditioner, it is necessary to first purchase the most appropriate refrigerant for your vehicle. Not all refrigerants work the same way in all RVs. That’s why it’s important to make the right choice.
Once you have your refrigerant, you must cut off the power supply to get started. After that, you will need to remove the plastic housing from the air conditioner location.
Once you do this you should check the current refrigerant levels before making any changes. So, if necessary you can add the refrigerant, you have purchased. Finally, you should simply test the unit with the new refrigerant.
How Long Do RV Air Conditioners Last?
Just like other components in a vehicle, the life of an air conditioner is determined by a few factors. Of course, it is possible to know the average life that this component can offer. However, this amount of time can be shortened or extended depending on the specific use.
It is necessary to consider how often an air conditioner is used. Along with this, the temperature of the room when the air conditioner is operating must also be analyzed.
At the same time, the unit should be properly maintained to avoid excessive wear on the components of an air conditioner. When you consider all these factors, then your air conditioner’s lifespan should exceed 10 years.
Why Is My Camper AC Not Blowing Cold Air?
One of the most common reasons for this problem is the lack of maintenance of the unit. Here, it is necessary to consider that air conditioners have filters during their operation. These filters must be cleaned regularly as dirt can block the circuits.
To begin with, the condenser coil of the air conditioner may be blocked with debris and dirt. Something common that many users find in this case is cobwebs and dry leaves that accumulate. So, after removing this debris, the condenser fins will function more properly.
On the other hand, the internal air filter should be unclogged without any interfering debris. Finally, you should also check that the air conditioner refrigerant levels are at the proper levels. Otherwise, it will be necessary to purchase a new refrigerant and introduce it to your air conditioner.
How Do RV Air Conditioners Work?
Air conditioning systems in particular are one of the most common systems in a recreational vehicle. To work, they need a vaporization system that allows the water to be transformed into the appropriate temperature for people. In this case, the unit is usually installed on the roof and this is where the water evaporates.
This evaporation is in turn collected by a filter. The filter also sucks in the air through a fan which allows heat exchange. On the other hand, to release gas from the evaporator, the pipe system requires liquid to operate. However, to complement the functionality, a refrigerant liquid is required that has to be changed from time to time.
How Cold Should An RV Air Conditioner Get?
To be able to check the proper functioning of an air conditioner, it is necessary to apply proper maintenance regularly. In this regard, the RV should be connected to a power source of approximately 120 volts. So, the temperature difference should be between 16 and 22 degrees.
In particular, you will notice this temperature difference between the room temperature and the air conditioner temperature. Of course, it could turn out that the difference is less or directly no difference at all.
In this case, one of the components could be failing and it will be necessary to apply the corresponding repairs. It is important to consider that several factors can deteriorate the functionality of an air conditioner.
Can You Service An RV Air Conditioner?
Generally, it is not advisable to perform repairs to your air conditioner without the proper knowledge. These units have a system that is too complex for anyone to repair. That’s why it’s really necessary to hire a professional to make all the arrangements possible.
Additionally, the only part you could replace is the compressor motor starter condenser. It is the only task that anyone without advanced knowledge can perform.
In turn, it requires a considerable budget to perform almost any type of repair on an air conditioner. Beyond the fact that it requires a professional to do so, the parts of this component are not economical.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An RV Air Conditioner?
Prices may vary depending on the amount of money you want to spend. As you will be able to include as an air conditioner is more functional and high quality, then more expensive it is. To start the air conditioners are at a minimum price of about $200. Of course, it is not the most recommended option check here you will only get basic functionality.
Also, the life of the cheaper units is not exactly the longest. So also the air conditioners can be up to a price of $1,000. Here the two important factors are the temperature they can provide i.e. cold or also heat.
That is why the second important factor is the profile of BTUs that can provide a certain type of air conditioner. In turn, as the budget is higher also life will be more convenient.
What Happens If You Put r410a In An r22 System?
As we have mentioned these are two different refrigerants that are usually used in recreational vehicles in general. So if you try to mix 410a refrigerant with the R22 system you will not get good results. Beyond that, it is also possible to use compatible oil to try this mixture.
Consider that the R22 compressor is not built to withstand the necessary pressure you would need with 410a refrigerant. In short, the result would be more costly than if you didn’t try this mixture in the first place.
References:
https://itstillruns.com/put-rv-rooftop-air-conditioner-7683928.html
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim, a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing.
