Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 01:33 pm
All of our reviews are based on exhaustive research, industry experience and whenever possible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase using one of our chosen links we’ll get a small percentage of the proceeds. This supports the site and keeps Jeffsetter running. You can read more here.
Air conditioning in an RV is an absolute game-changer during the summer. Although RV air conditioners provide instant relief from sweltering temperatures, they can also have their fair share of problems. RV air conditioners can freeze up and if this happens in your rig, it’s best to fix it sooner rather than later.
So, let’s find out how to keep an RV air conditioner from freezing up!
There are several ways to keep an RV air conditioner from freezing up. Cleaning the drain hose, checking the thermostat, lowering the condenser temperature, and removing condensed water are all ways to keep your RV AC from freezing up. Additionally, your RV air conditioner should be maintained regularly to help prevent any issues with freezing.
If your RV air conditioner isn’t working effectively then you need to figure out why this is happening and how to stop it from happening again, so let’s take a look at all your possible questions!
How To Keep an RV Air Conditioner From Freezing Up?
Helping to prevent your RV air conditioner from freezing up will save you the discomfort of not having cold air in your camper at times when you need it the most! With some regular maintenance, keeping an RV AC from freezing is pretty easy.
Often, RV owners will take the time to winterize their RV but maintenance to the air conditioning unit can easily be forgotten. There are a few things you can do to help avoid any freezing up in your system and it’s best to do these ahead of time to avoid any unwanted surprises when you go to use your AC next camping season!
1. Clean the Drain Hose
Keeping the drain hose clean and free of dirt can help prevent your RV AC from freezing. If the drain hose isn’t checked regularly, it can become blocked with debris and cause a build-up of water from the condensed pan.
This water can go on to freeze or even flood the RV floor where the air conditioner is located. Therefore, it’s best to check the drain hose and clean out any blockages and trapped dirt.
2. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat in your RV air conditioning unit is a vital part of the system, but if it isn’t working properly, it can cause the AC to freeze up.
Replacing the thermostat can be done without the help of a professional, however, if you don’t have the correct tools available and aren’t comfortable dealing with RV electrics, it might be worth giving the pros a call.
3. Lower the Condenser Temperature
Bringing the temperature down in the room where the RC AC lives can help prevent a freeze-up in the system. If the temperature of the room is lowered, the unit won’t have to work as hard to cool down the space. This can also help by limiting the amount of moisture in the air that can eventually condense and freeze on the air conditioner.
Opening the roof vents can be useful to release any moisture trapped in the air, however, if it is a particularly warm day, it’s best not to do this for too long as it can let the warm air from outside into the RV.
4. Remove Condensed Water
One of the common causes of RV air conditioners freezing is the condensed water that forms from humid air that can eventually freeze on the unit. Purchasing a dehumidifier can help limit the humidity levels in the location of the AC unit, minimizing the risk of condensed water freezing.
Dehumidifiers can be pricey but they are considerably cheaper than a new RV air conditioning unit, and are a wise investment if you’re taking your RV to some tropical climates!
What Causes RV Air Conditioners To Freeze Up?
When you use your RV air conditioning and the room begins to get warmer, not cooler, you may be wondering what on earth is going on! Try not to panic, as this is a fairly common problem in the RV world and there are several reasons why your air conditioner isn’t working properly.
1. Dirty Evaporator and Condenser Coils
One of the most common causes of an RV air conditioner freezing up is dirt that has built up in certain areas, preventing air from flowing through. Keeping the evaporator fins and condenser coils clean will not only help prevent your AC from freezing up but can also allow your unit to function efficiently.
Any dirt or dust build-up can cause your RV air conditioning to freeze up as lack of airflow can cause the system to run for longer which can eventually lead to the unit freezing. If you notice a build-up of debris, you can use a thin, soft brush or specific evaporator fin brush with a cleaning solution to get rid of the dirt.
2. Blocked Air Filters
Decreased airflow can lead to an RV air conditioner freezing up, and often this is caused by dirty air filters. Keeping the air filters clean and free of any dust and debris is an essential part of your RV AC maintenance and should be completed regularly to avoid a build-up.
Some air filters can be washed and reused, whilst others are disposable and need to be replaced with brand-new filters. If you have a reusable air filter, you can use water, mild laundry detergent, or vinegar to clean it.
In some cases, there might be a build-up of mold or mildew that requires a bit more attention. Mold and mildew are slightly different so it’s important to choose the appropriate cleaning option for your situation. Soaking your air filter for 20 minutes or so in vinegar and water can help get rid of stubborn dirt. Be sure to let the filter dry completely before returning it to the air conditioner.
3. Poorly Sealed Baffle
Something that can further limit airflow in the RV air conditioning system is if the baffle isn’t sealed well enough. This can lead to freezing as the baffle may allow cold and hot air to mix which could result in ice forming inside the unit.
Once you’ve identified this as being the reason your AC keeps freezing up, you can easily solve the problem by resealing the baffle with suitable foil tape. It’s also worth checking if the baffle is in the right position, if it is misaligned, it can also affect the airflow.
4. High Humidity
RV air conditioners may struggle to function effectively if the environment is very humid. Humidity can cause the RV AC to freeze as it will eventually condense, creating moisture in the unit. When this moisture is matched with the cold air the AC is blowing out, it can freeze.
High levels of humidity in the air mean the air conditioner has to work hard to keep the space cool. During particularly humid days, it may be useful to run the fan on high which will give the moisture in the air less time to freeze and cause problems with the unit.
5. Low Refrigerant Level
In an RV air conditioner, there is a refrigerant that works by traveling through the unit absorbing heat, and allowing cool air to flow into the camper. If the levels of refrigerant in your AC unit are low, it will have to expand more than normal which can lead to freezing on the condenser coils.
As RV air conditioners tend to be sealed by the manufacturer, the only reason your refrigerant level would be low is if there’s a leak in the unit. If there’s a leak present, it’s worth contacting professionals who will be able to provide some advice and even install a new air conditioning unit if needed.
6. Broken Thermostat
Sometimes a broken thermostat can be the cause of your RV AC freezing up. If you repeatedly have to fiddle with the thermostat to get it working, the thermostat itself may be broken.
It may be wise to take a thermostat reading by first using a thermometer to check the temperature, before comparing it with the temperature shown on the thermostat. The readings should be roughly the same, but if the temperatures are completely different, it’s likely the RV thermostat is broken and needs replacing.
The video below is an example of the internal freezing that can happen in an RV air conditioner and the difference keeping it clean can make.
As you can see in the video, sometimes there can be tape or wiring blocking parts of the vent that could be affecting the airflow. Removing these and leaving the air conditioner free of any blockages will make a huge difference in the unit’s efficiency.
Once you’ve found the reason why your RV air conditioner is freezing up, you can go ahead and choose the appropriate method for fixing the problem. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help keep your RV air conditioner from freezing up to save you the hassle of a boiling hot RV next summer season!
Why Does My RV AC Keep Freezing?
If your RV AC keeps freezing, it’s definitely worth trying the methods mentioned above. Hopefully, you’ll be successful after trying several different ways of helping to keep your air conditioning system from freezing.
If your RV AC is still freezing, you might need to recruit some help from professionals who can offer expert advice on your specific situation.
How Long Does It Take for RV AC To Unfreeze?
It takes around 24 hours for an RV AC unit to completely defrost, but this can vary depending on the air temperature. A hot, sunny day for example will help melt the ice in the system far quicker than if it’s the middle of winter.
Simply shutting off the unit and waiting for it to defrost on its own can take a considerable amount of time. However, creating a warm space can help speed up the process and get your AC ready to be used again.
How Do You Unfreeze RV AC?
If you’ve got a frozen RV air conditioning unit, you’ll need to defrost it to get it back working again. Unfreezing your RV can be done in a few simple steps, just be sure the bucket you use to catch any water doesn’t have any holes!
Step 1: Remove AC Cover
The first step of the defrosting process is to remove the AC cover. It’s best to do this process when you’re not using the RV, as you’ll need adequate space to work on the unit.
Step 2: Catch Water
Use a bucket underneath the air conditioner to catch any water that may come out as the ice begins to melt. Skipping this step could result in the floor of the RV getting wet, so it’s best to find a bucket and put it in place before you get started.
Step 3: Turn AC to FAN Setting
Once the bucket is underneath the AC, you can go ahead and switch the unit to the FAN setting. The fan can be turned on to the highest setting and will slowly melt the ice that has formed inside the unit.
Step 4: Allow the AC to Dry
Letting the air conditioner dry fully will allow all the residual water to evaporate, leaving you with a fully defrosted unit and a more efficient air conditioning unit.
How To Make RV AC Run Colder?
RVing is all about embracing everything nature has to offer, but when temperatures are particularly high or low, it’s nice to switch the heating or AC on to remain comfortable. Summer is a peak time for campers, but heading out into the sun can result in an AC unit that’s working overtime to keep the camper cool.
RV air conditioners need a bit of maintenance to keep their cooling powers, work correctly and stay un-frozen! Nothing is worse than being stuck in a swelteringly hot RV, and if you find your AC isn’t helping cool things down, it’s best to find out why.
1. Park in a Shady Spot
Parking in a shady spot may seem an obvious choice to help keep the temperature down inside your RV. But parking under trees or a canopy can also be beneficial, as the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep the temperature down inside.
This may not be the best idea for those who have solar panels though, as parking under trees will stop the sun’s rays from reaching the panels. This can be a problem if you rely on solar-powered energy for your RV electrics.
2. Insulate Windows and Roof Vents
RV windows and roof vents are perfect for letting air and light into a camper. However, they can also allow the heat from the sun’s rays to increase the temperature inside the RV. One of the best ways to protect your RV from the sun is to insulate all the windows, roof vents, and skylights.
Once the heat gets into the RV, it can get trapped and create a stuffy space. Using a reflective cover on the windows and vents can work well against the heat of the sun. Instead of being absorbed, the material reflects heat off the windows, keeping the overall temperature of the RV cooler.
It can sometimes be a bit trickier to insulate the skylights, but it’s worth taking the time to cover them too as a lot of heat can get inside the camper via the roof. Skylight insulation is an affordable way to keep additional heat out of your RV.
3. Check the Air Filter
The air filter inside your RV air conditioner will either be disposable or reusable. It’s worth checking the air filter from time to time to see if any dust or dirt has built up. If you have a disposable air filter and it’s particularly dirty, you’ll need to take it out and replace it.
For reusable air filters, it’s possible to wash them with a water and vinegar mixture. Although it can be tempting, it’s best to avoid using bleach on your AC air filter as it can damage the filter. If there is a large amount of debris and dust on the filter, soaking it in the solution can help remove stubborn dirt. A brush with soft bristles can be used to gently scrub any further dirt that won’t come off.
4. Clean Condenser Coils and Evaporator
The coils in the RV air conditioning unit won’t work efficiently if they get coated in grime. There are various coils in different places in the AC system, and they can be difficult to reach, so it may be worthwhile getting some professional help.
Cleaning the coils isn’t something you should have to do very often, but it’s worth giving them a clean if your RV and its AC are in regular use. You will most likely have to get on the roof of your RV to give your AC unit and its components a thorough clean. If you’re like me and prefer to avoid ladders and heights, there’s no shame in recruiting some help!
5. Check RV Power
Having sufficient power in your RV is essential for the air conditioner to perform at its best. Running an RV AC system takes a considerable amount of power, and if you’re not hooked up at a campground or getting plenty of solar power, your AC may struggle to run.
If you’re concerned you may not have enough power to run your AC whilst out adventuring in your camper, purchasing a generator might be a good idea. Firing up a generator can help support the AC unit and give your RV that extra push of power needed to produce cold air.
Closing Thoughts
RV air conditioning systems are a surefire way to stay comfortable and cool when the sun is beaming down on your rig. When AC units freeze up, it can be frustrating as this can make the system blow out warm air instead of cold.
Several things can be done to help keep RV air conditioners from freezing up, so it’s worth doing a few to help protect your system from freezing up in the future.