How To Recharge Your Camper's Air Conditioner

Owning a camper air conditioner can be a real lifesaver during the hot summer months. However, it can be frustrating when it stops working, and you're left wondering how to fix it. One of the most common issues is a lack of refrigerant, which can be resolved by recharging the unit. But is it possible to recharge a camper air conditioner, and if so, how is it done?

The answer depends on several factors, including the type of air conditioner and its location. Some models are harder to recharge than others, and accessing the unit may require careful handling to avoid damaging the casing and internal mechanisms. Before concluding that recharging is necessary, it is essential to troubleshoot and identify other potential issues, such as a dirty filter or airflow problems.

If recharging is required, the process typically involves purchasing the correct refrigerant, cutting off the power supply, removing the plastic casing, and checking refrigerant levels. However, it is worth noting that camper air conditioners are often closed systems without refill points, and attempting to recharge them without the proper knowledge and equipment can void warranties and cause further damage. Therefore, it is generally recommended to seek the assistance of a certified technician for safe and effective recharging.

Camper air conditioners are closed systems

The compressor circulates, heats, and compresses refrigerant vapors inside the AC unit. When the vapors are pressurized at a high enough level, they give off heat in the condenser. The condenser takes the heat out of the air and pushes it out of the RV. Inside the condenser, the vapors are cooled and turned into a liquid, which travels to the evaporator. Here, the refrigerant evaporates and gets cold. The refrigerant then gets compressed again and the cycle repeats.

As the refrigerant liquid absorbs heat in the evaporator, it turns back into a vapour so it can go back into the compressor and recycle through the system.

They don't have refill points

Camper air conditioning units are closed systems and do not have refill points. If a technician determines that the issue is a low refrigerant charge, the only option is to replace the entire rooftop assembly. This is because these units are not designed to be tinkered with and are challenging to open without causing damage to the casing and mechanisms inside.

If your camper air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it could be due to a dirty filter, which is one of the most common issues. A clogged filter can lead to electrical problems and reduce the airflow. It is important to regularly clean or replace the filter to maintain the air conditioner's performance and prevent the spread of harmful germs and allergens.

Another issue could be freezing in the unit, which is often caused by insufficient ventilation. Additionally, check for air leaks in the air ducts, as this can reduce airflow and cause the unit to work harder. These leaks can be easily sealed with foil tape.

Before attempting any repairs or recharging, it is crucial to identify the type of refrigerant your unit uses by checking the nameplate or consulting the owner's manual. Different air conditioners use different types of coolants, and mixing them can be dangerous.

If low refrigerant is the issue, the whole unit must be replaced

If your camper air conditioner is not cooling effectively, there may be a leak in the refrigerant. A low level of refrigerant is usually the result of leaks within the air conditioning system, which can originate from a fitting, faulty valve, or the evaporator coil itself.

If you discover that your camper air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, the whole unit will need to be replaced. This is because a low refrigerant level can cause the compressor to break. The compressor is designed to work with a specific refrigerant charge, and if there is not enough, the compressor will overheat and burn out. Replacing the compressor alone is quite expensive, and pairing a new compressor with an old evaporator unit can lead to operational problems down the line. Therefore, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire unit.

Before you decide to replace the unit, you should troubleshoot for other common problems that may be causing the air conditioner's inefficiency. For example, a dirty filter is one of the most common issues that cause an air conditioner to stop working. If you notice that your camper's air conditioner is not putting out enough cold air, check the air filter on the unit. A dirty filter can lead to electrical problems and spread harmful germs and allergens throughout your camper. Therefore, you should regularly clean or replace the filter to keep your family healthy and your air conditioner in good working order.

A self-installed valve can be purchased to recharge the system

While camper air conditioning units are closed systems with no refill point, you may have heard that you can purchase a self-installed valve to recharge your system. These saddle valves clamp over a line in your system and pierce the copper tubing to allow for a fill point. However, this will void any manufacturer's warranty, may introduce a new leak, and does not address the root cause of the failure.

Instead of recharging your air conditioning unit, it is better to service and inspect your AC annually and rely on the advice of a reputable service company employing RVIA-certified technicians. This is the best way to save time and money and enjoy worry-free air-conditioned camping.

This will void the warranty and may cause leaks

Camper air conditioning units are closed systems and have no refill point. If a technician determines that the issue is a low refrigerant charge, the only option is to replace the entire rooftop assembly. This will void the warranty and may cause leaks.

Technicians can add valves to allow for refilling, but this will void any manufacturer's warranty, may introduce a new leak, and does not address the root cause of the failure. It is therefore not recommended.

It is better to service and inspect your AC annually and rely on the advice of a reputable service company employing RVIA-certified technicians. This is the best way to save time and money and to enjoy worry-free air-conditioned camping.

Frequently asked questions