Improve Your Camper Ac: Blow Colder Air This Summer

how to make camper ac blow colder

If your camper AC isn't blowing cold enough, there are several things you can do to make it colder. Firstly, ensure that the unit is clean and free of debris as dust and dirt can accumulate on the air conditioner's filters and coils over time, reducing its efficiency. You should also check for any maintenance issues such as low refrigerant levels, dirty coils, or a clogged air filter, and address these problems. Another way to improve your AC is to reduce the amount of heat entering your camper by minimising sunlight and sealing gaps or leaks around doors and windows. Additionally, you can manually adjust the AC thermostat by turning off all power to your camper, removing the cover of the indoor air distributor, locating the thermostat knob, and adjusting the screw that sets the minimum and maximum temperature. Finally, you can invest in additional cooling methods such as a ceiling fan, portable air conditioner, or ventilation fans to help circulate air and provide extra cooling power.

Characteristics Values
Cleanliness of the AC Clean the filters and coils regularly
Air Leaks Seal any gaps or leaks around doors and windows
Insulation Insulate the walls, ceiling, and floors of the RV
Sunlight Park in the shade and use reflective window covers
Thermostat Adjustment Adjust the thermostat screw to change the minimum and maximum temperature
Airflow and Temperature Control Set the fan one notch down from full blast, turn the temperature all the way to cold, set the air direction to feet and dash vents, and turn on recirculate mode
Cabin Air Filter Clean or replace the cabin air filter
Refrigerant Levels Check the refrigerant level and recharge the system if necessary
AC Belt Inspect the serpentine belt or AC belt for any cracks or stretching
Condenser Clean the dirt and bugs out of the AC condenser
Ceiling Fan Install a ceiling fan to circulate the air
Portable Air Conditioner Use a portable air conditioner for additional cooling power
Ventilation Fans Install ventilation fans in the roof or walls to circulate air and remove hot air

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Adjust the thermostat

Adjusting the thermostat is a great way to make your camper AC blow colder. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

First, ensure that all power to your camper is turned off. This includes the generator, shore power, inverter, and batteries. This step is crucial for safety reasons.

Next, locate the indoor air distribution box (ADB) cover and remove it. This will give you access to the inner workings of the AC unit. The ADB is usually located on the ceiling of your camper.

Once inside the ADB, look for the thermostat, which controls the AC temperature. It may be inside another metal enclosure, and you can identify it by a strand of copper leading into it. The other end of this copper strand is connected to a probe in the intake air.

Remove the thermostat from the ADB by unscrewing or unclipping it. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components.

With the thermostat removed, you should see an adjusting screw. This is the key to changing the minimum and maximum temperature settings. The screw is typically unlabeled, as manufacturers don't want users tampering with it.

Now, for the tedious part: start adjusting the screw in small increments. Turn the screw a quarter turn at a time, either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on your AC unit. Each manufacturer is different, so you may need to experiment to find the right direction.

After each adjustment, reassemble the ADB and turn on the power to test the AC. Run the air conditioner until the compressor cycles.

If the AC reaches your desired temperature, you're done! If not, simply repeat the process until you find the perfect setting.

It's important to note that your RV air conditioning temperature should not be set lower than 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Going below this temperature may cause the unit to turn off or malfunction.

Additionally, be aware that adjusting the thermostat below the manufacturer's recommended settings may void your AC warranty. Always proceed with caution and consider consulting a professional before attempting any modifications.

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Reduce heat entering the camper

Reducing the heat entering your camper is an effective way to make your AC blow colder. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Park in the Shade

Parking your camper in a shaded area is an easy and effective way to reduce the amount of heat entering your camper. This can provide significant relief from the sun's rays and make it easier for your AC to cool the interior.

Insulate the Camper

Insulating your camper can help prevent heat from entering and escaping. Focus on the walls, ceiling, and floors of the camper, as these areas are most susceptible to heat transfer. By reducing the amount of heat that enters and escapes, your AC will have an easier time maintaining a lower temperature.

Block Out Sunlight with Window Covers

Utilize shades, curtains, or blinds to block out sunlight and reduce heat transfer through the windows. Reflective window covers are particularly effective, as they can reflect sunlight away from the camper, reducing heat entry by up to 90%.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can let warm air into your camper and undermine the cooling efforts of your AC. To address this, seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors using caulk or weatherstripping. This will not only improve the cooling efficiency but also reduce noise from the outside.

Use Awnings

Awnings are a great way to create shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your camper. By blocking the sun's rays, awnings can help keep the interior cooler and reduce the workload on your AC.

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Clean the air filter

To make your camper AC blow colder, one of the most important things to do is to clean the air filter. A clogged air filter can reduce airflow and make your air conditioner work harder to cool your camper. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean the air filter:

First, locate the air filter. The air filter is typically found behind the glove box or in the engine bay, but it can also be located in the air conditioner itself. Once you have located the air filter, remove it from its housing. You may need to use a screwdriver or a wrench to remove any screws or bolts holding it in place.

Next, inspect the air filter for dirt and debris. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it will need to be cleaned or replaced. If the air filter is reusable, you can clean it by gently tapping it on a hard surface to remove any loose dirt and debris. You can also use a soft brush to gently brush away any remaining dirt and debris. Be careful not to damage the air filter during this process. If the air filter is not reusable, you will need to replace it with a new one.

After cleaning or replacing the air filter, reinstall it into its housing, making sure it is secure and properly seated. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer for proper installation. Once the air filter is installed, turn on your air conditioner and feel for improved airflow and cooler air.

It is recommended to clean or replace your air filter regularly, especially if you have pets or your camper is often exposed to dusty or dirty environments. A clean air filter will not only help your air conditioner blow colder, but it will also improve the overall air quality in your camper.

In addition to cleaning the air filter, you can also try some other methods to make your camper AC blow colder. These include parking in the shade, sealing any gaps or cracks around doors and windows, and adjusting the thermostat settings. By combining these methods with a clean air filter, you should be able to significantly improve the cooling performance of your camper AC.

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Check refrigerant levels

Checking the refrigerant level is an important step in ensuring your camper AC is functioning optimally. The refrigerant in your RV air conditioner absorbs heat from the air inside your vehicle and releases it outside. If the refrigerant level is low, your air conditioner won't be able to cool your camper effectively.

Checking the refrigerant level requires the use of a gauge, and it's best to have a professional do it to ensure accuracy and safety. However, if you're comfortable handling refrigerant and have the necessary tools, you can check the level yourself.

Here's a general step-by-step guide:

  • Locate the refrigerant gauge ports on your AC unit. They are usually found near the compressor.
  • Connect the gauge to the low-pressure port. This port will be larger and typically have a blue or black cap.
  • Turn on your AC unit and allow it to run for at least 15 minutes to ensure the system is fully pressurised.
  • Read the gauge. The optimal pressure reading will depend on the specific refrigerant used in your AC unit and the ambient temperature. A pressure reading lower than the optimal range indicates a refrigerant leak or undercharged system.
  • If the pressure is low, you will need to recharge the system by adding more refrigerant. This can be done using a refrigerant recharge kit, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid overcharging the system, which can also impact performance.

Remember, handling refrigerants can be dangerous, so if you're unsure, it's best to consult a qualified technician. They will be able to check the refrigerant level, identify any leaks, and perform any necessary repairs or recharging safely and effectively.

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Insulate and reflect heat

Insulating your campervan is a great way to keep the heat out and the cool air in. Insulation will make it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your van.

There are a few ways to insulate your campervan and reflect heat away from the vehicle. Firstly, you can use reflective window covers to reflect sunlight away from the windows, reducing the amount of heat that enters the camper by up to 90%. You can also use shades, blinds, or curtains to cover the windows and prevent sunlight from entering the van.

Another way to insulate your campervan is to add insulation to the walls, ceiling, and floors. This will help to reduce the amount of heat that enters the van and make it easier for the air conditioner to cool the space.

Additionally, you can seal any gaps or leaks around windows and doors to prevent warm air from entering the van. This can be done by using caulk or weatherstripping to fill in any cracks or gaps.

By insulating your campervan and reflecting heat away from the vehicle, you can significantly improve the cooling performance of your air conditioner and create a more comfortable environment inside the van.

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Frequently asked questions

Manufacturers set the "coldest" setting on their thermostats to a relatively warm temperature, usually in the low to mid-70s. To make your camper AC colder, you can manually adjust the thermostat. First, turn off all power to your rig. Then, remove the indoor air distributor cover and locate the thermostat knob. Remove the thermostat assembly and look for an adjustment screw. Adjust the screw by a quarter turn, then reassemble everything and turn the power back on. If the AC still isn't cold enough, repeat the process.

Seal any gaps or leaks around doors and windows to prevent warm air from entering your camper. You can also use shades, curtains, or blinds to block out sunlight and keep your camper cool.

Make sure to clean or replace the air filter regularly. Buildup of dirt and debris can clog the filter, reducing airflow and making your AC work harder.

If your camper AC is not cooling effectively, producing unusual noises, or emitting unpleasant odours, it may need maintenance. Common causes of inadequate cooling include low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, a clogged condenser, or a faulty cooling fan.

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