When you’re on the road, it’s important to keep your RV cool. Not only will that keep you and your family comfortable, but it can also save you money on electricity.
There are a few different types of rv fridge cooling units, and each has its own set of benefits. Learn about them so you can make the best decision for your needs.
What Is an RV Cooling Unit?
A cooling unit is an important component in any RV refrigerator. It helps maintain the correct temperature of liquid coolant used to re-hydrate the refrigerator’s contents. Depending on the model, it may also power the fan that circulates air throughout the interior.
There are many types of RV cooling units on the market, and they come in a variety of styles. Some are a bit more complex than others. Some require specialized knowledge to install. The best way to determine which one is right for you is to ask a professional, or check out an RV dealer’s inventory of cooling units. The best part is that most of them will be less than half the cost of replacing your old unit. If you’re in the market for a new one, be sure to see the newest products from Dometic and Norcold.
Types of RV Cooling Units
There are a few different types of RV cooling units. These include ducted and non-ducted units.
Ducted units are roof-mounted and use air ducts to distribute the cool air throughout the RV. They are more expensive and more energy efficient than non-ducted units.
A non-ducted unit blows cool air directly into the RV. It does not have a distribution system like ducts, so the air is distributed in a less consistent way.
Many RV AC units are also available with an electric heater option. These heating options are an excellent choice when electricity is available. They typically work in conjunction with a propane furnace to warm the RV.
Thermostats
Thermostats are devices that help control the temperature of an RV’s heating or cooling unit. Just like in a residential home, the thermostat will adjust the system’s temperature to ensure that it’s running at its optimum level all the time.
The type of thermostat you choose depends on your needs. There are analog, programmable, communicating and electronic models available.
Analog: This is an old-school model that’s still popular among many RV owners because of its affordability and reliability. It’s also easy to install.
If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money, a non-programmable digital model is the way to go. These thermostats allow you to set the desired temperature and they’ll run off of 2 AAA batteries or hardwired into your rig.
Filters
An RV air conditioning unit takes in outside air through an intake opening, filtering out dust, smog, pollen, and other contaminants before recirculating inside your camper. The filter is located within the air distribution assembly in roof-mounted units or inside each duct along the ceiling of ducted models.
When the filter becomes dirty, it causes your AC to work harder and draw more energy to cool your rig. This can lead to longer cooling cycles and a more expensive bill.
The best way to keep your RV’s cooling system working efficiently is to clean the filter frequently. The amount of time you should clean your filter will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some say it’s a good idea to do this daily, while others recommend changing your RV’s filter every two weeks.
The Bottom Line
The RV air conditioning system is one of the most important systems in your RV. And learning a little bit about it can help you get ahead of some problems that may crop up.
For example, a lot of people run into trouble with the thermostat. That’s because the thermostat sends signals to the AC unit to determine the temperature of the RV, but if it’s not sending those signals correctly, the air conditioner won’t be able to cool the rig down properly.
Another common problem is forgetting to change your AC filter. A clogged filter can keep the unit from cooling the rig properly, and it can also introduce lots of dirt into the air you breathe. So it’s a good idea to change your filters every few trips.
