Maintaining and cleaning Your Caravan’s Air Conditioning Unit

A caravan air conditioner is not just a luxury today, it is an absolute necessity. A caravan air conditioner’s importance is in its contribution to the comfort and well-being of the people in the caravan! Your peak summer trip would be really uncomfortable if your AC was acting up. The importance of the air conditioner becomes even more apparent when in addition to the benefits of the cooling, you consider the pollen, dust, dirt and other debris it filters out, keeping your van air clean. But the more an air conditioner works, the more maintenance it will require. Like any other equipment, a caravan air conditioner will need regular maintenance and care to function optimally. If not, your air conditioner will run inefficiently, costing you more fuel while delivering less cooling. This might affect the performance, leading to more strain on the engine. A properly maintained caravan air conditioner will last longer and work more efficiently.

Why should you clean your caravan’s air conditioner?

A point of importance is that the current coronavirus epidemic showed us how essential regular air conditioner cleaning and disinfecting are. The circuits and vents in the van’s air conditioning system are popular places for dirt to collect. The air conditioning system can serve as a haven for bacteria and fungi with its vents and ducts. COVID-19 has further stressed how maintaining cleanliness is essential to safeguard the health of the people in the van.

Deep cleaning is required for caravan air conditioners generally every two years. No matter how carefully you have checked the rooftop shroud for gaps and cracks, the condenser and evaporator coils still accumulate much dirt over time. You would also need to clean the AC filters every few months in addition to this thorough cleaning. 

A few things you can do to ensure that your air conditioner stays shipshape is

• Log the air conditioner maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
• Monitor the performance of the AC, how long it takes to cool the caravan etc.
• Schedule a service or cleaning when you notice any foul odour or if you hear any unusual noises from the AC.
• Check and replace the air filter as needed.
• Liberally spraying the vents with a disinfectant cleaner to keep them clean and fresh.
• Use cleaners specifically made for auto air conditioning systems
• Air out your caravan by turning the air conditioner high, and opening the door and windows for 5 to 10 minutes.

Important safety measures

Ensure the power is off before cleaning the air conditioner in your caravan. Placing a plastic sheet over the AC vents that open inside your trailer is a good idea. After that, evaluate the roof strength of your caravan. To access the condenser and evaporator coils, you’ll need to climb up onto the roof, so make sure it can support your weight.

Cleaning the coils and fan motor

Remove the protective covering of the air conditioning unit on the roof of your caravan. You should be able to now see the evaporator and condenser coils and determine how much dirt and debris have gathered on them. You can use an AC coil cleaning solution or a common household cleaner to clean the coils. It would be best if you covered any wire or electrical attachments to keep them dry with plastic sheets or polybags. Spray the coils with the solution and let it set for a while. To remove the debris, gently hose the coils off with water after 15 to 20 minutes. Vacuum out any moisture still present on the condenser or coils. Next, either blow dry the area entirely or leave it in the sun to dry for a couple of hours before putting back the covering. 

The exact process is to be followed for cleaning the fan motor. Remove the shroud, inspect the blades, and wash them if needed with the solution. Dry the edge, lubricate as needed with machine oil, replace the protective covering, reconnect the AC to the power supply and use.

Caravan air conditioner servicing

If you want to be sure that the air you’re inhaling is clean and pollutant-free, you should ensure the air conditioning system in your caravan is clean and working well. Your air conditioning system could be contaminated, exposing you to hazardous chemicals and particulates. You may help defend yourself and your family from these harmful airborne toxins by taking care of your air conditioner system. Well-maintained air conditioners also operate more efficiently and last longer. Giving your caravan air conditioner a cleaning and servicing once every few seasons will ensure it serves you well.

This blog is a guide to helping keep the air conditioning system in your van clean and pollutant-free. However, please note that this is general advice and that you should always consult the product instructions and, for chronic or severe problems with the AC, consult with a professional. Here at Complete RV Services, we deal with almost all types of caravan air conditioner installation, service and repairs in Sydney. Call us today at 0423 384 873 to directly talk to our experts.