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Top Tips for Preparing Your RV Air Conditioner for Summer Heat

Summer road trips are all about adventure—but nothing ruins the experience faster than a failing air conditioner in 95°F heat. Before you hit the road, take a few simple steps to prepare your RV air conditioner for the hot season ahead.

Follow this quick summer-prep checklist to make sure your Coleman-Mach, Dometic, Furrion, or GE RV AC runs strong all season long.

☀️ Why Summer Prep Matters

High outdoor temperatures = high demand on your RV’s cooling system. A poorly maintained air conditioner can:

• Run less efficiently (more power, less cooling)

• Freeze up or stop working entirely

• Trip breakers due to electrical strain

• Shorten the life of your unit

A quick tune-up now can save you hours of sweating (and hundreds in repairs) later.

? Summer Prep Checklist for RV Air Conditioners

✅ 1. Inspect and Clean the Air Filters

• Remove ceiling filters and rinse with mild soap and warm water.

• Let them dry completely before reinstalling.

• Replace if filters are torn, cracked, or brittle.

? Need replacements? Find OEM filters for Coleman, Dometic, Furrion, and GE here.

✅ 2. Check the Rooftop Shroud

• Make sure the outer shroud has no cracks, gaps, or missing screws.

• Damage can lead to water intrusion or airflow issues.

• Clean off any leaves, twigs, or debris.

✅ 3. Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils

• Gently remove the shroud (power off first).

• Use compressed air or coil cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and bugs.

• Dirty coils = reduced efficiency and airflow.

✅ 4. Inspect Electrical Connections

• Look for frayed wires, loose terminals, or burnt spots on the control board.

• Tighten loose screws and re-seat connections.

• Check capacitors for bulging or leakage.

✅ 5. Test Cooling Performance

• Run your AC for at least 15 minutes.

• Use a thermometer at the vent and compare it to ambient air (you should see at least a 15–20°F drop).

• If not, you may have low refrigerant, bad airflow, or a compressor issue.

✅ 6. Check Your Thermostat

• Verify accurate temperature reading and consistent cycling.

• Consider upgrading to a digital or programmable thermostat for better efficiency.

? Stay Cool All Summer Long

With just a little prep, your RV air conditioner can keep you cool no matter how hot the road gets. Still having issues? We stock OEM replacement parts and full AC units from Coleman-Mach, Furrion, Dometic, and GE.

? Shop now or contact us for personalized support.