How to make an RV AC quieter?

In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to make an RV AC quieter?” We will describe the steps to make an RV AC quieter along with a few simple techniques. We will also discuss some of the preventive measures to keep an RV AC quiet and talk about the benefits of maintaining your RV air conditioner.

How to make an RV AC quieter?

To make an RV AC quieter, you need to follow the tips described below.

• Troubleshoot the RV air conditioner

• Use an RV air conditioner silencer

• Tighten the screws and bolts

• Check the rubber gasket

• Check the fan motor

• Add insulation

• Retape the AC

• Insulate the baffle

• Replace the AC unit

Troubleshoot the RV air conditioner

• The first step to making an RV air conditioner quieter is to troubleshoot or diagnose any problems. In most cases, the RV air conditioner might have some issues due to a lack of maintenance.

• Be sure to hire a mechanic over to troubleshoot and check for any issues. It might be a major issue or it can be something small that needs to be fixed.

• Troubleshooting the RV air conditioner will help you identify the problem and you will be able to deal with it soon enough.

Use an RV air conditioner silencer

• Using an RV air conditioner silencer is yet another benefit and you will be able to help reduce the noise coming from the AC. In most situations, the compressor and motor inside the air conditioning unit can be loud.

• Investing in an RV air conditioner silencer is not too expensive and it is sure to help reduce noise. There is no need to replace the entire unit since these silencers have a cotton lining to insulate the system and dampen the noise.

• Some motorhome air conditioner silencers can reduce noise levels by up to 10 decibels. This will have a major outcome on the noise from your RV air conditioner.

• Be sure to select the right RV air conditioner silencer according to your unit. There are multiple options available for various brands. The good news is that it hardly takes up to 20 minutes to install an RV air conditioner silencer.

Tighten the screws and bolts

• Due to constant usage over the years, the screws and bolts of the RV air conditioner can become loose. It is essential to check all the screws and bolts in your AC and make sure to tighten them.

• A loose screw can develop a loud rattling noise and it can be disturbing at times. Refer to the air conditioner user manual and look carefully at the areas where there are screws and bolts.

Check the rubber gasket

• The rubber gasket for the RV air conditioner plays an important role in keeping it quiet. Some bolts clap the rubber gasket between the air conditioner and the roof of the RV. These components might be damaged or loose after traveling on the road for years together.

• Many RVs have a damaged rubber gasket due to exposure to heat or sunlight. The rubber gasket can easily become brittle and hard over time. Hence, it starts to vibrate creating noise while rubbing against the air conditioner or the roof.

• Replacing the rubber gasket is one of the best options and be sure to tighten the bolts securely. This might be a simple issue but it can reduce the amount of noise.

Check the fan motor

• To make an RV AC quieter, it is also important to check the fan motor. Fan motors can be extremely noisy, especially in air conditioners that have been used for a long. Older RV air conditioners are known to create a loud noise due to the fan motor.

• Replacing an RV air conditioner motor is not too expensive and it can be done in just a couple of hours. However, always consult an expert before you try to replace the fan motor on your own.

Add insulation

• Adding insulation will also help to make an RV AC quieter. Poor insulation for your air conditioner can result in a loud noise.

• There are many examples of Dometic RV AC models producing loud noise due to poor insulation. While this might not be one of the best solutions, it is still an efficient one and you will soon be able to find the difference.

• You can use double reflective insulation that is about five and a half inches along with some foil tape. Find the gaps and also the ridges and place the insulation along to help reduce noise.

Retape the AC

• Retape the AC unit properly by covering the corner with foil tape. You can use tapes around the ducts to cool more efficiently.

• Cut the foil into long horizontal strips and place them along the edges or corners. Be sure to add these strips to the ducts.

Insulate the baffle

• The baffle is what separates the hot air from the cold air. Make sure to remove the two pieces of foam tape on the baffle and replace the foam with the double reflective insulating material.

• Apply the insulating material on both sides of the baffle and cover the dump part with the reflective insulation. Be sure to add the tape properly to the mounting plate from both inside and under.

Replace the AC unit

• Finally, it is advised to replace the old AC unit in your RV. While this is going to cost you, there is no doubt that you will have no trouble with the air conditioner for a long time.

• The latest air conditioner units for RVs are noise-free and new technology has the best RV AC units that are compact, powerful, and silent at the same time.

• New RV air conditioner units have sound-dampening technologies and they are like silent machines. If you have used your air conditioner for more than five or six years, it is always good to opt for a new one. In some situations, it can be more expensive to repair than to buy.

Preventive measures to keep an RV AC quiet

Maintenance is the key to having an RV AC quiet. There are a few preventive measures that can be considered to help keep your RV AC quieter. Here are a few tips described below.

Clean the filters

• The filters are like the lungs of the RV air conditioner unit. Keep your filters clean at all times to avoid any damage later on.

• The filters of the air conditioner will have debris and dust and these particles can clog or damage the air conditioner. Ensure to have these checked from time to time.

Clean the ducts

• Just like the other air conditioners, RV air conditioners pull in air from the outside. This means there are chances of pollen and pollution getting collected in the ducts. You will need to clean the ducts often to avoid such situations.

Clean the internal components

• Be sure to clean internal components and remove all the dirt that is collected. If the internal components are clogged or dirty, the motor will start to work harder. Hence, more noise. This will also result in the filters and ducts rattling.

Check your RV air conditioner annually

• The most important part is to check your RV air conditioner annually. This is essential because the components can get worn out after a while.

• Regular inspection will help you save money in the long run and you will also get to solve any issues at a minimal cost.

Those were the steps and preventive measures to help keep your RV air conditioner intact, clean, and functioning efficiently without any noise. Try to get your air conditioner inspected during spring and before you plan on heading out for a trip. Maintenance is the key to a proper and quiet RV air conditioner.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to make an RV AC quieter?” We have described the steps to make an RV AC quieter along with a few simple techniques. We have also discussed some of the preventive measures to keep an RV AC quiet and talked about the benefits of maintaining your RV air conditioner.

Citations

How to Quiet RV Air Conditioner: 2 Methods and Additional Tips

How to Make Your RV Air Conditioner Quieter: 6 Helpful Tips

https://www.palmgear.com/rv-air-conditioner-noise-reduction/

How to Quiet RV AC (Best Methods)

How to make rv air conditioner quieter

CamperFAQs: Best Methods to Quiet your RV Air Conditioner

Do RV AC Silencers Work?