In this blog post, we will answer the following question: What are the costs to replace an RV air conditioner? We explain why replacing an RV air conditioner costs so much and ultimately, guide you in maintaining an RV air conditioner to avoid needing to repair it.

What are the costs to replace an RV air conditioner?

The cost to replace an RV air conditioner is between $600 and $3500, plus the labour costs which can add even $600 depending on the types of air conditioner you are replacing and its location. As you know well, there are:

Rooftop Air Conditioning Units
Vent-Free Air Conditioning Units
Portable Air Conditioning Units
And Window Air Conditioning Units

Maintenance and replacement pieces for an RV air conditioner are not cheap, as you can see in the table below.

Cost to replace/repair RV air conditioner

Type of air conditioner	Repairs/Replacement costs
Rooftop Air Conditioning Units	$2,000 t0 $2500
Vent-Free Air Conditioning Units	$1000 to $1500
Portable Air Conditioning Units	$400 to 700$
Window Air Conditioning	$700 to $1000

Why is it so expensive to replace an RV air conditioner?

It is expensive to replace an RV air conditioner because the unit itself costs between $700 and $1500, depending on the model. Plus, you have to pay the labour cost.

It is not that uncommon to pay $1000-$2000 for a latest-generation RV air conditioner (with remote control, opening and brightness of the skylight preserved, continuous temperature adjustment, and other benefits included.

If these prices seem too high for your pocket, there are still air coolers (cold only) that can be supplied with 12 V DC electric current and which replace a skylight RV air conditioner, but it should be noted that the current consumed can approach the 6 Amps (A) depending on the temperature difference to be produced, thus, you will be paying more for electricity.

How to maintain an RV air conditioner to avoid needing to repair it

The answer is simple, to maintain an RV air conditioner unit, you will need to clean it more or less frequently. It’s not exactly rocket science, but it still has to be done; remember that the cleanliness of your trailer air conditioner is essential to ensure optimal operation!

Start outside your RV. You will need to repeat these operations at least once a year, or even more depending on your use. To do this, remove the air conditioning cover and remove any debris that may have accumulated: insects, dead leaves, dust, etc. To make cleaning easier, you can use a shop vacuum or a compressed air cleaning system.

Once properly cleaned, take the opportunity to inspect the seal located between the front and rear compartments; If it shows signs of wear, then it should be replaced without delay. If necessary, you will also need to lubricate the engine, if you notice a hole in it; a few drops of SAE 20 oil will do the trick.

Once you’ve put the outer cover back on, move inside your trailer. Remove the inner cover and remove the filters; these can be washed with soapy water. The more you use your air conditioner, the more often you will have to clean it; but in this way, you will ensure that it functions optimally for many years to come!

Make sure you clean the air conditioner’s filters, as well. For an air conditioner, the filter is as important as the oil for an engine. Its periodic maintenance is essential: a clogged filter reduces the airflow of the device, a cause of major damage to its compressor.

Wash the reusable filters and then rinse them with lukewarm water, making sure they are completely dry before reinstalling them. If you have disposable devices instead, you just need to replace them.
If you have a room air conditioner or central unit without ducts, clean the box grille covering the filters; make sure that nothing obstructs the distribution of the air (curtains, furniture, etc.).
The frequency to be observed depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, but also on the degree of exposure of the device to dust (depending on the activities in the house, the presence of animals, etc.).

Why maintain your air conditioner?

Preventive maintenance is very important. It contributes to:

optimal performance of your device
saving energy – and cost!
extended service life
healthier air, eliminating bacteria and preventing mould.

Is your air conditioner not working? It may be lacking in freon. Otherwise, go to your dealership or to a technician specializing in trailer air conditioning maintenance who will quickly find the problem and resolve it. But don’t wait until the last minute to have your air conditioning system repaired!

The bottom line

When buying a new leisure vehicle, whether it is a caravan or a motorhome, the air conditioning option is to be preferred as long as it is not overpriced in order to to keep the interior and exterior finishes intact.

If you noticed that your air conditioner is not working properly, try giving it a good clean first, and don’t forget to change the filters as well. If you still can’t manage to find the source of the issue, it may be the right time to go to an authorised dealership or to contact a technician specializing in trailer air conditioning maintenance who will quickly find the problem and resolve it.

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the content.

FAQ on What are the costs to replace an RV air conditioner?

What air conditioning to choose for an RV?

When choosing air conditioning for an RV, take into consideration the following:

Telair Air Conditioner Silent 500H.
Aventa Comfort.
Airva 12V & 24V.
Dometic Freshlight 1600 & 2200 air conditioner.
Portable air conditioning SW Cube.
Kronings Rooftop Air Conditioner K2400.
Euromac AC2400 Split System.
Telair Silent 220V-8400H.

How to cool a motorhome?

To cool a motorhome, open the doors, windows and skylights in the evening to naturally ventilate and cool the interior. In addition, do not drive in the middle of the day if your motorhome is not equipped with air conditioning. Engine and heat don’t mix.

What is the best heater for an RV?

The best heater for an RV is forced-air heating. It is the most used heating system in motorhomes if you are told Truma or Webasto it should speak to you.

How does hot water work in a motorhome?

The gas boiler (hot water) in a motorhome works quite simply: the water heats up thanks to the combustion of gas, by a burner, and is stored or not. It works with a bottle of butane, propane or LPG gas relaxed to 30mBar.

How to descale the water circuit of an RV?

To descale the water circuit of an RV use white vinegar, put in the tank of clean water a mixture of about 2/3 white vinegar and 1/3 water. Plan to fill the tank with at least 5L of liquid in total.

References

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What are the costs to replace an RV air conditioner?