Class
RV Air Conditioning Essentials + DVD
$49.99
$4.00
At a Glance:
- In-depth Instruction; over 120 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Item:
T3022Q
Description
While there are a lot of similarities in the way home and RV air conditioners work, there is more to an RV air conditioner operation than simply setting the thermostat to the desired temperature.
This instructional class will provide you with the information you need to understand how your RV air conditioner functions, identify the key components, troubleshoot some common issues, and learn valuable tips on how to help the air conditioner run more efficiently – and ultimately last longer!
The AC in your RV is often taken for granted. When you're in your home, you simply set the thermostat at 68 or 72 degrees and you just let it cool.
The difference between an RV and a home is that at home we are climate controlled. We don't let our homes get up to 120 degrees inside or down to -20 in the winter time. Walking into an RV that, with the ambient temperature of 100 degrees outside, could be 120 inside – RV air conditioners have limitations.
In this class, we’ll show you an overview of the different types of air conditioners used on RV’s, whether it’s a ducted or non-ducted system, cool only or heat pump, as well as roof mounted vs. basement mounted unit. We’ll discuss how they all work, and review the various air conditioning components from evaporators to condensers, compressors and thermostats.
We're also going to review efficiency tips such as shutting the windows and getting some air movement inside the RV to help reduce the interior temperature so that your air conditioner does not have to work as hard.
You’ll learn from an RVIA master certified RV technician and see some troubleshooting tips such as checking the voltage coming into your air conditioner from the circuit breaker; not only 120 Volt power but 12 Volt power also. A lot of people don't realize you have to have 12 Volt battery power to run your roof air as well.
We will also show you some tools necessary to make it easier to diagnose your RV air conditioner and maintain it. We’ll talk about safety tips for working with your air conditioner as well as how to maintain it to run at its best efficiency.
In addition to the detailed instruction you’ll receive, this class will provide you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to keep, including a Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder of the key points of the class instruction.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your RV Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Overview of Types Available
4:38
Over the years, RV air conditioners have basically stayed with the same type of operation – but several changes have come along. The older units were very large and heavy and typically had amp draws near 18 to 20 amps during normal operation. In this first class session, we’ll discuss the different types of RV air conditioners and talk about the changes the manufacturers made in the late 1980’s to make the units more efficient.
Session 2: Operation Overview
4:36
Even though roof air conditioners or RV air conditioners have changed in their looks and the power and so forth, the operation has pretty much stayed the same over the years. The warm moist RV air enters the return duct, passes through the evaporator where the moisture and heat are removed from the air then pushed back into the RV through the cold air vent or ducts. In this session, we’ll show you how an air conditioner works.
Session 3: Components and their Functions
38:27
It’s important to know how your air conditioner works in order to properly diagnose one that isn’t working properly. In this session, you’ll see more in-depth what each component is and how it functions. Along with our RVIA certified technician, we’ll walk you through step-by-step the function of the air conditioner on a unit we have in the shop.
Session 4: Tools and Equipment
6:46
You don’t need a lot of tools to diagnose an air conditioner. You will need a good set of basic hand tools and some basic diagnostic tools. But one of the most important tools to have is a thermometer. In this session, you’ll see what tools you need to properly work on your air conditioner.
Session 5: Efficiency
4:20
A lot of people don't realize that an RV air conditioner can only cool down about 20 degrees. When its 100 degrees outside, the air inside an RV can easily be 120 degrees, and it will take a long time to cool that down to a comfortable temperature. In this session, we will talk about some of the easy things you can do to help the air conditioner do its job more efficiently.
Session 6: Maintenance
16:28
There is not a lot of maintenance needed on an air conditioner, but it is important to perform these functions regularly to keep your air conditioner running properly for a long time. In this session, we will discuss what maintenance needs to be done and show you a real-life example of a unit that was not taken care of.
Session 7: Troubleshooting
40:53
It’s important to understand the operation of your air conditioner to be able to troubleshoot one correctly. In this session, we brought in our RVIA certified technician to walk you through step-by-step the operation and troubleshooting of the air conditioning unit. We have one set up on the bench to demonstrate how to test the different components.
Session 8: Storage Tips
3:41
When storing your RV for the winter, or any length of time, there are a few considerations that you need to look at for your air conditioner. In this session, we’ll show you some things you can do when storing your RV that will help keep the air conditioner from damage during storage.
Your Instructor
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PD
Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key aspects of your RV Air Conditioning system
Multimeter Basics PDF
Refer to this printable guide on how to use and read a multimeter to assess electrical issues
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Dave Solberg
Video: Instructor Insights
Download this video to hear Dave discuss memorable air conditioning issues and manufacturer prototypes through the years
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
