Unlike a home window air conditioner that distributes the cool air through vents throughout the entire living space, RV AC systems are typically ceiling-mounted with various ducting options to direct the cooling air where it is most needed. Non-ducted systems are more common on smaller RVs, while ducted systems are more commonly found on class A motorhomes and high-end fifth wheels.
Depending on the type of RV refrigerator and its placement in the cabin, rv cooling units can be either AC only or also include a heat pump option. A ducted system generally provides more consistent, higher BTU cooling than an AC-only unit.
One of the most common reasons for an rv cooling unit to fail is when a leak develops in the boiler. This can result in that telltale yellowish residue around the burner area and/or ammonia smell. In this case, it’s definitely time for a replacement cooling unit.
Another frequent reason is a broken heat shield which often results in a hole in the evaporator coils. This results in a loss of cooling and can also cause the boiler to rupture.
Once the cooling unit is removed from the cabinetry, it is a good idea to take a close look at all the connections and mounting screws to ensure they have been properly tightened. Once the unit has been cleaned, a helper can give it a bit of a shove and pull to begin moving it back into place in the refrigerator. rv refrigerator parts