RV AC Not Blowing Cold - Fort Lauderdale FL

The three most common causes are: a failed run capacitor preventing the compressor from running at full capacity (or at all), low refrigerant due to a slow leak in the refrigerant circuit, or a heavily soiled evaporator coil that cannot transfer heat efficiently. In Broward County, salt air accelerates corrosion of the aluminum fins on both the evaporator and condenser coils, which significantly reduces heat transfer efficiency over time.

Unlike home AC systems with large refrigerant charges, RV rooftop units are sealed systems with relatively small refrigerant volumes. A properly sealed unit should not lose refrigerant. If an RV AC is low on refrigerant, there is a leak somewhere in the system. Our technicians check for leaks before adding refrigerant - recharging a leaking system only provides temporary improvement.

If the AC is running but the air is only slightly cooler than ambient temperature, and the compressor appears to be running (you can hear it cycling), dirty or frozen coils are a likely cause. You may also see ice forming on the evaporator coil inside the AC unit if the coil is so fouled that airflow is severely restricted.

Most modern RV rooftop AC units manufactured after 2010 use R-410A refrigerant. Some older units use R-22 (now discontinued and expensive to obtain). Our technicians carry manifold gauge sets and refrigerant for both types.

Yes. Many RV AC units have foam air filters that restrict airflow when clogged with dust and debris. A severely restricted filter reduces air volume across the evaporator coil, which degrades cooling performance and can cause the coil to freeze. RV air filters in Broward County should be cleaned monthly during heavy use periods due to the fine dust and pollen prevalent in South Florida's environment.

If the unit is functioning well otherwise and the refrigerant loss appears to be from a minor, repairable leak, recharging is worthwhile. If the unit is more than 10 years old, has multiple other issues, or if the refrigerant leak is in an inaccessible or non-repairable location in the sealed system, replacement may be more cost-effective. Our technicians will give you an honest assessment.

This is a classic sign of an AC unit that is marginal in capacity for the heat load. In the cooler morning hours it can keep up, but as ambient temperature climbs into the 90s in the afternoon, the system is overwhelmed. This can result from undersized BTU capacity for the RV's footprint, degraded refrigerant charge, dirty coils reducing heat exchange efficiency, or poor ventilation in the coach that lets the heat load exceed the AC's capacity.

A refrigerant charge diagnosis and recharge typically takes 60 to 90 minutes including the leak check, evacuation of any moisture from the system if needed, and recharge to the correct operating pressures. This is a service we perform on-site at your Broward County campsite or driveway.

Yes. Coil cleaning is a service we perform at campsite locations throughout Broward County. We use a foaming no-rinse evaporator coil cleaner on the interior coil and a garden hose rinse on the condenser coil after applying a coil cleaning solution. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes as part of a broader service call.

A properly functioning RV AC unit should deliver supply air that is 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the return air temperature at the unit's intake. On a 90-degree day, a properly functioning unit should deliver air in the low-to-mid 70s. If the temperature differential is less than 15 degrees, there is a performance problem that needs diagnosis.