A/C "Exercise"

noplace2 wrote:
Does an A/C require regular use to continue functioning properly? My guess is no,

Good guess.. BUT.. there is a consideration.

BUT: inspect the thing from time to time.. Insects nested on one of my fans during down time.. This ultimately damaged the motor.

They can cause other issues too. Better to find out when it's like 70 out than at heat index 110 like we have had here all week (high 90's on the mercury)

I worked for a shop in the 70s that got a smoking deal on 7 Lennox 1 phase RTUs cuz they were new/never used but they were a few years old. We put them on an office remodel. I did the start ups and I could only get 2 of the 7 compressors to break loose, even with an A2 Annie. The oil can drain down so much they can't get started. About 15 yrs ago I put a 15T York with Bristol compressors on business I worked at and it ran good for 2 years. Then after sitting thru one of the winters, the 10T compressor decided to stick. I kicked and beat that compressor as hard as I could and tried reversing the 3 ph. and no luck. I did an autopsy on it and everything still looked like new but the top rotor brg was dry cuz it didn't have positive lubrication like the bottom brg. did and it only took a little thump to break it loose. Craig

Thanks for the replies. I didn't want to bias responses by indicating in my original post that I have consistently run it for 1 hour/month. Given what has been stated here, I think I'll drop it back to 1/2 hr every 6 weeks.

noplace2 wrote:
You make a good point. But why 1/2 hour? Would 5 minutes suffice?

Turn it on when you are going to be out for a bit.
Turn it off as you return. Leave the windows open if you prefer.
Yes 5 to 30 minutes should be fine.

While you're at it, disconnect from shore power, start the generator and run the A/C while on the genny. This will exercise both and put a descent load on the generator to dry out the coils.

Also, be sure the condensate is dripping overboard. It's easy for bugs/mud to plug up the condenser drain tube. If not draining down the side of the RV somewhere, you'll need to get up there and clear the drain.

Every three months or so run it for 30 minutes. The fan needs that. Also it may help clear out some insects etc.

I'd suggest exercising the AC. Occasionally the blower motors will stick due to lack of use. Also agree it makes a good load for exercising the generator. Kill two birds with one stone.

Your compressor is "Hermetically Sealed" along with the entire rest of the refrigerant system. That means it's not like automotive where running it helps the compressor shaft seal that keeps refrigerant in and moisture out, because it doesn't have one.
Points made about running 30 mics are appropriate. To drive moisture out of something like an electric motor, you need to run it long enough to warm it. 05 won't do that.
Do you exercise a generator? If so, the A/C makes a good load to warm it up too. That's why just starting the genny and shutting it off doesn't accomplish what exercise needs, warming the coils in the generator end of the set.
A friend had this routine: Enter Coach with Beverage and Newspaper. Start Generator and A/C. Read Newspaper, Drain Beverage. Took him about...30 mics.

Since you don't use your A/C donate it to me....I'll put it to good use...LOL

Running motors/compressors occasionally is good for them.
Heats up motor windings and dries out any moisture
Circulates fluids/oils
Gets rid of any debris accumulated

One thing for sure......doesn't hurt to run them occasionally.

In the power plants we had monthly routines to run down equipment....seems the systems that gave us the most issues were those that weren't run often.