Dirty Coils?
Hey, y'all. Hope everyone is enjoying a nice camping season.
I have a quick question for you more experienced folks. My travel trailer is starting its third summer... I bought it new in 2015. My last trip that needed the AC was last August. Had no problems... Even in the Georgia heat it kept the camper cool and nice. I just got back from my first AC-needed trip of this season. It was only about 83 degrees outside and I was parked in the shade but my AC could only hold the camper at about 78 or 79 degrees. Here are the obligatory details though:
- The compressor did come on... and stayed on... no short cycling.
- I clean my AC filter before every trip... OK...maybe every other trip... but I keep it clean
- The AC was draining properly
- I checked on the inside and made sure return and supply air weren't mixing.
- It is a Domestic DuoTherm 13.5 BTU
The air coming out of the vent was cool, but not as cold as I remember. I didn't have my laser thermometer with me so I can't tell you exactly what the temperature differential was. I would guess it was much warmer than the rule of thumb "20 degree" supply-return difference. Probably closer to 10 degrees, but again, that's a guess...
When I got home today and had my ladder I climbed up on the roof to take a look at the coils to see if they were dirty. There are definitely some bugs and dust, but nothing too impressive...
My question is, does a little bit of dirt make that much of a difference?
I ask because I'm leaving in a few weeks for a two week trip to Key West. I'll want my AC much more then... My trailer is under warranty, so I could take it in, but I hate doing that anyway... Not to mention I'd probably be pushing it in terms of getting my trailer back for my trip. Not sure if it is worth rolling the dice with the dealership...
I'm going to clean the coils tomorrow, but it will be next weekend before I can see if that did the trick since I don't have a 30 amp plugin at my house and my generator is on the fritz.
Anything I'm missing? I figured since an RV AC only holds about a pound of freon, and since the compressor is kicking on and staying on...and cooling somewhat...that a freon leak was improbable?
Any advice? Just trying to decide where to hedge my bet... cleaning the coils myself or going ahead and taking it in to get checked out so I don't jeopardize my big trip.
Thanks, y'all! As always...
I have a quick question for you more experienced folks. My travel trailer is starting its third summer... I bought it new in 2015. My last trip that needed the AC was last August. Had no problems... Even in the Georgia heat it kept the camper cool and nice. I just got back from my first AC-needed trip of this season. It was only about 83 degrees outside and I was parked in the shade but my AC could only hold the camper at about 78 or 79 degrees. Here are the obligatory details though:
- The compressor did come on... and stayed on... no short cycling.
- I clean my AC filter before every trip... OK...maybe every other trip... but I keep it clean
- The AC was draining properly
- I checked on the inside and made sure return and supply air weren't mixing.
- It is a Domestic DuoTherm 13.5 BTU
The air coming out of the vent was cool, but not as cold as I remember. I didn't have my laser thermometer with me so I can't tell you exactly what the temperature differential was. I would guess it was much warmer than the rule of thumb "20 degree" supply-return difference. Probably closer to 10 degrees, but again, that's a guess...
When I got home today and had my ladder I climbed up on the roof to take a look at the coils to see if they were dirty. There are definitely some bugs and dust, but nothing too impressive...
My question is, does a little bit of dirt make that much of a difference?
I ask because I'm leaving in a few weeks for a two week trip to Key West. I'll want my AC much more then... My trailer is under warranty, so I could take it in, but I hate doing that anyway... Not to mention I'd probably be pushing it in terms of getting my trailer back for my trip. Not sure if it is worth rolling the dice with the dealership...
I'm going to clean the coils tomorrow, but it will be next weekend before I can see if that did the trick since I don't have a 30 amp plugin at my house and my generator is on the fritz.
Anything I'm missing? I figured since an RV AC only holds about a pound of freon, and since the compressor is kicking on and staying on...and cooling somewhat...that a freon leak was improbable?
Any advice? Just trying to decide where to hedge my bet... cleaning the coils myself or going ahead and taking it in to get checked out so I don't jeopardize my big trip.
Thanks, y'all! As always...
