How To Clean RV and Camper Trailer Rooftop Air Conditioner (AC) Coils

Merely keeping the filter clean in your rooftop RV AC is not enough. In order for the AC unit to continue to operate efficiently and last a long time the coils must be cleaned every few seasons. The condenser and evaporator coils will eventually become clogged with dust and debris, no matter if you faithfully clean the filter on your rooftop AC unit. Cleaning the coils is a relatively easy task which anyone with basic tools can perform by following these simple steps.

Step-1

Be sure the AC unit is unplugged from the power source by turning the breaker off or unplugging the RV from the shore connection.

Step-2

Make sure your RV roof is strong enough to support your weight by using plywood or wide boards if the roof is not constructed to walk on. Remove the nuts holding the protective shroud in place and carefully remove the shroud from the AC unit. Place the shroud aside until the coil cleaning process is completed.

Step-3

There are especially made solutions just for cleaning AC coils which will make your job much easier, but if don’t wish to purchase one of these you can use certain household products such as 409, or other strong grime cleaners. Some of the commercial coil cleaners do not require using a shop-vac to assist clean-up like the household products normally do.

Spray the coil cleaner on both the evaporator and condenser coils and let soak about 15 minutes or so. You can use a water hose with sprayer attachment to gently blow out the debris from the coils but try not to let the water hit the electric connections directly. Covering these electrical areas with plastic bags will help prevent  moisture from entering the electronics areas.  Don't worry if some areas get wet a little because they are made to resist the elements.

Step-4 

If you have access to a wet/dry shop-vac you can use it to gently remove the excess moisture from the coils. It may be necessary to repeat Step-3 several times to thoroughly clean very dirty or badly clogged coils. After the cleaning process is completed, let the unit thoroughly dry for several hours until the unit is completely dry. The use of a fan to dry the coils will speed this process immensely.

Step-5

Replace the AC shroud after the AC unit is thoroughly dry, reconnect the electrical power, and the unit should be good to go.  Clean the coils every few camping seasons, or more often if the RV is used year round.  Enjoy your RV rooftop AC unit and keep it clean and cooling properly

.