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If your RV AC is becoming unbearably loud, it’s time to troubleshoot.
Luckily, there are a few easy solutions for quieting your rooftop air conditioner.
So, let’s learn how to make your RV air conditioner quieter and keep it running in top condition so you can enjoy a cool yet quiet vacation.
Troubleshoot Your RV Air Conditioner
The first step toward reducing the noise level produced by your camper’s A/C is to diagnose any problems.
These straightforward solutions will often create a dramatic difference in your unit’s sound. Start with these before moving on to our more complicated and expensive measures.
Tip: If you’re unsure about completing these tasks at any point on your own, consider hiring a certified RV technician. They know how these units work and will help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Investing in professional help is extremely beneficial for motorhome owners who aren’t well-versed in RV air conditioner repair themselves or who don’t enjoy spending time on top of their rig.
Check the Rubber Gasket
A rubber gasket sits between the air conditioning unit and the roof. Three or four bolts clamp it into place. Over time, after driving over many bumpy roads, these components can become loose or damaged.
Check the rubber gasket for signs of damage or deterioration. Exposure to heat and sunlight causes the rubber to become hard and brittle. Tough rubber doesn’t absorb sound or vibrations as well as fresh, supple rubber.
Replace your worn gasket and tighten every bolt securely. You’ll likely find yourself impressed by the noise reduction made possible by this simple swap.
Tighten All Screws And Bolts
Inside the air conditioning unit are many nuts, bolts, and screws that can vibrate and become loose. It’s essential to check and tighten these components and connections to prevent them from rattling or failing.
The user manual for your particular RV air conditioner will include a diagram of the unit’s interior. Always refer to this when working on the machine without the guidance of an expert. That way, you’ll avoid causing any damage to the unit and potentially voiding any warranty the unit might still have.
Upgrading Your RV Air Conditioning Unit
If the gasket around your air conditioner is in like-new condition and all of the fasteners are tight, a more expensive fix might be necessary. Don’t panic, though. There are air conditioners and air conditioner silencers available for all budgets.
Try A Motorhome Air Conditioner Silencer
Sometimes, the motor and compressor inside older air conditioning units are loud. The sound-dampening technologies we have today weren’t available in past decades. An A/C silencer unit is a cost-effective way to take advantage of these technologies without replacing your entire air conditioning system.
Silencers use a cotton lining to insulate the duct system and dampen the noise at its source. Quality A/C silencers will reduce noise levels by up to 10 decibels—a noticeable drop in volume when you’re inside a small space!
Most well-known brands in the RV industry make a version of a motorhome A/C silencer. Be sure you choose one that fits your particular unit, or it might not be as effective as it should be.
On the plus side, installing this type of soundproofing takes less than 15 minutes with minimal effort. Check out this video on installing the WackO RV Air Conditioner Silencer.
WackO RV Air Conditioner Silencer
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Replace Your Outdated AC Unit
At some point, you will need to replace your camper’s air conditioner with a more efficient unit. Even the noisiest modern AC is likely to be quieter than your older version. This is sometimes the best option to ensure maximum comfort inside your motorhome.
Today’s technology makes it possible for more powerful motors to be both smaller and more efficient. These advances, in combination with the latest sound-dampening technologies, have given us almost silent machines.
The Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner is one of the most popular RV air conditioners on the market today offers a 15% airflow increase and is 19% lighter than previous models. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
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The Dometic Brisk II is just one of a handful of units that made the cut in our best RV air conditioner list.
Preventative Maintenance to Keep Your RV AC Quiet
Whether you find and fix the problem with your AC unit by tightening and replacing the gaskets and bolts or you choose to upgrade your setup, preventative maintenance is essential to keep the noise from returning.
As with all parts of an RV, you must check your air conditioner and its components regularly. Good maintenance habits help you fix any issues that might arise before they become long-lasting and irreversible.
Clean the Filters, Ducts, and Internal Components Regularly
Your air conditioner pulls in air from outside. With that air comes pollen, dust, debris, and pollution. These particulates can clog or damage your unit.
When your air conditioner cannot move the amount of air it needs to cool the RV, two things happen:
- The motor must work harder and, consequently, run louder.
- Your filters or ducts may begin to rattle due to the buildup.
It’s essential to clean your RV air conditioner filter after every two weeks of air conditioner use to prevent problematic situations. While you’re cleaning, check the ducts for any blockages and for cracks in the seals that could lead to loud vibrations or air conditioner leaks when it rains.
Have a Certified Technician Check Your Air Conditioner Annually
Even the most careful RV owner sometimes misses issues they don’t have the expertise to notice.
That’s why regular inspections by technicians will dramatically increase the longevity of your motorhome and its components. This small investment will save you money in the long run.
I recommend having your air conditioner system inspected once per year. The best times are in the spring, during the de-winterization process and before you begin to use it regularly, or in the fall before you winterize your RV. Whenever you choose, try to avoid peak times around summer travel.