Your RV A/C adds lots of comfort to camping but quickly becomes a nuisance if it starts rattling and clanking. And it’s not a question of if but when it will start making too much noise. So, here are 7 helpful tips to make your RV air conditioner quieter…
We don’t know about you, but we like all the different climates when we travel. We love the sometimes chilly temperatures of the Upper Peninsula and the warm weather in Utah.
The one thing we do not like is the weather extremes. Unless, of course, we are prepared for it!
We are always prepared to keep our rig warm when visiting snowy places. And when it's sweltering outside, we want to make sure that our AC is up to par!
It is the best feeling to escape the outdoor extremes and rest up in a nice, cool air-conditioned space. But what do you do if your AC starts making a racket?
Instead of running out and replacing your AC, there are things you can do to make your RV air conditioner quieter. The following seven helpful tips can help quiet your overzealous machine!
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7 Tips to Make Your RV Air Conditioner Quieter
Like anything in your RV, regular maintenance and care can help it run quieter and better. It can even extend the life of your RV systems, and your AC is no different.
The following seven tips are ways to make your RV air conditioner quieter. And bonus, these things will help it run better and longer so that you do not have to replace your unit too soon.
At the end, I also include an excellent product to eliminate that annoying CLUNK every time your RV turns on. Plus, the product saves your power!
1. Clean Your AC Components Regularly
Regular RV maintenance works wonders! If you keep your RV’s AC components clean, it may keep it quieter when in use. That's because dirt and debris build up in the condenser coil area.
To clean these, first ensure that the RV’s power is off and all of the systems are cooled down. Then remove the cover of the AC unit.
Remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris you can see by hand. You can also use a shop vac to suck up dirt from the fins. Just be careful not to damage any fins while cleaning.
Keeping your A/C and vents free of spider webs is also part of Preventative Maintenance Every RVer Should Do.
2. Use an RV Air Conditioner Silencer
If you are pretty good about your RV maintenance, then an RV A/C silencer may be something you want to look into. It can decrease the noise produced by your AC by 8 to 10 decibels (dB). That is significant noise reduction!
The good news is that installing a silencer is not tricky, and you can probably install it on your own. Most people say that it only takes 15-20 minutes to put in.
We have not tried this option ourselves.
3. Look for a Loose Rubber Gasket
A straightforward fix for a noisy RV AC is tightening a loose rubber gasket. You can locate the gasket by looking between the camper’s roof and the AC unit.
The gasket is usually constructed from foam or rubber materials. It prevents water leaks from entering the RV where the AC unit is attached to the roof.
The bumping RV may cause this gasket to become loose as you travel. Or, the weight of the AC unit over time can break down the gasket.
Exposure to weather conditions and light can also break the material down.
When you turn on the AC unit, it may not have a secure fit and cause a large amount of noise. So, inspect the gasket. If it looks damaged or has come unsecured, replace it.
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4. Lubricate Sliding Parts
Another easy way to help quiet your AC is by lubricating any sliding parts.
The joints wear out over time and may start to squeak during AC movement.
Check each joint and make sure that it has lubricant. If it doesn’t, add some.
Some people believe that the best lubricant to use is a silicone-based lubricant, like WD-40 Specialist spray, if you have some on hand. This is not the same as what you are probably thinking of when we say WD-40, as this one linked is a true lubricant.
Add a little to the moving parts, but avoid the condenser coil. If you get some in the coil it can attract additional dirt and debris, causing further noise.
5. Tighten Bolts and Screws
AC units have lots of nuts and bolts holding all the pieces. Over time, and while traveling on a curvy road or over bumps, they loosen. This causes banging or rattling sounds when the AC is being used.
To prevent this noise, tighten nuts and bolts according to your RV’s manual. You do not want to overtighten anything since that can damage delicate parts.
A good rule of thumb is to check your AC unit when getting your RV ready for the season as part of your maintenance routine.
6. Insulate Your AC Unit
If your other maintenance tricks are not making your RV air conditioner quieter, consider adding some insulation to the unit itself. Installing sound-deadening insulation around the AC compressor can help reduce noise.
You can usually find commercial-grade insulation or soundproofing material from the local hardware store.
Purchase enough for the size of your RV. Then attach it to the exterior wall of the RV where the AC unit is positioned. You can secure it with screws or heavy-duty mounting tape.
7. Seal Gaps and Openings
One last thing to try to reduce your RV’s AC noise level is to seal any gaps or openings. Inspect the area where your RV sits. If there are any cracks or openings, seal them. We have a list of the 7 Best RV Sealants you can refer to.
Not only can this help reduce movement and noise. It can keep out drafts, along our RV be more efficient.
What About the CLUNK When Your A/C Turns On?
If your RV makes a loud CLUNK every time it turns on, you might want to look into a SoftStartRV. It helps make your RV air conditioner quieter but, better still, it helps it run off your RV battery system and low power hookups.
I interviewed the company myself and show you how a SoftStartUp works. You can watch the full interview and watch the video.
Use this link for a discount! https://softstartup.com/rvlifestyle/
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