Rv Air Conditioner Compressor Keeps Running (And How To Fix It)

When your RV air conditioner compressor keeps running, it could be a sign of a problem.

It is never supposed to run constantly or cycle on. But there are cases when your AC compressor won’t turn off, and this is not to be ignored.

So, why exactly does this happen? What’s the reason behind such malfunctioning?

Let’s investigate this issue and find our troubleshooting tips to help you out. Let’s get started!

Reasons Why Your RV Air Conditioner Compressor Keeps Running

Your air conditioner keeps running when turned off… Ever wondered why it’s happening?

Obviously, it is not supposed to work this way. When the unit is turned off, then the compressor should also shut off.

But why is this happening, then? Why does your RV air conditioner continue to run even when turned off? Here are some reasons – and what can be done.

1. Evaporator Coil Is Frozen

Things usually break because of the harsh weather conditions. And this includes your RV air conditioning unit.

If you notice that the unit blows warm air, which comes from the supply vents, then it’s possible that the evaporator coil is frozen. The same holds true when it runs constantly.

First, turn the unit off. Then, you may need to contact a specialist to help you diagnose the issue. This is a problem that requires technical skills and knowledge, so it would be better to leave it up to experts.

2. Debris On The Evaporator Coil

Your RV air conditioner needs to be serviced periodically to keep it running well. However, if you were unable to do it when scheduled for maintenance, it is possible for the evaporator coil to collect debris and dirt.

What happens then is that the cooling process becomes severely affected. The unit works twice as hard just to cool the RV’s interior. Hence, a quick fix would be to do a thorough cleaning of the evaporator coil, so it works fine once more.

3. Issues With The Air Filter

issues with the air filter

Just like the evaporator coil, the air filter can get clogged over time. When this happens, there will be a restriction in the air flow. Thus, the unit will not be working as it should.

Since there is insufficient air flow over the coils, humidity may remain inside the RV and it will be hard to cool the air. As a result, the compressor continues to run but not really cooling the interior of your RV.

4. Refrigerant Charge Is Low

You may be having a very low level of refrigerant charge, which keeps the compressor running but not cooling the air inside.

Possible reasons behind this include a leak in one of the coils, which is also making the unit less efficient. You will have to contact a specialist to find the leak and get it repaired. Otherwise, this defeats the purpose of running the unit when it is not getting any cooler in the RV.

5. Blockage In The Condenser

Have you recently checked your condenser? Similar to the evaporator coils, blockage can arise due to accumulated dirt, dust, and debris. This is why you need to clean this component to make sure your unit is working properly.

Thankfully, this is something you can do yourself using the right cleaning products. You can also check the RV manual to know exactly how to clean this component and prevent this problem with your compressor.

Read More: How to Recharge a Dometic RV Air Conditioner: Easy Steps to Follow

Conclusion

Nothing is more comfortable than having an air conditioner in your RV that is working well. If the weather is hot and humid, a good AC offers you the convenience of being in your compact trailer and staying cool at all times.

Unfortunately, it does not always work this way. Sometimes, problems with the compressor and the unit itself can come your way.

By taking care of the unit through our troubleshooting guide, you should be able to keep your air conditioner in the RV working well and prevent damages over time.

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