One of the most common complaints related to RV refrigerators and air conditioners takes the form of “my refrigerator or air conditioner isn’t working very well.” This complaint is frequently related to electrical supply problems and in the case of the refrigerator is easily checked by switching to gas (assuming that you have kept it in operating condition.) If you are running an air conditioner, you should be using a voltage monitor of some type! Your air conditioner requires 120 volts +/- 10% to operate correctly. With low voltage, either the compressor will not run or if it does, you risk damaging the compressor motor. Protecting your appliances from low voltage is fairly easy, you need a voltage monitor or voltmeter to check voltage at an outlet in your unit, with and without the AC running. Oneof the other easy protections is to use either NO extension cords or a cord that is properly sized. If you are running an air conditioner and you must have an extension cord, you should be using the 10 gauge RV extension. Don’t forget to check your refrigerator vents and vent door for obstructions. You should be able to look up from the bottom vent to the roof vent trap without anything but refrigerator coils to restrict the view. The vent door should not have any screens or furnace filters over it. They are not suppose to be there and will restrict air flow. Clean your air conditioner filter and check the condenser fins on the roof occassionally. Wash the filter (foam) in mild detergent and rinse well. Non foam filters should be vacuumed or replaced. Any other maintenance should be done by qualified technicians.
