Tip Cleaning your RV Air Conditioner coils

[Neal]

As my S&B air conditioners are on their last leg I'm in the process of shopping for replacements. YouTube seems to know what's going on and one video I recently watched was cleaning air conditioner coils. This applies to your RV air conditioners as well, they should be cleaned annually. I've typically done this in the past either pressure washing or having Newmar do this at a service. It's easy, assuming you can get on your roof safely, just removing the top of your AC unit which is typically 4 screws and clean the coils. What I didn't know is what to use for a cleaner and learned this from a YouTube video. Here is what I ordered.

Amazon.com

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I was thinking about cleaning my coils and its relatively easy to get to the evaporator coils, but since you can only get to the evaporator coil from the roof, I'm not sure how to get to the condenser coil. My 2017 Ventana has a nice wood covering over the ac and returns vents with no access to the condenser coil.
Any ideas?

 

[MapNerd]

I’ve not gotten on the roof to do that but it is a good thing to add to the annual maintenance list. That said, I recall at the house the coils for our AC unit were very soft, think metal. Taking a pressure washer to it would have easily bent the coils so I always just rinsed them out with a garden sprayer set to a higher pressure setting.

I can’t imagine these little domestic units have coils tough enough to withstand a psi pressure washer.

so maybe rinse them but I think using a pressure washer to do that might not be too great an idea.

 

[Neal]

I’ve not gotten on the roof to do that but it is a good thing to add to the annual maintenance list. That said, I recall at the house the coils for our AC unit were very soft, think metal. Taking a pressure washer to it would have easily bent the coils so I always just rinsed them out with a garden sprayer set to a higher pressure setting.

I can’t imagine these little domestic units have coils tough enough to withstand a psi pressure washer.

so maybe rinse them but I think using a pressure washer to do that might not be too great an idea.

You are absolutely right, I'm going to be spraying on this coil cleaner and using a regular garden hose to "rinse" it off.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

The fins are aluminum so I would never risk using a pressure washer on them.

 

[J&JD]

And because the cooling fins are usually aluminum be careful using highly caustic (alkaline) cleaners. A fairly neutral (8-10ph) would be best. I also would not leave the cleaner on the fins having the condensation rinse it off as some of them suggest. There is just not enough water to get a good rinse. As suggested, a good solid water hose spray works best.

 

[Neal]

Another video popped up on my YouTube feed which is timely as it's time to clean my air conditioner coils prior to my trip coming up. The important lesson learned is not just using water, and no need for high pressure water, but a coil cleaner is recommended as this video shows. As I also need to do my S&B air conditioners (2) I ordered some of this from Amazon to give it a try and will use on the RV units as well.

Amazon product ASIN B00DM8KQ3I

 

[Tnedator]

OK, so just remove the cover, spray the cleaner and rinse off? Anything to be wary of in terms of not destroying my roof ACs? I know they are in need of cleaning.

Also, while I'm up there, should I be checking anything in terms of the seal/fasteners holding them to the room to insure lack of leaking?

 

[Neal]

The most important thing is you're creating a serious hazard with a wet roof. Use extreme caution!

Other than that, spray on, let it do its thing for a few minutes per the directions, spray off and that's it. Make sure no critters, relatives, etc. are in the A/C unit and that's about it!

 

[Tnedator]

I'm overdue for cleaning the roof too, so I have a double roof hazard I'm going to have to deal with. 5 months out from two level Cervical fusion, so maybe I'll give it another few months.

 

[Neal]

Just got done cleaning the outside of my coach before my departure tomorrow. I really need to find a 10 foot DP! Oye!

Anyhoo, I clean my A/C coils annually and typically just rinse off. Well, this time I used this stuff (below) and what a difference. While it says no need to rinse off I did and suggest you do as there's so much yuck that blows into these A/C's that move at highway speeds unlike residential A/C's. Hope this helps the A/C's do their job as they are going on 6 years of age (knock on wood).

Amazon product ASIN B00DM8KQ3I

 

[Trav_lr]

I’ve only used my air compressor on the ground and a long hose to the roof. Haven’t had a need to use water or cleaning solutions. Just blow the sand, pine needles or leaves out. Been doing it this way as part of our annual deep cleaning every spring for years.

 

[osuallen]

I was thinking about cleaning my coils and its relatively easy to get to the evaporator coils, but since you can only get to the evaporator coil from the roof, I'm not sure how to get to the condenser coil. My 2017 Ventana has a nice wood covering over the ac and returns vents with no access to the condenser coil.
Any ideas?

Just FYI, the condenser is the outside (rooftop) coil. The evaporator is the inside coil.

 

[TheLooks]

I do this almost everyday now. I use the no rinse spray and rinse it anyways. Make sure the tray that guides the water out onto the roof is clear, and spray both coils. If you are using only air it is not doing the job. The spray will foam up brown with dirt. Also, the foam king brand has a top on the can I use to straighten and clean real dirty coils. It is a must rinse type but I keep the lid for cleaning.

 

[Tnedator]

 

[AbdRahim]

I do this almost everyday now. I use the no rinse spray and rinse it anyways. Make sure the tray that guides the water out onto the roof is clear, and spray both coils. If you are using only air it is not doing the job. The spray will foam up brown with dirt. Also, the foam king brand has a top on the can I use to straighten and clean real dirty coils. It is a must rinse type but I keep the lid for cleaning.

Every day?

 

[TheLooks]

Every day?

Yes, I am an RV tech. Lots of AC problems in this heat.

 

[Neal]

Not "yours" every day, but someone else's as part of your services I believe is what you mean?

 

[Tnedator]

OK, heading to the RV garage to do some work, including cleaning the coils. Heading to AZ/NV in a couple weeks, and figure I need every edge I can get.

 

[Neal]

My A/C's have performed well this trip, I'd like to think properly cleaning the coils is part of the reason for that. Best of luck on your trip.