Class

RV Air Conditioning Essentials

$39.99

At a Glance:

In-depth Instruction; over 132 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A

Item: T3158E

Description

Description

While there are a lot of similarities in the way home and RV air conditioners work, there is more to an RV air conditioner operation than simply setting the thermostat to the desired temperature.

This instructional class will provide you with the information you need to understand how your RV air conditioner functions, identify the key components, troubleshoot some common issues, and learn valuable tips on how to help the air conditioner run more efficiently – and ultimately last longer!

The AC in your RV is often taken for granted. When you’re in your home, you simply set the thermostat at 68 or 72 degrees and you just let it cool.

The difference between an RV and a home is that at home we are climate controlled. We don’t let our homes get up to 120 degrees inside or down to -20 in the winter time. Walking into an RV that, with the ambient temperature of 100 degrees outside, could be 120 inside – RV air conditioners have limitations.

In this class, we’ll show you an overview of the different types of air conditioners used on RV’s, whether it’s a ducted or non-ducted system, cool only or heat pump, as well as roof mounted vs. basement mounted unit. We’ll discuss how they all work, and review the various air conditioning components from evaporators to condensers, compressors and thermostats.

We’re also going to review efficiency tips such as shutting the windows and getting some air movement inside the RV to help reduce the interior temperature so that your air conditioner does not have to work as hard.

You’ll learn from an RVIA master certified RV technician and see some troubleshooting tips such as checking the voltage coming into your air conditioner from the circuit breaker; not only 120 Volt power but 12 Volt power also. A lot of people don’t realize you have to have 12 Volt battery power to run your roof air as well.

We will also show you some tools necessary to make it easier to diagnose your RV air conditioner and maintain it. We’ll talk about safety tips for working with your air conditioner as well as how to maintain it to run at its best efficiency.

In addition to the detailed instruction you’ll receive, this class will provide you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to keep, including a Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder of the key points of the class instruction.

Class Sessions

Session 1: Overview of Types Available

Session 1: Overview of Types Available

4:38

Over the years, RV air conditioners have basically stayed with the same type of operation – but several changes have come along. The older units were very large and heavy and typically had amp draws near 18 to 20 amps during normal operation. In this first class session, we’ll discuss the different types of RV air conditioners and talk about the changes the manufacturers made in the late 1980’s to make the units more efficient.

Session 2: Operation Overview

Session 2: Operation Overview

4:36

Even though roof air conditioners or RV air conditioners have changed in their looks and the power and so forth, the operation has pretty much stayed the same over the years. The warm moist RV air enters the return duct, passes through the evaporator where the moisture and heat are removed from the air then pushed back into the RV through the cold air vent or ducts. In this session, we’ll show you how an air conditioner works.

Session 3: Components and their Functions

Session 3: Components and their Functions

38:27

It’s important to know how your air conditioner works in order to properly diagnose one that isn’t working properly. In this session, you’ll see more in-depth what each component is and how it functions. Along with our RVIA certified technician, we’ll walk you through step-by-step the function of the air conditioner on a unit we have in the shop.

Session 4: Tools and Equipment

Session 4: Tools and Equipment

6:46

You don’t need a lot of tools to diagnose an air conditioner. You will need a good set of basic hand tools and some basic diagnostic tools. But one of the most important tools to have is a thermometer. In this session, you’ll see what tools you need to properly work on your air conditioner.

Session 5: Efficiency

Session 5: Efficiency

4:20

A lot of people don't realize that an RV air conditioner can only cool down about 20 degrees. When its 100 degrees outside, the air inside an RV can easily be 120 degrees, and it will take a long time to cool that down to a comfortable temperature. In this session, we will talk about some of the easy things you can do to help the air conditioner do its job more efficiently.

Session 6: Maintenance

Session 6: Maintenance

16:28

There is not a lot of maintenance needed on an air conditioner, but it is important to perform these functions regularly to keep your air conditioner running properly for a long time. In this session, we will discuss what maintenance needs to be done and show you a real-life example of a unit that was not taken care of.

Session 7: Troubleshooting

Session 7: Troubleshooting

40:53

It’s important to understand the operation of your air conditioner to be able to troubleshoot one correctly. In this session, we brought in our RVIA certified technician to walk you through step-by-step the operation and troubleshooting of the air conditioning unit. We have one set up on the bench to demonstrate how to test the different components.

Session 8: Storage Tips

Session 8: Storage Tips

3:41

When storing your RV for the winter, or any length of time, there are a few considerations that you need to look at for your air conditioner. In this session, we’ll show you some things you can do when storing your RV that will help keep the air conditioner from damage during storage.

Meet the Instructor

Meet the Instructor

2:03

Learn more about your instructor, Dave Solberg.

Bonus Insights

10:03

Get more insights from your instructor.

Your Instructor

Dave Solberg

Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

Bonus Material

Class Guide PD

Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key aspects of your RV Air Conditioning system

Multimeter Basics PDF

Refer to this printable guide on how to use and read a multimeter to assess electrical issues

Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.

FAQs

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

Do I have to be a Member of RV Lifestyle & Repair to purchase a Class?

No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.

How do I purchase a Class?

First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.

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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.

Do I have to take the Class right away?

No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.

Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.

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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.

How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?

Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

Why do you need my email?

We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

How do I contact RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.