Better Rooftop Air Conditioners

provided by Marc Stalnaker, Lot 40

The RV world of rooftop air conditioners is in the process of switching to greatly improved products! For some time now, the home air conditioner market has had better technology. Some RVers have investigated and found a way to install home “mini split” air conditioners, although most RVs do not have the wall space to use these. It is now truly refreshing to see this new technology being introduced into the RV world of rooftop air conditioners.

A little background: RVs have used rooftop air conditioners for maybe 40 years! Until recently, these systems all used a “compressor” that either ran or not depending on what the thermostat called for. In many cases, they also had a 2 or 3-speed fan speed that could be selected. When the thermostat called for cooling, the compressor started and ran, blowing cold air until the set temperature was reached, then cycled off. This is key here…the compressor was either on or off, and the electrical draw was a fixed amount while on. (On a hot day, it could run all day long, without ever cycling off.) They also are quite noisy!

Recent developments.
Fast forward to today. We are now seeing RV rooftop air conditioners that use variable-speed compressors and variable-speed fans much like have been available in the home market. These have tremendous benefit over the older style, in that the compressor speed and fan vary depending on the “need”.

The benefits of this technology are significant:

• Lower electrical power consumption. When this compressor is running at a lower speed, it draws less electricity…Since much of our electrical bill each summer is a direct result of air conditioners, this could be a significant benefit.
• Lower noise. The compressor and fan running at a slower speed produce less interior noise.
• Improved interior comfort level with better humidity control.
• Less “strain” on the electrical grid system.
• Some models even have a remote control with a thermostat in the remote.
  Some models also have a “heat pump” function.

If you are in the market for a new air conditioner, research the models and reach out to your favorite RV repair person to ask about this type of unit. It’s your decision.