7 Tips to Make Your RV Air Conditioner Quieter
Like anything in your RV, regular maintenance and care can help it run quieter and better. It can even extend the life of your RV systems, and your AC is no different.
The following seven tips are ways to make your RV air conditioner quieter. And bonus, these things will help it run better and longer so that you do not have to replace your unit too soon.
1. CLEAN YOUR AC COMPONENTS REGULARLY
Regular RV maintenance works wonders! If you keep your RV's AC components clean, it may keep it quieter when in use. That's because dirt and debris build up in the condenser coil area.
To clean these, first ensure that the RV's power is off and all of the systems are cooled down. Then remove the cover of the AC unit.
Remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris you can see by hand. You can also use a shop vac to suck up dirt from the fins. Just be careful not to damage any fins while cleaning.
2. USE AN RV AIR CONDITIONER SILENCER
If you are pretty good about your RV maintenance, then an RV A/C silencer may be something you want to look into. It can decrease the noise produced by your AC by 8 to 10 decibels (dB). That is significant noise reduction!
The good news is that installing a silencer is not tricky, and you can probably install it on your own. Most people say that it only takes 15-20 minutes to put in.
3. LOOK FOR A LOOSE RUBBER GASKET
A straightforward fix for a noisy RV AC is tightening a loose rubber gasket. You can locate the gasket by looking between the camper's roof and the AC unit.
The gasket is usually constructed from foam or rubber materials. It prevents water leaks from entering the RV where the AC unit is attached to the roof.
The bumping RV may cause this gasket to become loose as you travel. Or, the weight of the AC unit over time can break down the gasket.
Exposure to weather conditions and light can also break the material down.
When you turn on the AC unit, it may not have a secure fit and cause a large amount of noise. So, inspect the gasket. If it looks damaged or has come unsecured, replace it.
4. LUBRICATE SLIDING PARTS
Another easy way to help quiet your AC is by lubricating any sliding parts.
The joints wear out over time and may start to squeak during AC movement.
Check each joint and make sure that it has lubricant. If it doesn't, add some.
Add a little to the moving parts, but avoid the condenser coil. If you get some in the coil it can attract additional dirt and debris, causing further noise.
5. TIGHTEN BOLTS AND SCREWS
AC units have lots of nuts and bolts holding all the pieces. Over time, and while traveling on a curvy road or over bumps, they loosen. This causes banging or rattling sounds when the AC is being used.
To prevent this noise, tighten nuts and bolts according to your RV's manual. You do not want to overtighten anything since that can damage delicate parts.
A good rule of thumb is to check your AC unit when getting your RV ready for the season as part of your maintenance routine.
6. INSULATE YOUR AC UNIT
If your other maintenance tricks are not making your RV air conditioner quieter, consider adding some insulation to the unit itself. Installing sound-deadening insulation around the AC compressor can help reduce noise.
You can usually find commercial-grade insulation or soundproofing material from the local hardware store.
Purchase enough for the size of your RV. Then attach it to the exterior wall of the RV where the AC unit is positioned. You can secure it with screws or heavy-duty mounting tape.
7. SEAL GAPS AND OPENINGS
One last thing to try to reduce your RV's AC noise level is to seal any gaps or openings. Inspect the area where your RV sits. If there are any cracks or openings, seal them.
Not only can this help reduce movement and noise. It can keep out drafts, along our RV be more efficient.
