Whether you are planning a solo trip or going on a vacation with your family, embarking on such a journey in a caravan nowadays is becoming a norm, and one of the most cost-effective, safest ways of doing it. This is because by doing so, you wouldn’t have to bother about raising money for a hotel or have to erect a camp tent which is considered less safe in comparison.
However, before deciding to get a caravan, what most intending users are usually most concerned about is their quality of air, and that’s why it is not uncommon to see questions like, do caravans come with air conditioners? How much airpower does a caravan aircon use? You will find answers to these questions here and every other question relating to a caravan.
Does Caravan have air conditioning?
Yes, Caravans do have air conditioning systems. If what’s stopping you from getting a Caravan is the possibility of not having access to good quality air, you better bury that thought and go and get one now because most Caravans come with air conditioners. Interestingly, you can fit an air conditioner into an existing Caravan with no inbuilt air conditioner! Isn’t that exciting?
The air conditioning system can either be installed on the roof or in the cabin area of the Caravan. Caravan air conditioning systems are specially designed for them and are completely different from the ones you see in homes.
Caravan split system air conditioner
If you want to ensure that the indoor section of your caravan stays as clutter-free as possible, one of the best options you can exploit out there is the caravan split system air conditioner. Although this split system in structure may look different from the ones used in buildings, however, they are designed to work similarly.
Just like the split air conditioning system, the Caravan split air conditioner is also divided into two sections — indoor and outdoor comprising of the air outlet unit which cools the indoor air, and the outdoor compressor which expels warm air outdoors. With the caravan split air conditioner system, you will be able to achieve 3 things, a quiet, cozier, and cooler indoor environment.
Built-in Caravan air conditioner
A built-in Caravan AC is the ideal air conditioning system for a Caravan with a single skin roof. This kind of aircon can either come as a ducted unit or a split system, and they can be mounted under a bunk or in one of the several cupboards you have in your caravan. The built-in Caravan air conditioner is one of the top choices among caravan owners because compared to its counterpart — a rooftop air conditioner, it cools faster and makes less noise.
How much power does a Caravan aircon use?
Compared to other appliances like your fridge, laptop, or a fan you might have in your Caravan, your air conditioner will be the most energy-draining appliance. This is because an average caravan air conditioner will consume between 2000 to 3000 watts of energy to start. And consume about 1000 to 2000 watts while running.
What size inverter to run the Caravan air conditioner?
Nowadays, most Caravans are fitted with an air-conditioning unit that has about 15,000 btu that may require up to at least 3500 watts to power up and about 1500 watts to keep running. Therefore, run your caravan air conditioner with an inverter, such inverters most have nothing short of 4000 watts of energy to convert battery power to A/C electricity that will be used by your unit.
Can you run the Caravan aircon on Solar?
Yes, you can run the Caravan aircon on solar. It is both theoretical and practically possible to run the air conditioning system of your Caravan on solar, however, it is more complicated. This is because you will need large numbers of camping solar panels and you will also have to upgrade your entire electrical system.
For you to successfully run your Caravan air conditioner on solar, your battery power must not be less than 750 AH per day if you would like to run the AC for 5 hours every day. However, that is only the requirement for running an air conditioner, if you would like to run other appliances, you may need to generate at least additional 100 amps of solar energy through your panel daily on a sunny day. It may be more on a cloudy day.
Therefore, for you to run your 13500 btu Caravan air conditioner with a solar, you will need at least 1500 watts of solar panels. Curious to know how many ac can run in 3kw solar system?
How to service a Caravan air conditioner
If your Caravan air conditioner needs servicing, I would implore you to invite a technician over to do it for you so that if there will be a need to change it or repair a component such need will be met adequately and immediately. However, as for the other part of servicing which has to do with cleaning, you can follow the guide below.
Cleaning the coil
Unfasten the protective cover used to conceal the air conditioning unit. After doing this, you will be able to access the evaporator and condenser coils to do every necessary cleaning. To clean the appliance, you can use a cleaning solution specially designed for the AC coil to clean accumulated dirt and debris, or the usual household cleaners. For the steps below for guidance.
- Spray the cleaning solution generously on the coil and leave it there to sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Hose out the coil as gently as you can with water to get rid of the debris.
- Suck up any moisture left on the evaporator and condenser coil with either a wet or dry shop vac.
- Dry the treated spot afterward with a blower or dryer. You can also place it in the sun for a few hours to dry.
For safety, make sure you have unplugged the appliance from the power supply before you start cleaning. Also, wrap all electrical wires and components with polybag or plastic sheets while rising or washing the components with the solution.
Cleaning the fan motor
- Remove the protective shroud concealing the air conditioner to the roof of the Caravan to inspect the fan blade.
- If they need to be cleaned, use the similar cleaning solution recommended earlier in the last section as instructed and dry afterward using a wet/dry shop-vac or dryer.
- Apply machine oil on the sleeves or bearings of the fan motor as a lubricant (You only need only a few drops to get the job done).
- Fit back the protective shroud and reconnect your AC to the power socket and start using it as normal.
Can you regas a Caravan air conditioner?
Yes, you can regas a Caravan air conditioner. Although regassing is not considered as part of Caravan air conditioner servicing. However, in some situations like instances where the air conditioning is underperforming, it may become necessary. This will involve the extraction of old refrigerant from the air conditioner, testing for leakages, refilling, and pressurizing the system.
How to regas caravan air conditioner
- Check for refrigerant leftovers
- Check for leaks
- Go to the tapping fitting and open the valve
- Release the refrigerant
- Evacuate the hose
- Locate the low pressure charging port
- Ensure the compressor is functioning optimally.
How to remove the Caravan air conditioner
- Remove the air return grill by unfastening the clips holding it in place.
- Unfasten the 4 long bolts attaching the internal components to the air conditioner on the top of the rig. You can make use of the racket and the right socket.
- Remove the metal housing of the air conditioner.
- Disconnect all electrical wires holding the unit together, and unclip wires connecting the outside of the unit.
- For the other set of wires connected inside in a covering, they are usually attached with a screw once you remove the screw, you will access the wires inside. Unscrew the covering and detach the wires.
Roof section
- Remove the protective shroud by unscrewing the screws attaching the unit to the roof and lift the cover off the bottom of the roof.
- Lift the edges of the air conditioner, and work your way around it to break the gasket free should in case it is stuck in place.
- Once it is free, set it aside or completely remove it from the roof.
