You rely on your RV’s air conditioning system to keep you cool and comfortable on your adventures—even during the hottest days of the summer. And if you do a fair amount of summer travelling in your RV or trailer, there’s a good chance that your AC is working overtime. By maintaining your RV’s air conditioning system, you can save yourself money on unexpected repairs while keeping your trailer nice and cool during your travels.
Unfortunately, one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of maintaining an RV’s cooling system is that of regularly cleaning out its vents and filters.
The Importance of Cleaning Your RV Vents
Just like your home air conditioning system, your RV’s AC relies on ventilation and filters to keep air circulating properly and to remove unwanted particles from the air you breathe. Over time, the filter in your RV’s air conditioning system can become clogged and may need cleaning or replacement. The same applies to your RV vents, which are responsible for carrying air and contaminants outside your trailer.
By taking the time to clean these components, you can keep your RV’s cooling system running efficiently and reduce the chances of needing costly AC repair or replacement. Likewise, you’ll improve the comfort and air quality inside your trailer; it’s a win-win for everybody!
How Often Should You Clean Your RV Vents?
The frequency with which you should clean your RV vents will ultimately depend on how much you use your RV’s climate control and how often you travel in your RV. As a general rule, though, it’s a good idea to clean these vents and filters at least once a year. During the summer months when these components receive the most use, you may want to consider cleaning them monthly for the best results. The same applies if you smoke or do a lot of cooking inside your trailer.
How to Clean Your RV Vents & Filters: A Step-By-Step Guide
Not sure where to begin when it comes to cleaning your RV vents and filters? We’ve got you covered.
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- Remove Vent Covers and Filters: Start by carefully removing the vent cover off of your RV’s ceiling. If this will be your first time doing this, you may want to refer to your manufacturer’s manual to make sure you know how to properly and safely remove the cover without damaging it.
After the vent cover is removed, locate and remove the filter inside as well. Be careful when you do this, as there’s a good chance some debris will fall. It’s a good idea to stand to the side to avoid falling dust and debris. - Shake Off Loose Debris: Once the filter is removed, take it outside and shake it off as much as possible to remove any loose debris. Keep in mind that some RV ventilation systems will have multiple filters, so you may need to remove and separate several of these and shake them out individually.
- Soak and Scrub to Remove Stubborn Grime: Next, it’s time to give those filters a good scrub. A simple yet effective way to clean RV air filters is to soak them in a mixture of warm water and dish soap. After letting them soak for a few minutes to loosen up grime and stubborn debris, gently scrub each one using a sponge or washcloth. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until your filters look clean.
- Rinse and Air Dry: Finally, rinse each filter and squeeze gently to wring out any excess water. In general, it’s best to allow filters to air dry rather than using a hair dryer or any other appliance to speed up the drying process. You might consider laying your filters out on a nearby picnic table; this will not only speed up the drying process, but the sun’s UV rays can also help to kill off any bacteria that may remain.
- Don’t Forget the Vent Covers: In addition to your filters, you’ll want to clean your RV’s vent covers as well. Most often, these are made out of plastic and can be easily removed and cleaned by soaking them in the same soap/water solution that you used for the filters. From there, you can use an old toothbrush or other small scrub brush to remove debris and grime before drying and re-installing the covers.
- Remove Vent Covers and Filters: Start by carefully removing the vent cover off of your RV’s ceiling. If this will be your first time doing this, you may want to refer to your manufacturer’s manual to make sure you know how to properly and safely remove the cover without damaging it.
The Final Word on Cleaning Your RV Vents
Cleaning your RV’s vents and filters is a great way to keep your climate control system running smoothly while optimizing your trailer’s air quality. From there, you’ll have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip! For more information on making the most of your travels, explore more articles on the Wayfarer Insurance Group blog!
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