Learn how to easily clean your RV's air conditioner as we show you demonstrating on a Dometic Brisk Air II model. Below, you will find a list of the step-by-step written instructions and tools we use during the cleaning process.
Tools & Supplies Used
Nu-Calgon Coil Cleaner (Inside Air; Substitute)
Frost King A/C Coil Cleaner (Outside Air)
Gloves, Spray Bottle, Rags, Kneeling Pad & Ladder
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning an RV Air Conditioner
Gather your tools and supplies. You'll need 1-2 cans of each A/C cleaner per unit, depending on their level of dirtiness.
Turn off power to all A/C units at the circuit breaker.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the A/C cover. Place it on the ground so it doesn't blow off the roof.
Remove any covers that easily come off of the front and back A/C coils. This will vary depending on the type of air conditioner.
Take a picture of the freeze sensor on the front A/C coil before removing it.
Place a rag in the bottom of the front A/C coil to soak up water.
Use the brush top from the Frost King A/C Coil Cleaner to remove debris from both the front and back A/C coils.
Using the Dometic A/C Cleaner, start spraying it on the front A/C coil, working your way from the bottom to the top, and then back to the bottom. Repeat the process on the backside of the front A/C coil. This A/C coil cleaner is safe to use on both the front (inside air) and back (outside air) A/C coils. We prefer to only use it on the front (inside air) A/C coil. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
While the front A/C coil is soaking, start cleaning the back A/C coil using the Frost King A/C coil cleaner. Spray it from the bottom until you reach the top, ensuring that the entire A/C coil is covered. Spray whatever areas you can reach on the backside of the back A/C coil and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The Frost King A/C coil cleaner is ONLY to be used on the back coil (outside air). Do not use this cleaner on the front (inside air) A/C coil.
Use a spray bottle to lightly rinse the coils. Clean up dirty water with a rag. Be careful not to slip on the water. If your A/C coils are still very dirty, repeat the process of spraying the cleaner on them and let them both sit for another 10-15 minutes.
Looking at the photo you took, put the freeze sensor back in the front A/C coil in the same spot where you removed it.
Replace any covers you removed from the front and back A/C coils.
Place foil tape over any spots where it was removed from the A/C unit during the cleaning process.
Replace the large A/C cover and screw it back into place.
From the circuit breaker panel, turn power back on to the A/C units.
Turn the A/C on and let it run for about 10 minutes. Check with your hand to see if cold air is coming out of the vent. There will be a slight chemical smell when you turn on the A/C. This smell is coming from the front (inside air) A/C coil that you just cleaned. It's not toxic and will clear in a few minutes.
As a certified technician, I use the following tools to service the A/C units:
Fin combs: to straighten out the A/C fins
Multimeter: to check the compressor and capacitor
11-in-1 Screwdriver: to remove inside covers to access the electrical components
Click here to download a printable PDF with these step-by-step instructions.
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About Us
Mobile RV Tech Services specializes in onsite RV repair, maintenance, and inspections. We service your RV at your home, campground, or storage unit in Alcona, Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw counties in Michigan from April 15 - December 15, and Houston, Texas, from January 1 - April 1.
You can learn more about the services we offer and find additional RV resources on our website at https://www.mobilervtechservices.com.
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