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RV Roof-Top AC Repair & Service

Expert repair for ducted & non-ducted roof-mounted air conditioners. Dometic Brisk Air, Dometic Penguin, Coleman, GE, Furrion. RVTI-certified technicians.

All Major Brands Ducted & Non-Ducted Parts In Stock

Roof-Top AC: The Most Common RV Air Conditioning System

Most RVs, campers, and motorhomes use roof-mounted air conditioners. Whether you have a ducted system with vents throughout your RV or a non-ducted free-blow unit, you get accurate diagnosis and genuine repairs from RVTI-certified technicians who've been servicing North Central Alabama RVs since 1993.

Coleman roof-top RV air conditioner

Ducted Systems

Ducted roof-top AC systems distribute cool air through ductwork and vents throughout your RV. You'll almost always have a wall-mounted thermostat controlling temperature. While there are a few ducted systems that do not have a wall thermostat, they are rare. You will experience a more even cooling and better circulation when properly installed and sealed.

Non-ducted free-blow RV air conditioner

Non-Ducted (Free-Blow) Systems

Non-ducted systems blow air directly down from the ceiling-mounted AC unit. Almost exclusivly the controls are on the unit itself rather than a wall thermostat. Simpler design with fewer components to maintain.

Key identifier: No ducts through out the celing and air blows from just one location.

Brands We Service

Our RVTI-certified technicians are trained on all major roof-top AC manufacturers. You get genuine parts and accurate repairs regardless of your brand.

Dometic

Models: Brisk Air, Penguin, Brisk II

The most popular RV AC brand. We stock common Dometic parts and can diagnose any Brisk Air or Penguin issue.

Coleman / Airxcel

Models: Mach series, RV Air Conditioners

Reliable Coleman systems found in thousands of RVs. We service all Coleman/Airxcel roof-top units.

GE Appliances

Models: GE RV air conditioners

Quality GE units found in many newer RVs. We have the training and parts to service them properly.

Furrion

Models: 14K, 15K, 18K BTU units

Modern Furrion systems with advanced features. We service both ducted and non-ducted Furrion units.

Advent

Models: Various BTU configurations

Advent AC units found in many RVs. We service and stock parts for Advent systems.

Other Brands & Newcomers

New market entries & various manufacturers

Many new brands have entered the market—most without replacement parts support. As RV AC experts, the brand doesn't matter. We can diagnose and help with any system.

Common Roof-Top AC Problems

Won't Cool Properly

RV feels warm even with AC running? Could be:

  • Tripped saftey switch
  • Dirty coils restricting airflow
  • Failed compressor
  • Clogged air filter (check weekly!)
  • Ductwork not properly sealed

We diagnose the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Won't Turn On

AC completely dead? Common causes:

  • Tripped breaker or blown fuse
  • Failed controls
  • Bad thermostat or control board
  • Electrical connection issues
  • Poor or inadequate electricty

Systematic electrical diagnosis finds the problem fast.

Leaking Water Inside

Water dripping from ceiling or vents?

  • Clogged condensate drain
  • RV not level (water pools instead of draining)
  • Damaged drain pan
  • Gasket failure allowing rain in

We locate the source and fix it permanently.

Freezing Up

Ice forming on AC unit or vents?

  • Restricted airflow
  • Faulty controls
  • Improper ducting
  • Running with thermostat too low on non-ducted units

Proper diagnosis prevents recurring freeze-ups.

Excessive Noise

Loud rattling, grinding, or buzzing?

  • Loose mounting bolts
  • Worn fan bearings
  • Debris in fan blades
  • Failing compressor
  • Unsealed ductwork vibrating

We identify noise sources and resolve them.

Short Cycling

AC turns on and off repeatedly?

  • Faulty thermostat
  • Electrical issues
  • Low voltages
  • Overheating under load
  • Dirty coils

Short cycling wastes power and wears components.

DIY Diagnostic: Temp Drop Test

Before assuming your AC needs replacement, run this simple test to determine if the unit itself is working properly.

How to Test Your RV AC

  1. Set AC to High Fan (or High Fan Auto mode)
  2. Set temperature well below room temp (ensure AC is actively trying to cool)
  3. Let run for 15 minutes minimum
  4. Measure intake air temperature (with a thermometer at return vent or filter location)
  5. Measure output air temperature (with the same thermometer closest outlet vent to AC)
  6. Calculate the difference

✓ If difference is 16°F or more → AC is working properly

The air conditioner unit itself is doing its job. If RV isn't cool enough, the issue is elsewhere (ductwork sealing, insulation, undersized unit, etc.)

✗ If difference is less than 16°F → AC needs service

The unit isn't cooling air adequately. Could be dirty coils, failed compressor, or any number of other AC-specific issues requiring professional diagnosis.

⚠️ Why This Test Matters

Just changing an air conditioner is the most expensive test. If the first one was working properly, the second one probably won't do any better.

Many RV cooling complaints aren't the AC itself—they're ductwork not sealed, poor insulation, undersized units, or electrical issues. Proper diagnosis saves you money by fixing the actual problem, not replacing working parts.

Maintenance Schedule for Roof-Top AC

You extend your AC's life and maintain peak cooling performance with regular maintenance. Manufacturers recommend this schedule:

Weekly During Use

Clean air filters. This is the #1 manufacturer recommendation. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce cooling, and cause freeze-ups.

Takes 5 minutes. Remove filter, rinse with water, let dry, reinstall. Some RVers keep spare filters to swap while one dries.

Annual Service

Full AC service minimum once per year. Professional cleaning of coils, inspection of all components, electrical testing, ducts, and refrigerant check.

Best done before camping season starts (March-April) so you're ready when temps rise.

High-Dust Environments

Service twice per year or more if you have inside pets or if you camp in dusty conditions like dirt track racing or dusty locations.

Dust clogs coils faster, reducing efficiency and potentially causing premature failure.

Ductwork Sealing

All ducts must be properly sealed. Air leaks reduce cooling capacity and strain the AC, causing premature failure.

If you have ducted AC, inspect ductwork annually. Your benifit will be clear when its hot and you not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I repair or replace my roof-top AC?

Depends on the issue and age. Capacitors, thermostats, and minor repairs are usually cost-effective. If a compressor fails or it developed a refrigerant leak, replacement may make more sense. You get accurate information allowing you to make the best decision for your situation, no pressure either way.

Can you upgrade to a quieter AC?

Yes there are upgrades available and newer models are usually quieter. However, proper ductwork sealing often reduces noise significantly on existing units. We can discuss options, sometimes the noise issue is fixable without replacing the entire AC.

What about mini-split systems for noise reduction?

Mini-splits are NOT built for travel vibrations and road shock. They are viable if your RV remains permanently stationary. You will get better service and air conditioning from a properly installed and servcied ducted ac, a mini-split by design cannot circulate are from other rooms. For RVs that travel, you will appreciate a proper installs and potentially upgrading to a quieter roof-top unit are better solutions.

Do you stock parts for roof-top AC units?

We stock most parts for Dometic, Coleman,GE, Furrion, and many other major brands. For less common parts, we can order direct from manufacturers for quick turnaround. Generally you wont have to wait long for repairs even if we need to order parts.

Can you service RV AC at my campsite?

We offer mobile service for many repairs, though some duct work adjustmetns require shop equipment. Call us to discuss your situation, you will get straight forward answers and advisment.

Roof-Top AC Not Cooling Your RV?

From Dometic to Coleman, ducted to free-blow you get accurate diagnosis and genuine repairs. RVTI-certified technicians. Serving North Central Alabama since 1993.

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