AC Efficiency

[GS1200]

Are the new ac units more efficient than units of 20+ years ago? The front unit in my winnebago is inop at the moment. While it hasnt been a problem yet, I got wondering about the value of repairs vs replacing. Have seen ads here locally about a Dometic 15,500 unit $850 installed. Since I could do the work myself, I should be able to get the unit for less than that. To my mind, even a $200 repair is worthless if a new unit is more efficient in power use, and probably puts out colder air.

Is there a best to worst list of brands?

[SpringerPop]

That brings up the question:

Is there a "SEER" rating to RV A/Cs?

Pop

[Perry White]

I figure they are all the same efficiency electrical wise when there plugged into a rented RV site.

I'll bet they get $500 for just a replacement compressor and if it was a R-22 or the older R-12, the gas would kill the deal.


If you upgrade I'd do a heatpump. Never know when you'd need it.

[wa8yxm]

I agree with a heat pump but let me check a few specifications.....

My Carrier Air V was a 13,500 BTU job and drew, 13.5 amps giving an efficiency of 1 amp per thousand BTU's.

My new Advent draws the same 13.5 amps. but it is a 15,000 BTU, so I'd have to say yes. That is 1.111111111111111 thousand BTU's per amp.

[Triker56]

A new Coleman March III 13.5K PS only pulls 10.6 on low fan and 11.2 on high.
I put one on just a couple weeks ago.
Coleman RV AC 's on Sale - PPL Motor Homes

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by SpringerPop

That brings up the question:

Is there a "SEER" rating to RV A/Cs?

Pop

What's a SEER rating?

[Jimooo]

I would say that carrier heat pump for RVs
would be on the top of my list , most reliable, most efficient and the highest SEER(seasonal energy efficiency ratings) because of heavier and larger copper coils. Some RV carrier heat pumps have a variable speed /two stage compressors and blower motors.

Also carrier rv heat pumps are easier to repair.

It justifies repairing RV AC unit if it is something minor like low on freon, replacing a capacitor, or adding a hard/start kit, or replacing a fan motor.


But on the other hand if the AC unit is rusted out or in bad condition I would replace it.


Yes I think that the A/C RV units are better today than 20 years ago because, they are smaller and use less electricity per kilowatt hour, also use a more Eco-friendly freon.


Happy RVing, james

[Half Dimes]

I think Carrier is out of the RV air conditioner business. Check here.

[Half Dimes]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

What's a SEER rating?

It's a measure of an air conditioner's efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient. Here's an explanation.

[TXiceman]

Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards SEER | Environmental and Energy Study Institute

I hope the Advent works out for you. I looked and one and it is a Chinese copy of the Dometic and looks cheap to me.

Ken

[Arch Hoagland]

SEER......... I learn something new everyday.

[DKO]

I have had units with heat pumps but my current coach has heat strips in the AC. The heat strips put out heat no matter how cold the outside temp whereas heat pumps only heat down to 35 or 40.

Since I live in mine year round and can not chase the sun all the time that is important to me.

DKO

[easywind]

I have a 83 Colman TSR air conditioner that I just put a new fan motor in. The main reason was that I have R12 as opposed to R134. I have a 13,500 unit in a 23 foot trailer and on the lowest setting in 100 degree weather it will keep the trailer cool. I would think the electric use would not be as good as a new unit but cooling better might even things out.

[TXiceman]

Easwind, I think your old roof top Coleman is probably R22 and not R12.

ken