RV air conditioners come in two main categories: ducted and non-ducted. Ductless units are simpler and can be installed through a hole in the roof, while ducted units channel cool air through a duct system. Some RV air conditioners also have an electric heat option.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs) generally use roof-mounted air conditioning units, although there are a few different options that are commonly available. The two main categories of RV air conditioners are grouped according to whether or not they are ducted. Non-ducted RV air conditioners send cool air into the motorhome or trailer directly from the unit, and ducted units send air throughout the interior space through channels in the ceiling or floor. Non-ducted air conditioners usually have controls directly on the unit, and the ducted variety often has a remotely located control panel. Another type of RV air conditioner combines heating and cooling units in one roof-mounted device.
The simplest RV air conditioners are ductless units. These air conditioners can be installed through a hole cut in the RV’s roof, although most units are designed to fit through pre-existing roof vents. The air conditioning unit consists of a compressor, a condenser, and a fan that are all packaged in a streamlined body that sits on the roof of the RV. A control unit is then bolted to the ceiling below the hole or vent, where it connects to the ceiling unit. These RV air conditioners emit cool air directly from the control unit and usually have vents that can be opened or closed to direct air forward or backward within the interior space.
Another common type of RV air conditioning is the ducted unit. Ducted RV air conditioners have the same type of aerodynamic package that bolts to the roof of the trailer or motorhome, but lacks a control unit in the headliner. These air conditioners tend to offer more headroom inside the RV because there is no bulky control unit hanging down. Instead, cool air is channeled into a duct system that runs through the roof, walls, or floor of the RV. A recreational vehicle may have several of these air conditioners installed and may even have separate temperature zones that can be controlled from a central panel.
Some RV air conditioners also come with an electric heat option. Most RVs burn liquid petroleum (LP) gas for heat, so a combined air conditioning and heating unit can provide an alternative when electricity is available. These units usually have a heating coil installed in the air conditioner. When the device is set to heat instead of cool, the element heats up and the blower motor forces air into the RV.
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