Posted 2012-03-17 6:17 AM (#142199) Subject: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Is the filter on the AC necessary? Probably like everyone else we use our trailer in a lot of dirty and dusty environments and the filter always seems to be dirty. Is it to keep dirty air out of the trailer or out of the ac? If I need to use it can I buy something (local) other than the OEM filters which I need to order?
Posted 2012-03-17 7:50 AM (#142202 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The filter keeps the coils of the evaporator clean for optium performance. If the filter weren't present, the unit would become fouled, worked harder and have less efficiency. The fact that the filter is always dirty, is an indication that it is working well.
Many AC problems can be directly linked to a lack of maintenance, in keeping the filter clean. Filters are available from many sources on line. Better ones that can be washed and reused, are more cost efficient than the inexpensive throw aways, that always seem to fall apart when they're handled.
Posted 2012-03-17 9:18 AM (#142206 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
The filters job on your trailer is the same as the filter in your home air conditioner. It is to keep the equipment clean, not puirfy the air for indoor air quality. If this filter is dirty, I would suggest you clean the condensing coil also. This is the coil that is outside. The best way to do this is by removing the top cover and using a water hose to clean the coils being careful not to bend the fins. Do not use any chemicals as it would mess up the finish on the trailer.
Posted 2012-03-17 11:26 AM (#142211 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
Not effectively. Cleaning with compressed air ( such as from an air tank or compressor) beats nothing but not as good as water. It shouldn't hurt the trailer as it is only dirt ( mud once wet ) so you can rinse trailer.
Posted 2012-03-17 12:01 PM (#142212 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I miss read your response. Water should not enter the trailer. It is not much different than whipping rain water. You don't need a lot of water pressure and a little care to direct it to the coil should do just fine.
Posted 2012-03-21 2:10 PM (#142350 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Veteran
Posts: 231 Location: Illinois
I read through all response twice to make sure before I asked; do all AC on horse trailers have filters? and where are they located..I have a 97 Sundowner...and I wasn't aware the AC even had a filter...DUH !!
Posted 2012-03-21 3:09 PM (#142352 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
Yes, as shipped from the factory they do. Sometimes they are removed for cleaning and not replaced. It is located where the return air enters the unit. This is the grill where air is sucked back into the unit either ducted or not ducted. It normally uses one like a window unit that is made of foam material and can be cut to fit.
Posted 2012-03-21 4:53 PM (#142356 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When you are inside the trailer looking up at the AC unit, you will see a large grill, usually taking up about half of the surface area. This is removeable, usually with clips on the side. It normally comes off without having to use tools.
Once it is removed, you will find a foam filter just above the grill area. This pulls out, can be vacuumed and washed, and if in good shape reinstalled.
If you look above the filter, you will see the inside AC coils it is protecting. These cool the air that is ducted into your living area. The cleaned filter is pressed into place and the grill is clipped back into place. It's a fairly simple maintenence item to manage, and necessary to keep the AC running at its optium.
Posted 2012-03-22 7:02 AM (#142367 - in reply to #142199) Subject: RE: AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
If the filter was that dirty, you may want to consider visually looking at your evaporator coil. It is the coil on the inside behind the filter that has the aluminum fins. If it is dirty I would suggest you go to a local air conditioning supply house and buy a can of coil cleaner that is self rinsing. A product is sold that is self rinsing, you spray it on the coil and as the air conditioner runs it makes condensate ( water drops ) and cleans the coil and rinses itself off. The condenser coil ( the one on the outside ) would need to be cleaned with a water hose from on the roof. Remove the cover from on top. It should be held on with several screws from on top. Spray it without a lot of pressure, so you don't bend the fins taking care not to wet the fan motor a whole lot. Some people wrap the fan motor with a plactic bag to help keep the water off of it. Be sure to remove the bag when finish. This will help the performance of the A/C a lot. It sure is nice to have a good running A/C when returning from a long day of riding in the heat of summer.
AC air filter for our benefit or AC?
