Operating heater with AC covers

[DieselBurn]

Apologies for my lack of insight, but can the heating strips inside the roof mounted AC units be used when outside covers are installed? Want to keep the snow off the units but still want to keep the use of the heating function in an emergency (AH disabled).

[Bama Rambler]

The covers block the air flow through the outside sections of the unit, so even though it's cold outside you stand the chance of overheating the blower motor due to lack of air flow.

I'd probably pull the covers off if you need to run the unit.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

The covers block the air flow through the outside sections of the unit, so even though it's cold outside you stand the chance of overheating the blower motor due to lack of air flow.

I'd probably pull the covers off if you need to run the unit.

X2

While the interior fan recirculates inside air, no harm would be done in that aspect... BUT... as mentioned, since the blower motor itself resides in the rooftop unit, there would be a chance of overheating the blower motor with a cover over it.

[rockfordroo]

I guess I would disagree. I'm thinking that if it's cold enough outside for the heater strip to be needed, the fan motor isn't going to overheat.

Of course, there's only one way to find out....

[5picker]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I guess I would disagree. I'm thinking that if it's cold enough outside for the heater strip to be needed, the fan motor isn't going to overheat.

Of course, there's only one way to find out....

Yep... we are all just speculating... but the OP asked for opinions... so...

[Tapex]

Off topic kinda...

But if I run my propane furnace,
is it possible to use the "fan" feature on the rooftop air condition unit, to pull condensation out in conjunction with some windows being opened?

[5picker]

Originally Posted by tapex

Off topic kinda...

But if I run my propane furnace,
is it possible to use the "fan" feature on the rooftop air condition unit, to pull condensation out in conjunction with windows being opened?

R/V air conditioning units RECIRCULATE inside air.

They do not pull air in from the outside (unless a vent or window is open) and they do not push moist air out.

They DO remove moisture when using the air conditioner function (not fan only) so running the air conditioner would remove some moisture (by way of what air conditioners do) but then you fight the condition of the A/C blowing cold air and the furnace trying to keep the R/V warm.

Most folks run a dehumidifier in the shower so it can auto drain.

Using a 14" x 14" ceiling vent fan can help accomplish what you are trying to do though.

[Tapex]

Originally Posted by 5picker

R/V air conditioning units RECIRCULATE inside air.

They do not pull air in from the outside (unless a vent or window is open) and they do not push moist air out.

They DO remove moisture when using the air conditioner function (not fan only) so running the air conditioner would remove some moisture (by way of what air conditioners do) but then you fight the condition of the A/C blowing cold air and the furnace trying to keep the R/V warm.

Most folks run a dehumidifier in the shower so it can auto drain.

Using a 14" x 14" ceiling vent fan can help accomplish what you are trying to do though.

Thanks 5picker

[markb422]

Are you talking about an AC cover or a full RV cover. If it is a AC unit cover like you wrote I would probably just remove it. If it is a full RV cover, I think there would be enough free air for the fan motor to not over heat. My ADCO cover has vents and Tyvek top that lets air in and out.

[almcguire]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I guess I would disagree. I'm thinking that if it's cold enough outside for the heater strip to be needed, the fan motor isn't going to overheat.

Of course, there's only one way to find out....

Agree cool out side shouldn't affect the blower. All AC blowers are protected with a thermo built in breaker. If the unit gets to hot it will shut down.

[OnBarrowedTime]

I would not run with any air restrictions. I suggest putting a dehumidifier in the shower to keep air dry. If I need heat during storage I would just use a small electric heater.