Poor a/c output

maggiek · 08-13-2018, 03:20 PM

We were out for our annually 2 wks on PEI and for the first time ever w had to use the a/c. Temps were in the mid 30C with humidex near 40C. Because of our climate, which is generally in the low to mid 20's this time of year, the a/c is normally just along for the ride. Not this year!! So, after running the unit for several days in every mode that is available, we decided accept the inefficiencies of the Coleman 13.5k unit and chalk it up to a unit that is too small for the task asked of it. Has anyone experienced this lack of performance With their a/c units?
With the mythical "global warming" likely to become the norm, will we be forced to install a larger unit? Having just returned home, we haven't contacted our dealer to see if there is a problem with the unit. As the trailer is a 2015 and the a/c "could" have a LEAK or some other problem that we were unaware of until the need for peak performance was required. Although we are disappointed with the poor performance, we are willing to have it looked at in the hopes that it's performance can be improved as the next outing will in the next couple of weeks.
As an aside, are there any tricks that can be used to enhance the performance of these "diminutive " units.
Thanks in advance for any assistance with this.

**Bama Rambler** · 08-13-2018, 05:24 PM

While it's possible that you have one of the defective units, it would be in your best interest to do a little investigating to see if it's the unit or the installation before you spend money on diagnosis.

Take a thermometer (digital preferred) and check the intake air temp and then the outlet air temp. If it's ~9.5ºC difference then the A/C is performing as designed.

If it is performing correctly then I'd start looking at the installation.

Remove the grill and check the supply/return partition to make sure it's sealed between the two.

Then check the duct openings to make sure they open to the ducts and sealed up between the plenum and duct openings.

Then check the terminal ends of the ducts to make sure they're sealed up and not just blowing cool air into the attic space.

Then check the vents to make sure that they're sealed to the duct and not leaking or blocked.

maggiek · 08-13-2018, 05:52 PM

Bama Rambler, sounds like you've been down this road. Tomorrow is looking to be a bit warmish so it will afford a good environment for your suggested testing. Hope the house power will hold. If not the generator should handle the load. Thanks and I"ll let you know the results.

**Bama Rambler** · 08-13-2018, 06:22 PM

Yep; been there, done that! Still waiting on the shirt though!

maggiek · 09-06-2018, 05:27 PM

OK. So the house power wouldn't hold the A/C. Had to wait to go out for a few days camping. As for the a/c experiment, it was warm enough and the temp reduction was not quite what I would like but it was an improvement. I'm really not expecting much from this unit, but I think there are ways to increase the units inefficiency which include how the air flows through the tt. Time and the seasons are moving on and further experimenting will likely have to wait for spring. In the mean time a good cleaning and airflow testing through the condenser/shroud (cover) my be useful, to set a baseline for next year. Will let you know if there are any performance gains. Thanks all for you input and interest.

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