Air Conditioner Replacement August 12, 2022, 08:19:26 pm I am going to replace the 15k air conditioner in my 2006 mid bath.After multiple searches on here, I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a replacement. Hopefully lower profile and is close to a drop in replacement unit. Also, will I need to replace my thermostat and how will that work with my heater?Anyone have any unit/brand recommendations?Cheers to all…Jack
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #1 – August 12, 2022, 10:46:24 pm Further to this, I am looking at a Coleman 48204C866 Mach 15+ A/C Unit from Amazon.I would need to get the louvers and control unit that bolts on from below.I am wondering if anyone has experience with unit or if the crowd is using something else at this point.
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #2 – August 13, 2022, 12:14:43 am That’s the A/C unit we have in our LD. It’s worked quite well for us and easily cools our RV. It’s actually a few decibels quieter than our original. There’s 2 options for the inside unit. One has automatic shutoff once the temp is reached. The other unit’s fan runs continuously even after the compressor stops. Both units have the controls built into the lower panel. The automatic unit also operates via Bluetooth. Hope this helps you.
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #3 – August 13, 2022, 12:22:06 am Quote from: Ed & Margee - August 13, 2022, 12:14:43 amThat’s the A/C unit we have in our LD. It’s worked quite well for us and easily cools our RV. It’s actually a few decibels quieter than our original. There’s 2 options for the inside unit. One has automatic shutoff once the temp is reached. The other unit’s fan runs continuously even after the compressor stops. Both units have the controls built into the lower panel. The automatic unit also operates via Bluetooth. Hope this helps you. This is very encouraging. I prefer the lower unit that cuts off when temp is achieved.Did you just leave the old wall thermostat connected to the furnace?Thanks so very much for your reply.
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #4 – August 13, 2022, 08:45:38 am We left the original thermostat on the wall. Who knows what the future holds?
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #5 – August 13, 2022, 09:03:10 am If you are buying a new unit I would suggest also going with a heat pump/AC 15K BTU unit. Both Coleman and Dometic have these. LD started using heat pumps back in 2010. They warm the interior quite well as opposed to the old style heat strip that was relatively ineffective. I just grabbed these references from the internet but not recommending any supplier. The Coleman HP:<https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/air-conditioner/air-conditioners-coleman-dometic/coleman-mach-15-heat-pump-rv-roof-ac-15k-white-_17-0936>The Dometic HP<Dometic Penguin II RV Heat Pump Air Conditioner 15,000 BTU - White 651 –...; 4 Likes
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #6 – August 13, 2022, 09:59:44 am Is the idea of a heat pump to use instead of my furnace heater much of the time, or in conjunction with to warm up quicker?
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #7 – August 13, 2022, 10:14:54 am If you're plugged into shore power, using the heat pump will avoid using propane. You can use both the heat pump and the furnace for a quick shot of heat in the morning, but you'd probably want to turn off the furnace once a comfortable temperature is reached, in order to save propane.That said, I've found that I prefer using a couple of inexpensive (under $30) portable electric heaters to using the heat pump. They are much quieter, and they output hot air at floor level, where it's wanted, rather than at ceiling level, where it can form a hot layer while leaving your feet and legs cold. With two small heaters set to half power, one in front and one in back, you can distribute the warmth better than with a single central source.I'm not saying not to get an air conditioner with heat pump; it doesn't hurt to have the option. But I wouldn't spend a lot to get it. 1 Likes
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #8 – August 13, 2022, 10:24:52 am Quote from: Andy Baird - August 13, 2022, 10:14:54 amIf you're plugged into shore power, using the heat pump will avoid using propane. You can use both the heat pump and the furnace for a quick shot of heat in the morning, but you'd probably want to turn off the furnace once a comfortable temperature is reached, in order to save propane.That said, I've found that I prefer using a couple of inexpensive (under $30) portable electric heaters to using the heat pump. They are much quieter, and they output hot air at floor level, where it's wanted, rather than at ceiling level, where it can form a hot layer while leaving your feet and legs cold. With two small heaters set to half power, one in front and one in back, you can distribute the warmth better than with a single central source.I'm not saying not to get an air conditioner with heat pump; it doesn't hurt to have the option. But I wouldn't spend a lot to get it.Thanks…it’s hard to think about needing a heater this summer and In 15 years I never thought about using the so called heat strip.Coachman’s idea is a good one but I am going to stay with a straight AC unit right now. I think My focus is on finding the ceiling assembly that goes with the unit I selected. The idea of the fan running all the time sounds crazy. Most the descriptions on Amazon are not real clear about the features regarding the thermostat function.
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #9 – August 13, 2022, 10:35:55 am On our last rig I replaced the two Dometics with Atwood Air Commands. They are much quieter. They come with their own thermostats and a remote. You can't use your existing thermostat but you can use your existing RJ45 cable. They are high profile, however, and they do have that continuous fan feature. Dometic bought Atwood but I think they left the Air Command unchanged. Anyhow, they are good units.jor
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #10 – August 13, 2022, 11:06:32 am Quote from: Jackhiett - August 13, 2022, 09:59:44 amIs the idea of a heat pump to use instead of my furnace heater much of the time, or in conjunction with to warm up quicker?Used it instead of the furnace on cold June mornings at altitude, on mornings where I expected plenty of solar or a travel day.Didn’t think about running both at the same time, that would be decadent. 2 Likes
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #11 – August 13, 2022, 11:36:23 am Now I believe I will go with the heat pump. On Amazon is:RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K Non-Ducted | With Heat Pump for Heating or Cooling Option | RV AC Unit | Camper Air Conditioner This thing seems to tick all the boxes including remote control and only blows when compressor turns on.
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #12 – August 13, 2022, 12:45:26 pm The heat pump is awesome! Didn't have it on my '85 TK but do on Nocona. Doesn't work well in really cold temps but takes the chill off on those cooler mornings!
Re: Air Conditioner Replacement Reply #13 – August 14, 2022, 02:25:46 am I use the heat pump mode of the stock AC unit when plugged in to shore power. Advantage is saving the finite supply of propane (shore power is essentially unlimited). A disadvantage is that it is noisier than the furnace. Both are noisy, but not to the degree that I feel motivated to invest time and money to acquire quieter heaters. Others have done so, and are pleased with their solutions.The heat pump is set to the temp that I desire. The furnace is set to a few degrees colder, as backup in case the heat pump can’t keep up, or shore power is lost. 1 Likes