Is it bad to leave RV AC on all the time?

Leaving an RV air conditioner running continuously can strain your electrical system and reduce component lifespan. While modern RV AC units are designed for periodic heavy use, prolonged operation accelerates wear on compressors, drains batteries faster than solar/alternators can recharge, and increases energy costs by 30-50% in hookup scenarios. Smart cycling between 68-78°F optimizes comfort without overtaxing systems.

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Does constant AC use damage RV electrical systems?

Continuous AC operation stresses deep-cycle batteries and inverters, potentially causing voltage drops below 10.5V that permanently damage lithium cells. Most RV systems aren’t designed for 24/7 cooling loads.

RV air conditioners typically draw 13-16 amps at 120V—that’s 1,560-1,920 watts hourly. A 200Ah lithium battery bank would be drained in 4-5 hours without recharge. Pro Tip: Pair your AC with a 3000W+ inverter and monitor voltage through bluetooth BMS. For example, running two AC units simultaneously on a 30A shore power connection will trip breakers within minutes. But what if you’re boondocking? Solar panels can’t keep up with this drain—you’ll need supplemental generator power.

How does thermostat programming affect AC longevity?

Smart temperature cycling preserves compressor lifespan while maintaining comfort. Ideal settings vary 5-7°F between active cooling and idle periods.

Programming your RV’s thermostat to 75°F daytime/68°F nighttime creates 45-60 minute rest cycles for the compressor. This prevents the short-cycling that occurs when trying to maintain exact temperatures in fluctuating environments. Practically speaking, a 10°F temperature differential setting reduces compressor starts by 40% compared to 2°F differentials. For example, desert campers using 78°F daytime settings report 3-year compressor lifespans versus 18 months for constant 70°F operation.

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