Based on average prices for replacing an RV air conditioner and considering different types and the cost of labor, replacing an RV’s air conditioner can cost anywhere between $600 and $3000 or more. Buying the right AC unit for your RV is essential to ensuring you have a good time on your next trip.
After some time spent researching the types of air conditioners you can use in your RV, I found the three main factors that influence the price of replacing your air conditioning unit. There are, of course, other factors that also play a role in the overall cost. However, the factors mentioned below are by far the most prominent.
- The cost of labor
- The type of unit
- The size of the area it needs to cool
Other aspects like the brand you choose to buy and other personal preferences can also cause the price to increase or be substantially less. Ensuring you buy the correct unit is essential to ensure your air conditioner works as intended and that the time spent in your RV is enjoyable, so making an informed decision is always the best way.
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Types Of Air Conditioners
If you are looking to replace your RV’s air conditioner, you have a couple of options to consider. Most RVs have air conditioners attached to the top of the RV on the roof, meaning that you’d probably want to get a new one to fit into that hole. However, there are other options, and some RVs do not have roof-mounted air conditioners, so replacing yours is easy enough.
There are four general types of air conditioners to look at for use in an RV. Not all these options are compatible with all types or styles of RV, though. Choosing the right one might be a bit of a trick. Roof-mounted air conditioners, window air conditioners, portable vent-free conditioners, and portable vented air conditioners are your options when replacing your RV’s AC unit.
If you have an RV with a roof-mounted air conditioner that needs replacing, you’ll probably be looking for one to fill that hole. It is good to know that you do not necessarily have to and that you can find a way to seal the hole and use one of the other types of air conditioners.
- Roof Mounted Air Conditioners – Since most RVs come with roof-mounted air conditioners, they are considered the most popular conditioners to use in RVs. If your RV comes with an air conditioner included and already mounted, the chances are that it was fitted to provide you with the best capabilities for your vehicle.
If you are looking to replace one rooftop air conditioner with another, it is essential to look at the size of conditioner your RV can handle and has been made for, and the BTU needed to cool the inside of your RV. Of course, the size, brand, and BTU all influence your air conditioner’s price, and if you use a specialist, the price might increase more.
If you wish to purchase a new rooftop air conditioner for your RV, there is always the option to buy a more recent model of the same unit or replace the old one with the same version. Doing this is, of course, the easiest way to avoid an error.
Prices can range between ± $500 – $3000 depending on the brand, style, and BTU - Window Air Conditioners – If you want to install a window air conditioning unit for your RV, you can either do it yourself or get professional help. It is vital to make sure that the AC unit you buy fits into the window slot you want to use, and making or purchasing a fitting to support the AC is also essential.
Prices can range between ± $150 – $800 depending on the brand, style, and BTU - Portable Vent Free AC – Portable vent-free air conditioning units are quite popular in RVs. People would use them if their roof-mounted AC has broken or even to help cool the RV a bit more than another AC can by itself.
Though portable and ventless AC units aren’t made for your RV, they are easy to use and install. Simply buy an AC unit that can suit your needs, load it onto your RV, and plug it in. Ensuring you have a secure spot for your AC unit is essential, and some people even create a fitting to hold the AC still to be used while driving.
Prices can range between ± $100 – $800 depending on the brand, style, and BTU - Portable Vented AC – The Vented AC unit is probably the least popular for use in an RV. It is recommended to only use this AC when standing still, and packing up your AC when you are driving will ensure that your vehicle isn’t considered a danger on the road.
Vented AC units might be cheap, but their use is limited due to the vent. Your AC must stand under a window to allow the AC pipe to lead outside. Using this AC unit also means packing it up every time you’re on the road.
Prices can range between ± $100 – $700 depending on the brand, style, and BTU
Prices Of AC Units
Seeing as there are so many options to choose from when buying a replacement AC unit for your RV, the prices can differ wildly based on your needs. More prominent brands also cost more, and BTU significantly impacts the price. After measuring your RV and looking at a BTU chart, you should find precisely what you need.
The prices below were gathered from Amazon.com and are subject to change.
| BTU | Average Price Range and Type | |||
| Roof Mounted | Window | No Vent | Vented | |
| 8,000 | $500 – $2300 | $150 – $400 | $100 – $320 | $100 – $225 |
| 10,000 | $600 – $2500 | $200 – $500 | $180 – $400 | $150 – $370 |
| 12,000 | $700 – $3000 | $250 – $650 | $300 – $580 | $300 – $520 |
| 14,000 | $900 – $3000+ | $350 – $800 | $400 – $800 | $400 – $700 |
Price Of Labor For Installation
The price of installation labor is another factor to consider when deciding which AC You want to buy. Buying a roof-mounted RV air conditioning unit means that you will probably have to pay someone to help you install the air conditioner, or at the very least need to ask a second person to help you as these AC units can be pretty heavy.
The installation price can range anywhere from $65 to $135 per hour depending on the AC unit, the skill needed, extra materials, and the number of people required to install the air conditioning unit in your RV. These prices are average prices for the installation of a roof-mounted AC unit.
If you choose to buy a window conditioning unit, you might need to get a bracket made and have someone help you secure the AC unit in place. This labor will probably cost you between $65 to $100 per hour and should not be more than two hours.
Installing a portable AC unit is incredibly easy and needs little to no labor as you can do it yourself. If you want to secure your AC unit in place for when traveling, you can do so using ropes and easily installed brackets.
Good luck, and happy camping!
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