03 Heating and Air Conditioning
Furnace
The motorhome is equipped with a forced-air furnace fueled by LP gas. The furnace is controlled by the wall-mounted thermostats (Figure 3-1) located inside the motorhome (one in the front of the motorhome; the other in the master bedroom). These thermostats control both the heating and air conditioning for the motorhome.
In the gas heating mode, the furnace heats air which, in turn, is circulated through ductwork in the floor of the motorhome. If any obstruction(s) block the floor vent(s)
or air-return register, then the furnace will not function properly. Any items stored under the cabinets should be carefully stowed to prevent damaging or crushing the furnace ducting or blocking the warm-air return.
| NOTE: When a furnace is being used for the first time, there might be an initial “burn-off” of manufacturing compounds or residues left on the heat exchanger or in the ductwork, which could produce odors, fumes, and possibly some smoke. This is normal and should not cause concern, unless it persists for an excessive amount of time. |
To minimize the after-effects of this “burn-off” process, the initial use of the furnace should be done with all the doors and windows open to permit normal air circulation to dissipate these odors and fumes.
For routine operation of the furnace, set the thermostat to the desired temperature setting and then turn the thermostat to gas heat. In about a minute, the furnace will begin to operate and warm or hot air will come through the ductwork.
To shut down the furnace, turn the thermostat to the OFF position. Even though the thermostat might be turned OFF, the furnace system will continue to run for about a minute or so to permit a gradual cooldown of the heating system, which is normal.
On a regular basis, thoroughly clean the complete furnace and air-tube passageways to remove dust, lint, and any other possible obstructions. Leak-test the entire LP gas system at least annually. Also, check and clean the air-blower system annually.
Any access hatches to the furnace are for authorized service personnel only, as there are no userserviceable parts on the furnace. Accordingly, do not attempt to tamper with the interior of the furnace.
Before the beginning of each travel season, the furnace must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Any obstructions, debris, or lint, which might obstruct free airflow or impede the operation of the air circulation system, must be removed. For example, accumulated dust or lint could possibly obstruct the orifices for the pilot light or might accumulate on the blower blades and unbalance the operation of the blower. Additionally, any debris in the ductwork, when heated by the furnace, could emit unpleasant odors or possibly become a fire hazard.
The furnace system must be periodically cleaned. Annual cleaning is recommended unless the motorhome is subjected to dust levels significantly greater than average, in which case more frequent cleaning is recommended. The Owner’s Information Package provides recommended cleaning tips and procedures. When needed, a more thorough cleaning must be performed by a qualified service technician.
Air Conditioning System
The factory-installed air-conditioning system is designed for 120 VAC power supplied either from the external power cord or from the generator. For the best cooling scenarios, park the motorhome in a shaded location whenever possible and close drapes on the windows exposed to direct sunlight.
The air-conditioned, cooled air is emitted through the vents (Figure 3-2 to Figure 3-4), which are located in the roof throughout the entire coach along the passenger side. The return air vents run parallel, front to back, on the ceiling along the driver’s side of the coach. The return vents are similar to the air conditioning vents, but they contain foam filters that keep dust from flowing back through the air conditioning system. The return filters can be easily removed and cleaned with warm water and a mild cleaning solution. To remove the filter, pull the vent down and lift the filter from inside the opening.
Thermostat Controls
The following is a brief overview of how best to use the thermostat (Figure 3-5). For more detailed instructions, please consult the thermostat literature in the Owner’s Information Package.
1. Use the “Thermostat” switch to select the desired function (e.g., COOL, OFF, GAS HEAT, or ELEC HEAT).
| NOTE: In the “COOL” mode there will be a delay of several minutes before the refrigerant in the air-conditioning system begins to cool the motorhome, as the compressor is on a time-delay circuit and it must also cool the ductwork to the vents first. |
2. Select the Fan Mode operation (AUTO or ON) and the Fan Speed operation (LO or HI) to select fan speed desired.
3. Press the Up and/or the Down buttons to set the desired temperature for the motorhome.
|
NOTE: When the fan mode is in AUTO, the fan will cut on and off when the temperature reaches the desired setting. |
| NOTE: There is a thermostat control for each air conditioning unit, one located in the bedroom and one in the living area. |
Heat Pump Controls (Optional)
To activate the optional heat pump, set the thermostat to the ELEC HEAT mode and select the desired temperature.
| NOTE: If the setting on the thermostat and the room temperature are more than five degrees apart, the Aqua-Hot heating system or gas furnace will automatically turn ON with the heat pump. Once the room temperature reaches the desired level specified on the thermostat setting, the furnace will cut off and the heat pump will maintain the heating of the coach. |
| NOTE: The heat pump is controlled by the thermostat located in the living area of the motorhome. |
If the external temperature falls to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat pump will become inoperative and the gas furnace will begin to operate automatically.