The manual explains the things you can check in the system and the correct procedure. And when in doubt, always call the professionals. If you need to clean the filter more often, try cleaning the cabin. Call us about your marine air conditioning needs and we will be happy to help! If the boat planes or the waterline changes, it can leave the pump out of the water, preventing it from performing optimally. Inspect the reversing valve relay to see if it’s burned. Fan Does Not Work While the Compressor Is Running, 10. Reverse cycle uses the same principle as air conditioning, except the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction. Make sure bleed valve is tightly closed. An award-winning Dometic self-contained turbo unit. What happens if you turn on your AC but it doesn’t come online? You can flush the system with a weak solution of biodegradable acid or pressurized water. We specialize in repair and installation of marine air conditioning, refrigeration and icemakers. Check your user manual for the correct way to clean the system or ask a professional to perform detailed maintenance. Please contact us for a price quote and estimated turn-around-time. Kinks in the hose, debris, and clogged lines to the seawater pump can restrict the flow of water. Here’s how to troubleshoot that air-conditioning system. Faulty bearings can also make the pump loud. If it’s clogged, it can reduce cooling and even damage the system. The evaporator’s duct might be too lengthy or kinked in places, causing a heat build-up that triggers the RESET button. This problem occurs when the high-pressure switch is triggered while the AC unit is operating in Cool mode. Many skippers never switch to reverse cycle, but they should: There’s a reversing valve in the system that can stick if it’s not activated regularly. It might be blocked, kinked or misaligned. “Marine growth and scale builds up and clogs the coil,” says Wayne Wright (www.wrightmarine.net), a Tampa Bay marine air-conditioning specialist. Either the vents are insufficient or the existing ones are blocked. Flush the unit with a pressure pump if it is blocked. If your air conditioner won't turn on, it's important to troubleshoot a few key things before you call in an HVAC technician, as this can save you time and - more importantly - money. Clear brush and debris from outside unit and surrounding area troubleshooting and maintenance and provide technical support for a wide variety of equipment including: Webasto Blue Heat, Proheat, and Propex Heatsource Marine Forced Air and Hydronic Diesel Heaters Eno, Dickinson, Force10 Manufacturing, Gas Systems, Hillerange, Kenyon, Origo, Air conditioners don’t really produce cold, they remove heat. The tubing can be run inside of the interior walls or along the ceiling. Look for damage, clog and anything which can obstruct the smooth flow of cooling water. An overflowing condensation pan can flood your boat if not corrected on time. Acquired by Dometic from Taylor Made Corporation in 2003, Marine Air is an important part of the Dometic brand portfolio. Our partners and staff come from a wide range of backgrounds, which provides our customers with versatility and stability. Part of your scheduled air-conditioner maintenance, along with cleaning the air filters and raw-water strainer, should be to switch to reverse cycle for a couple of minutes periodically, even if it’s already hot as Hades in the cabin. In this case, “boiling” doesn’t mean “hot”: The boiling point of a common refrigerant, R410A, is around minus 55 degrees F. At normal temperatures and pressures, it’s a gas. This problem is usually the result of insufficient ventilation. We covered this at length in the troubleshooting section. But you won’t get the best service from your climate control system without adequate maintenance. Check the drain hose. Clean with a blower if you notice debris or dust buildup. The compressor pumps hot, pressurized refrigerant into the air handler where it transfers its heat to the cabin via the flow of cool cabin air over the coils. This indicates malfunctioning reversing valves. The refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve to the condenser, where the now very cold refrigerant picks up heat from the seawater and carries it through the compressor to the cabin. If the strainer is clear but an insufficient amount of water seems to be running through the system anyway, the cause could be a bad water-pump impeller, an easy fix for most skippers. As with virtually every other maintenance project onboard, step one of just about any fix will entail finding and reading the owner’s manual: Everything you can do yourself is explained in there; for everything else, call a pro and join mom and the kids at the hotel pool. Installation and servicing of this system can be hazardous. You may also trigger the HEAT sensor when operating the AC during warm temperatures. Marine Air Conditioning Refrigeration and Electrical repair service JDM Marine Co San Diego. The electrical box and compressor units take up to 25 percent less space compared to those made by our competitors. Increase the thermostat setting to remove ice from the system. The thermostat should be in off position. Check the level of the refrigerant in the system. It can also be a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse which will need a replacement. Normal temperatures. Make sure the thru-hull, sea strainer, and valves are working perfectly. If your marine AC is not cooling like before, maybe the refrigerant is leaking. Because the water flow passing through the strainer is nutrient-rich, critters and small marine life love to lodge in the space. (If your reverse-cycle valve sticks, by the way, tapping it lightly may free it; listen for a hiss as it activates. If it does stick, when you want heat, you’ll be left out in the cold. This makes it imperative to know basic things to troubleshoot when your marine cooling system fails suddenly. In all cases, reading and studying the aforementioned manual before opening your toolbox or calling for help is very important. To jump the fan, isolate the RED and GREEN wires in the thermostat connection. A gurgling sound indicates air in the system. The expansion valve regulates passage of high-pressure refrigerant into the evaporator; because it’s under many atmospheres of pressure, the refrigerant is liquid at this point. Over time, excessive amounts of materials in the sea strainer that acts as a barrier between the water and the thru-hull can cause a blockage. Depending on the brand and model of air conditioner, the following are things to check when you have issues with your boat AC. For this, you need a professional to find and seal the leak and refill the Freon. Our marine air conditioning systems are designed to be as compact as possible. This problem arises when the air conditioner does not produce heat in HEAT mode. The air start system looks rather complicated, but it is quite simple when you examine it without the safeguards. ... Industry, We have the education , experience and the Factory Certified Licensing to be the best for all your HVAC-R systems needs. Shut off your marine AC unit and troubleshoot the fan and adjoining areas. Clean the relevant sea strainer once a month (or more often in tropical waters), and whenever your air-conditioning system is functioning, keep an eye on its raw-water discharge to ensure the flow is unrestricted. Remove any blockage and clean the air filter to improve ventilation. This issue occurs when the high-pressure switch, i.e., RESET activates while the air conditioner is operating in HEAT mode. While you’re cleaning that filter, incidentally, check the condensate pan under the evaporator for water. Morten teaches that on his YouTube Channel. Air Marine Systems is a reseller of new and used aviation and marine spare parts. Dirty and clogged filters make your AC unit inefficient, increasing the system’s workload. Give system time to stabilize. “It should be done every two to five years, depending on where the boat is located,” advises Wright. The first company to develop a self contained ductable marine air conditioner in the 1980’s, Marine Air Systems revolutionized the marine air conditioning business by making marine air conditioning more affordable for boat builders to install. Checking and recharging the system is a job for a licensed air-conditioning technician. All Rights Reserved. He has completely rebuilt two RVs in which he travels with his family for months at the time. Manufacturers recommend flushing the condenser coils to remove marine scum and scale every two to five years based on the frequency of use or location. • Bypass valve motor may not be operating. Or it could be the condenser coil. Check that there are no loose or disconnected wires. Air conditioners remove humidity along with heat, and the water has to go somewhere. Check that the AC pump works properly and replace if faulty. Clogged air conditioning condenser coils can make your boat unbearably hot. A dirty condenser filter will restrict the flow of water, and this can cause the unit to overflow. It also lists the activities which are not DIYable and so you can call professionals. Check for cracked and leaking hoses, broken, worn and corroded clamps, and replace old components. In that case, move the thermostat for correct operation. You can change a burned fuse or tripped circuit breaker, but don’t attempt retrofitting your marine AC unit’s electrical connections except you are qualified. To check this, disconnect the pump power and start the AC. Whenever you experience this problem, check that water is flowing through the AC unit. Need Help? The Replacement Cruisair Compressor used in F and R series units are also available for Btu Use these tips to keep your AC unit in excellent shape. Replace the pump if it doesn’t trip off the circuit. Except you have a background in HVAC systems, there is a limit to what you can with a troublesome marine air conditioner. So, although the technology is fine for autumn boating, if you plan on an Arctic exploration, you might want to install a dedicated heating system. It can also be because of insufficient or blocked supply air grilles. Nothing beats a summer retreat on your boat. A freezing evaporator can be because the fan is not running efficiently or is damaged. Efficient heat exchange at the condenser demands a free flow of raw water, of course, which means keeping the supply side clear. • Air handler coil may be air locked – bleed if necessary. If the pump makes a lot of noise, it has something in it. It uses environmentally correct R410A gas. From 1977 until today, Marine Air Systems has represented innovation in marine air conditioning. (Nice vacation, huh?) MARINE AIR SYSTEMS Marine Air Systems (MAS) is a product of Taylor Made Environmental, Inc (TME). Check the condenser filter. Some of the possible causes of failure in the system are listed in the air conditioner troubleshooting guide below. Even if your air-conditioning system is working great, clean the filter once a month. But to perform optimally, the pump must always be in contact with the water. Allow them to dry thoroughly before reassembling as moist filters attract dust. This Dometic split-system-type air conditioner separates air handler/evaporator (left) and condenser/compressor (right). Morten is the founder of GoDownsize. (PS: We read ALL feedback). If the filter gets dirty, the airflow is restricted and it’ll take longer for the cabin to cool off. A chilled-water system, on the other hand, cools fresh water that, in turn, circulates through the air handlers. Since many marine air conditioning systems function around the clock, drawing in raw water continuously, ongoing maintenance is crucial to ensure optimum performance. The AC unit may not be elevated enough for the water to leave the pan nipple. When your air conditioner’s condensation pan overflows, it means an obstruction. Some Older Cruisair Parts and Marine Air Systems Parts Are still Available Like - Blowers, Circuit boards, displays, and Keypads for older Marine Air Conditioners like Marine Air VCD, VCP, VRP, VHE. View & download of more than 1 Marine Air Systems PDF user manuals, service manuals, operating guides. Clean with a blower if you notice debris or dust buildup. Remove anything restricting the air flow. As the phase-converting refrigerant passes through the evaporator coils, it gets colder but more gaseous (because it’s boiling), and absorbs heat from the surrounding air. He grew up on the coast where his dad took him boating from a young age. Inspect the air filter and clean it for proper ventilation. If you need to clean the filter more often, try cleaning the cabin. Most air-conditioning systems are “direct expansion”: they pump refrigerant directly to air handlers in the boat’s living spaces. If the above tips don’t help, call a professional or the manufacturer’s customer support. This occurs when you are using the thermostat. Check the minimum number of vents the system requires for optimal performance and upgrade as required. The first thing you should do if it’s way too hot belowdecks is to clean the filter—vacuum it, wash it, do whatever the owner’s manual tells you. The first step is to clean and clear the pan nipple of any debris that might restrict the flow of water. The AC pump in your boat is a vital component that must work perfectly to keep your vessel cool. If this is the problem, flush the system for improved airflow. After leaving the evaporator, the refrigerant, now a low-pressure gas, travels to a compressor which once again pumps it up to many times normal atmospheric pressure. It makes the evaporator dusty and decreases its heat-dissipating abilities. Refrigeration system is one of the most important machinery systems on board ships that requires continuous monitoring and maintenance from ship's engineers. Activation of High-Pressure Switch in HEAT Mode, 7. Julio Ramirez, a technical advisor with air-conditioning maven Dometic (www.dometic.com), recommends taking the temperatures of the supply and return air with a digital thermometer—it’ll set you back about 20 bucks if you don’t already have one. Activation of High-Pressure Switch in Cool Mode. Control Unit, user manuals, operating guides & specifications Most marine air conditioners have a reverse-cycle mode, which changes the flow of refrigerant and turns the system into a heat pump. In this article, we look at the common issues to check when your vessel’s AC stutters. Dusty evaporator coils are inefficient and will increase the strain on your unit. Replace or service the seawater pump if it is failing and change kinked hoses. After purging the air from the system don’t forget to shut the purging valve. Welcome to Brad's Marine Air Conditioning! If you take good care of your air-conditioning system, it’ll take good care of you, maybe for decades, says Wright. Need a way to check whether your air-conditioning system is working up to spec? If the thermostat is poorly positioned, it may sense cold temperature and reduce the unit’s cooling effect. Inspect the raw water strainer and flush if dirty or clogged. The colder the water, the more efficient the cooling, but most air conditioners will work fine to water temps into the 80-degree range, sometimes warmer. If you are having trouble with your Marine A/C system, try the following troubleshooting tips. When any liquid boils—scientists call this “phase conversion”—it absorbs heat. The pump needs to be submerged to draw water into the AC unit. Sometimes, the noise is because of friction and some lubrication will stop it. He has filmed and interviewed people living in tiny houses and RVs since 2011. It’s vital to check all connections and hoses. Circuit Breaker Triggers Uncontrollably, 9. Your AC unit’s fan keeps the evaporator coil cool for efficient operation of the condenser. If you make mistakes with the polarity of live and neutral wires, you can end up frying the whole system and cause extensive damage to the unit and your boat. At the end of this piece, you will know the basics to keep your air conditioner in top shape. The fix is to flush out the cooling system with a weak acid solution, a job for a technician in most cases. Whether you’re looking for expert repair and maintenance, retrofit an existing system, or planning to have a new air conditioning system installed, Oceanworks Marine has you covered. Make sure the sea cock is open and prime the pump to activate. If the difference is less, the problem could be a loss of refrigerant charge; although the system is supposed to be a closed loop, sometimes refrigerant leaks out. If you live in a place with humid summers and cruise on mosquito-infested waters, a working AC unit is a must. Check your boat for any spaces that can allow warm air into the cabin. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Similar to other air conditioning systems, this equipment involves electrical and high pressure components. A new clean system under moderate load should operate at the lower end of this range and a dirty system under full load might operate in the upper range. Marine growth can also clog condenser coils. Sometimes the problem is from a faulty fan relay or capacitor. Raise the elevation to restore flow. Check to see whether the reversing valve sticking produces a hissing noise when you tap it with a screwdriver during operation. Check the drain by blocking it temporarily and filling the pan with fresh water—it should be gone in 30 seconds or less when you unblock the drain. 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