Marine air conditioners are crucial for keeping your boat comfortable. They cool the cabins down, making your trips more enjoyable, especially during hot days. But, just like any other equipment on board, they need regular care to work well.
In this article, we will share essential tips to help you take care of your marine air conditioner. This includes understanding how they work, regular maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, and seasonal care routines. Following these tips can help you keep your marine air conditioner in top shape, so it lasts longer and performs better.
Proper maintenance of your marine air conditioner keeps your boat cool and helps you avoid sudden breakdowns. When you know how to care for your system and what issues to watch out for, you can fix small problems before they become big ones. This will save you time and money in the long run. So, let’s dive into the important tips for taking care of your marine air conditioner!
Marine air conditioners use a process called refrigeration. The system takes heat from the inside of the boat and moves it outside. It does this with a series of parts like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. When the refrigerant passes through these parts, it changes from a liquid to a gas and back again. This helps cool the air inside the boat.
The compressor pushes the refrigerant through the system. The condenser helps release the heat outside the boat either by air or water . The evaporator takes in warm air from inside the boat and cools it down. This cooled air is then blown back into the cabin. This cycle continues until the boat reaches a comfortable temperature.
Most Marine air conditioners use special marine grade water heat exchangers to dissipate the heat. The Water tubes are typically made from Cupro nickel or Titanium to handle the harsh salt water elements and corrosion.
There are a few types of marine air conditioners. For smaller to medium sized vessel’s generally use self-contained units and or split systems.
Passenger Ferries and Commercial vessel use Split systems or Chillers. We often supply Split VRF water cooled units to these types of vessel’s
Super Yachts and larger Commercial vessel’s will generally use Chilled Water Plants
Self-contained units are the cheaper option and easy to install and good for small to medium-sized boats. They have all the parts in one box, which makes them compact and any handyman can install them as they are pre gassed and ready to run once plumbing, ducting and wiring have been completed.
Split systems are better for larger boats but will require an authorised person to carry out correct piping installation and commissioning. The condensing unit is generally located in a machinery space and the evaporator,blower located in the cabin areas. Because the compressor components is generally located in a machinery space this makes the fan coil quieter for the cabins.
Note – Any high voltage Electrical work must be completed by a licensed person.
Several issues can come up with marine air conditioners. One common problem is the unit not cooling properly. This might happen if the refrigerant level is low or the filters are dirty. Strange noises can also be a sign of trouble. These often come from loose parts or a failing compressor.
Water leaks are another issue to watch for. They can be caused by blocked drain lines, dirty filters or a faulty pump. Electrical problems can also occur. These might include tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
Clean filters are key to keeping your marine air conditioner running well. Dirty filters block airflow, making the unit work harder. This can lead to higher energy use and even damage the system. To clean the filters, remove them from the unit and wash them with water. Let them dry completely before putting them back. Aim to clean the filters every few weeks.
The condenser coils help release heat from the refrigerant. Over time, these coils can get covered with dirt,dust or salt corrosion. When this happens, the air conditioner has to work harder. To clean the coils, turn off the power to the unit and remove any covers. Use a soft brush or a vacuum to clean the coils gently. Do this at least once a season for the best results.
Wash down air cooled condensers after each trip to help remove salt residue on aluminum condenser coil fins. Salt will destroy the air cooled aluminum fins fairly quickly in the marine environment so we generally prefer to use water cooled Condensing units which will offer a much longer operational life.
Annually check water cooled condenser for growth build up in water lines and heat exchanger. Use products like Barnacle buster to remove and clean these build ups if required.
Check sea strainers on a regular occurrence.
Ductwork carries cool air from the air conditioner throughout the boat. If there are leaks or blockages in the ducts, the air won’t reach all areas. Check the ducts for any signs of damage, like holes or loose connections. Seal any leaks with duct tape or sealant. Also, make sure there are no objects blocking the ducts.
The refrigerant is what makes the air conditioner cool the boat. If the refrigerant level is low, the unit won’t work well. You can usually check the refrigerant levels with the gauges on the unit. If the levels are low, it might be due to a leak. It’s best to call a professional to handle refrigerant issues. Checking the refrigerant levels a couple of times a year is a good practice.
If your marine air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, it could be due to several reasons. First, check the filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, making the unit less effective. Next, examine the condenser coils. If they’re dirty, they won’t release heat as they should. Clean them gently to see if this improves the cooling. Another possibility is a low refrigerant level. it’s best to contact a professional to check gas levels.
Strange noises from your marine air conditioner often signal a problem. Grinding or squealing sounds usually come from the motor or fan blades. Turn off the unit and inspect the fan for any loose or broken parts. Tighten or replace them as needed. Rattling sounds might mean that something is loose inside the unit. In this case, examine the interior and tighten any loose screws or bolts.
Water leaks are a common issue with marine air conditioners. These often occur due to blocked drain lines. Check the drain lines and clear any debris to ensure proper water flow. Another cause might be a faulty pump. If you’re not sure how to address this, seek professional assistance. Prompt attention to leaks can prevent water damage to other parts of your boat.
Electrical problems can be tricky to handle but are often easy to spot. If your unit isn’t turning on, check the circuit breakers to see if they’ve tripped. Reset them if needed. Also, inspect the fuses in the air conditioner. Replace any that are blown. If electrical issues persist, there could be a more significant problem. Professional help is recommended to avoid any safety risks.
Before summer hits, make sure your marine air conditioner is ready to keep you cool. Start by cleaning the filters and condenser coils. Inspect the ductwork for any leaks or blockages. Check the refrigerant levels to ensure proper cooling. Lastly, test the unit to make sure it’s running well. Address any issues before they become bigger problems in the hot weather.
Taking care of your marine air conditioner year-round means fewer unexpected problems. Regularly clean the filters to maintain airflow. Schedule professional check-ups annually to catch any potential issues early. Monitor the system for unusual noises or leaks and address them quickly. Following these simple tips will help your air conditioner last longer and run more efficiently.
Maintaining your marine air conditioner is essential for keeping your boat comfortable and cool. By understanding how your system works and following these regular maintenance tips, you can avoid many common problems. Regular upkeep not only ensures better performance but also extends the life of your unit.
Seasonal care routines are just as important. Whether it’s preparing your air conditioner for the summer heat or winterising it for the colder months, staying on top of these tasks will make a big difference. Simple actions like cleaning filters, checking for leaks, and scheduling annual check-ups can prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
If you need help with more complex issues or prefer a professional touch, trust Freezetec. Our experts are here to ensure your marine refrigeration and marine air conditioner runs smoothly year-round. Contact Freezetec today for all your marine air conditioning needs!
Call us today on (07) 3286 3522, or fill out the form below.
Redland City, Redlands Coast, Brisbane Bayside, Capalaba, Cleveland, Logan, Victoria Point, Redland Bay, Tingalpa. We also serve the Gold Coast City Marina and Boat Works in Coomera
P. (07) 3286 3522
E. info@freezetec.com.au
A: 259 South Street
Cleveland
QLD 4163
