If you are a boat owner, then you should consider installing an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling) system in your boat. Having an air conditioning unit installed in your boat will not only provide you with comfort during hot and muggy days but will also help in the longevity of the onboard systems on the vessel.
You should always opt for marine air conditioners for your boat as they are designed to work efficiently in a boat by consuming less power and space.
However, just like traditional air conditioners, there are quite a lot of options when it comes to marine air conditioners which may overwhelm you.
So here are some crucial tips that will help you in making sure that you pick the perfect marine air conditioner for your boat.
Tips to Consider While Picking a Marine Air Conditioner
Enquire about the Customer Support
After installing an HVAC unit on your boat, it is also essential to get assistance from the manufacturer in case you have any repair or maintenance queries.
Poor customer support is undesirable after spending a considerable amount of money in setting up an HVAC unit in your boat. Consider trying manufacturers like TMD marine air conditioner company that offers 24/7 online assistance regardless of where you are at that moment.
The company has eight years of patented production and is the only manufacturer of marine titanium heat exchangers worldwide. If you install quality systems like these, it not only increase your machine efficiency but reduces the power consumption by 50% or more compared to all other systems in the market.
Pick the Right Type of HVAC
Picking the right type of marine air conditioner that fits the size and capacity of your boat ensures quick cooling and minimum energy consumption.
There are three main types of marine air conditioning systems:
- Self-contained Marine HVACAll the main components are fitted in a single chassis and then installed in the cabin where the air conditioning is required. Self-contained marine air conditioners are perfect for boats with length up to 12 meters (40 ft).
Even though this type of air conditioning units is best for a single cabin, it is also possible to duct the air passage to multiple cabins. However, cooling efficiency will be affected by this.
- Split-Gas Marine HVACThere are two central units in a split-gas HVAC: the condensing unit and the evaporator unit. They are usually installed in different places within the boat and connected using insulated refrigerating tubes made of copper.
The evaporating unit is placed in the cabin and requires very less space as the condensing unit is situated elsewhere. Also, the system will produce less noise compared to other types as well.
Split-Gas marine air conditioning systems are perfect for boats up to 24 meters (80 ft) in length. Moreover, condensing and evaporating units can have a maximum distance of 15 meters (50 ft) between them.
A single condensing unit in a Split-Gas HVAC can handle up to 2 air handlers so to cover different cabins or a larger area.
- Chilled-Water Marine HVACIn this type, a chiller unit sits in the engine room that heats/cools freshwater and passes it to the air handlers through an insulated loop. Thus heating/cooling the cabin through the air handlers.
Chilled-Water marine air conditioning units require less power compared to the other types and is best for boats over 24 meters (80 ft) in length. Moreover, there is no limit on the number of air handlers a single air conditioning system can handle or the distance between the chiller unit and the air handlers.
Avoid Generator-Powered AC UnitMost boat owners tend to purchase marine air conditioners that require a generator to function.
However, generators are quite costly not just to purchase but to maintain as well. Modern marine HVAC systems utilize the latest technologies to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency, increase air turbulence, and thermal exchange.
Therefore, always opt for a modern marine air conditioning unit and stay away from generator-powered units which are outdated, expensive, and a hassle to operate.
Pick a Unit with UV Lamps
When regular marine air conditioners operate, they tend to fill the cabin with a moldy odor which has to do with the moisture content when on the seas and the temperature.
Modern marine HVAC systems come with UV lamps installed within the air handlers, which eliminates the microbes in the air that produces the odor. This keeps the cabin fresh from any unpleasant smell.
Final Words
After purchase and installation, it is also necessary that you frequently clean the HVAC system and refill them with refrigerants required to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity.
We hope you found this article informative and easy to understand. If you wish to add any tips of your own that can help buyers in choosing the perfect marine air conditioner, then do mention them as a comment below.
