More of our customers are using their vessels to get away and quarantine with family and friends. The dog days of summer put stress on vessel Air Conditioning systems. Technology in Marine Air Conditioning, other than controls becoming electronic instead of mechanical, has virtually gone unchanged with one significant exception. Modern marine AC’s now utilize titanium vs cupronickel for the condensing coils which greatly increase the lifespan of the product. When coils fail internally this generally takes out the entire unit. Titanium is unaffected by the harsh marine environment from saltwater, invasive marine life, and the harsh acids used for cleaning the coils.
Contact usHow do you get the most out of your AC and prolong its life?
The key is flushing your system before it reaches the critical stage and keeping your air handlers clean.
PRESERVING YOUR VESSEL’S AIR CONDITIONING |
The water the vessel sits in will determine the flushing frequency and type of servicing your marine AC system will require. (i.e., simple backflush or a chemical flush) If for example, the cooling water pickup is close to the bottom there may be more silt that gets pumped into the system, particularly the condensing coil. In this case, no chemicals are needed, but rather back flushing with fresh water is all that is required to eliminate settlement. |
In another scenario, a vessel anchored in deep water versus one tied behind a house in a canal with little water movement will not have the same flushing frequency. The salinity of the water, marine growth, and water temperature all have direct implications on the needs and frequency for the flushing of your AC system. |
Customer flushing needs vary greatly, some requiring as little as annual servicing while others flush as routinely as once a month. In those cases, Gillen Yacht Services often installs a quick disconnect that allows the customer greater ease and access to perform this function. |
Keeping your system routinely flushed prevents compressors from getting overheated which is the component that has the highest incidence of significant failure and the most cost. |
Cleaning of the air handlers should occur at least annually. Often times it is as simple as cleaning or replacing a filter at the front of the unit. Depending on the installation this job can be quite difficult but should not be ignored. In the absence of a serviceable filter, the air handler fins may require cleaning with a chemical solution. Ignoring this important service item can result in a significant reduction of airflow or causing the unit to freeze. |
Gillen Yacht Services specialized AC department can perform all these services or demonstrate to you or your crew how to perform these tasks. Call us for all your AC needs. |