Air Conditioners
BOAT AIR CONDITIONERS
Boat air conditioners are essential for those days when the weather is just too hot. Radiation from the water makes temperatures inside a boat rise. A boat ac can keep the atmosphere on board pleasant, even in extreme heat.
Part of the cooling process of a boat ac, in addition to lowering the air temperature, is the removal of moisture from the air. This lowers the humidity, making the area feel more comfortable and helping to keep the boat dry, reducing mold growth and other moisture related problems. A boat ac is designed specifically to cool down boats and yachts in warm weather. A boat ac is installed along with control assemblies, a seawater cooling system and air distribution systems.
If the boat is small, a self-contained unit could be best. On a boat of less than 40 feet, a self contained boat ac should work well. Self-contained units usually require less power, however they could take up more space than other boat air conditioners. A self-contained cooling system is ideal for smaller boats in which engine room space is limited. All of the system components, except for the seawater pump and strainer, are built on a single low-profile chassis. It is normally installed under a berth, in a closet or any other out-of-the-way location. Air is carried through flexible ducts to air grills for discharge into one or more compartments. Cooling-only models are available in the market, as well as reverse-cycle, which can cool or heat.
Central systems are normally used on boats in the 45 to 75 foot range. A central air conditioning system is quieter than a self-contained system. Central systems also known as split air conditioning systems have the condensing unit and air handler installed in different locations. In central systems the condensing unit is mounted in the engine room or other mechanical space. The air handler, also called the evaporator is installed in the living area. Two air handlers can connect to one condensing unit. Split systems are a good choice because less space is needed in the living area for the air handlers. They are quieter because the compressor is in the engine room.
Chilled water systems are designed for large boats and mega yachts. These consist of a chiller, located in the engine room that cools or heats fresh water, which is pumped through an insulated piping loop, out to air handlers located in the living spaces, where the air is cooled or heated. If a chilled water system is installed there is no limitation on the number of air handlers in a system, or on the distance from the chiller to the air handlers. There is a flexible load management and often a reduced peak electrical load.
It is important to install the boat ac system where there is good access for inspection, changing filters and where the boat ac can be serviced without difficulty. Easy access to the boat ac will help with all kinds of maintenance. It is important to make sure the drain lines are properly connected to either the bilge or directly overboard so that the condensed water from the air has something to drain. Many professionals recommend buying saltwater-resistant pipes and systems to help the boat ac last longer without the need for repairs.
A complete boat ac system requires multiple subsystems, including the control/switch assembly, the seawater cooling system, and the air distribution system.
In selecting the boat ac, it is essential to know the size and layout of boat, the required capacity, the access for routing necessary tubing/wiring/hoses, the location of furnishings, the storage space you are willing to sacrifice, and the cost.
It is very important to choose the right boat ac. To determine the best boat ac for your specific boating requirements, contact a marine air conditioning systems specialist. An expert will examine the details of your boat and work with you so that you can choose a boat ac that suits you.
Boat air conditioners are essential for those days when the weather is just too hot. Radiation from the water makes temperatures inside a boat rise. A boat ac can keep the atmosphere on board pleasant, even in extreme heat.
Part of the cooling process of a boat ac, in addition to lowering the air temperature, is the removal of moisture from the air. This lowers the humidity, making the area feel more comfortable and helping to keep the boat dry, reducing mold growth and other moisture related problems. A boat ac is designed specifically to cool down boats and yachts in warm weather. A boat ac is installed along with control assemblies, a seawater cooling system and air distribution systems.
If the boat is small, a self-contained unit could be best. On a boat of less than 40 feet, a self contained boat ac should work well. Self-contained units usually require less power, however they could take up more space than other boat air conditioners. A self-contained cooling system is ideal for smaller boats in which engine room space is limited. All of the system components, except for the seawater pump and strainer, are built on a single low-profile chassis. It is normally installed under a berth, in a closet or any other out-of-the-way location. Air is carried through flexible ducts to air grills for discharge into one or more compartments. Cooling-only models are available in the market, as well as reverse-cycle, which can cool or heat.
Central systems are normally used on boats in the 45 to 75 foot range. A central air conditioning system is quieter than a self-contained system. Central systems also known as split air conditioning systems have the condensing unit and air handler installed in different locations. In central systems the condensing unit is mounted in the engine room or other mechanical space. The air handler, also called the evaporator is installed in the living area. Two air handlers can connect to one condensing unit. Split systems are a good choice because less space is needed in the living area for the air handlers. They are quieter because the compressor is in the engine room.
Chilled water systems are designed for large boats and mega yachts. These consist of a chiller, located in the engine room that cools or heats fresh water, which is pumped through an insulated piping loop, out to air handlers located in the living spaces, where the air is cooled or heated. If a chilled water system is installed there is no limitation on the number of air handlers in a system, or on the distance from the chiller to the air handlers. There is a flexible load management and often a reduced peak electrical load.
It is important to install the boat ac system where there is good access for inspection, changing filters and where the boat ac can be serviced without difficulty. Easy access to the boat ac will help with all kinds of maintenance. It is important to make sure the drain lines are properly connected to either the bilge or directly overboard so that the condensed water from the air has something to drain. Many professionals recommend buying saltwater-resistant pipes and systems to help the boat ac last longer without the need for repairs.
A complete boat ac system requires multiple subsystems, including the control/switch assembly, the seawater cooling system, and the air distribution system.
In selecting the boat ac, it is essential to know the size and layout of boat, the required capacity, the access for routing necessary tubing/wiring/hoses, the location of furnishings, the storage space you are willing to sacrifice, and the cost.
It is very important to choose the right boat ac. To determine the best boat ac for your specific boating requirements, contact a marine air conditioning systems specialist. An expert will examine the details of your boat and work with you so that you can choose a boat ac that suits you.
