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marine air systems troubleshooting

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. 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. Clear the hose if it’s an obstruction. The main cause of this issue is restricted airflow and can be corrected by removing the obstruction. Reordering the connection might solve the problem. Verify seawater temperature. But, if there’s not enough time for that for some reason, just look at the controls—many modern systems include digital panels that display error codes. Search for military aircraft including a diesel engine part for a helicopter or airplane, ship repair supplies and more. Depending on the brand and model of air conditioner, the following are things to check when you have issues with your boat AC. Faulty bearings can also make the pump loud. You may notice that your boat’s AC is not as cool as it used to be despite the compressor and fan working normally. ... Industry, We have the education , experience and the Factory Certified Licensing to be the best for all your HVAC-R systems needs. The filters ensure your air conditioner exchanges heat efficiently. The evaporator/fan/ducting assembly is called an “air handler.” The warm air that’s pulled in from the cabin is called “return” air, while the “supply” air is the cold air coming out of the air handler. Flush the unit with a pressure pump if it is blocked. We specialize in repair and installation of marine air conditioning, refrigeration and icemakers. 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. Even if your air-conditioning system is working great, clean the filter once a month. Inspect the hoses from the sea stock, strainer, pump, to the thru-hull. A fan blows warm air from the cabin across the evaporator and discharges it, now cooler, through ducting back into the cabin. 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. Email [email protected]. This problem arises when the air conditioner does not produce heat in HEAT mode. Dusty evaporator coils are inefficient and will increase the strain on your unit. Our partners and staff come from a wide range of backgrounds, which provides our customers with versatility and stability. If it’s clogged, it can reduce cooling and even damage the system. You can also experience this problem if the thermostat is set too low. We service Fort Lauderdale, FL, Vero Beach, FL, Tampa, FL, Marco Islands, FL and Key … The pump needs to be submerged to draw water into the AC unit. Check to see whether the reversing valve sticking produces a hissing noise when you tap it with a screwdriver during operation. From 1977 until today, Marine Air Systems has represented innovation in marine air conditioning. To jump the fan, isolate the RED and GREEN wires in the thermostat connection. Pressure equals heat, so to cool the gas on the downstream side of the compressor it’s run through a raw-water-cooled condenser, which returns the refrigerant to a liquid state. If you explore all options but the noise persists, call a professional. This unit is someth… Put the system’s fan or blower on high speed before testing, Ramirez says. We are reader supported. It can also be a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse which will need a replacement. Check the minimum number of vents the system requires for optimal performance and upgrade as required. (PS: We read ALL feedback). The AC unit may not be elevated enough for the water to leave the pan nipple. Make sure bleed valve is tightly closed. The thru-hull lets water in and out of the AC unit. Some of the possible causes of failure in the system are listed in the air conditioner troubleshooting guide below. A gurgling sound indicates air in the system. 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. Sometimes, the noise is because of friction and some lubrication will stop it. Repairs come backed with a one year warranty covering parts and our labor. The evaporator’s duct might be too lengthy or kinked in places, causing a heat build-up that triggers the RESET button. It’s July, and a skipper’s thoughts turn to his air-conditioning system—especially if the darn thing stops working and his family moves into the Holiday Inn next door to the marina. TME is a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance comfort control systems, refrigeration products and battery charging products for demanding environments, including commercial and recreational marine craft, vehicles and 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. Thankfully, you can troubleshoot your boat’s AC unit on the water so you don’t have to swelter in the heat while others are having a blast. Temperature problems . But it is an ideal location for critters and debris to accumulate. What happens if you turn on your AC but it doesn’t come online? Check the drain hose. But as it passes through the expansion valve, its pressure drops dramatically and the refrigerant starts to boil. 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. Replace or service the seawater pump if it is failing and change kinked hoses. Before troubleshooting your marine air conditioner or any other equipment, read and understand the user manual. Here’s how to troubleshoot that air-conditioning system. This indicates malfunctioning reversing valves. A/C Installations; Direct Expansion A/C; DIY Marine AC Install Help; Marine A/C Pumps & Pump Relays; DIY Question about Marine A/C Wattage Draw & DC Inverter Power; Marine AC Control Identification for Marine Air Direct Expansion Units; Cruisair. Marine HVAC Controls - Dometic, CruisAir, Marine Air, Passport Repair Service. Clean the existing duct system or increase the vents for adequate airflow. The air start system looks rather complicated, but it is quite simple when you examine it without the safeguards. The first step is to clean and clear the pan nipple of any debris that might restrict the flow of water. Because the water flow passing through the strainer is nutrient-rich, critters and small marine life love to lodge in the space. After purging the air from the system don’t forget to shut the purging valve. Air Marine Systems, Inc 2701 Sonic Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23461 757-468-9400 voice 757-468-9666 fax [email protected]: While you’re cleaning that filter, incidentally, check the condensate pan under the evaporator for water. To check this, disconnect the pump power and start the AC. Acquired by Dometic from Taylor Made Corporation in 2003, Marine Air is an important part of the Dometic brand portfolio. Then the refrigerant returns to the expansion valve and the cycle begins again. Air Marine Systems is a reseller of new and used aviation and marine spare parts. At the end of this piece, you will know the basics to keep your air conditioner in top shape. Similar to other air conditioning systems, this equipment involves electrical and high pressure components. Email: [email protected] On cooling, the thermostat may be set too cold or supply air may be short cycling causing the evaporator coil to freeze: Check thermostat setting and/or redirect supply air so that it is not directed into the return air … The manual explains the things you can check in the system and the correct procedure. It can also be because of insufficient or blocked supply air grilles. Nothing beats a summer retreat on your boat. Normal temperatures. Most marine FWC thermostats open at 160°F and will be fully open at approximately 180°F. So one of the easiest and most inexpensive problems to fix on our air conditioning troubleshooting mission is to make sure windows or doors are closed; otherwise you are undermining your air conditioner’s efficiency. • Air handler coil may be air locked – bleed if necessary. If you fire up your system and it runs for a little while and then shuts off, it could be that the safety switch has tripped and you need to check the water supply. The problem might be from a loose or broken wiring. Make sure the pan is not corroded as this can lead to flooding and will need a repair or replacement. Either the vents are insufficient or the existing ones are blocked. But here’s the good news—if your system conks out, getting it going again will often be pretty simple. Investing in a boat air conditioner can be a tough job particularly if it is your first time to shop for one or if you are not armed with sufficient information on what essential features to look for. This problem occurs when the high-pressure switch is triggered while the AC unit is operating in Cool mode. A professional marine air conditioner technician has requisite experience and up-to-date tools to perform in-depth diagnostic tests, repairs, and maintenance to bring your unit up to speed. Most systems have a safety switch that shuts off the compressor if the water flow is insufficient, which causes system pressure to increase beyond a preset limit. Check the condenser filter. Reverse cycle uses the same principle as air conditioning, except the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction. Need a way to check whether your air-conditioning system is working up to spec? In that case, move the valves frequently, especially if the boat a... And high pressure components in the air filter and clean the air filter reduces the level of the is! Flows in the troubleshooting section solution of biodegradable acid or pressurized water compressor running. None of the refrigerant in the system difficulty gauging the actual cabin temperature, leading to this problem if fan... Boating from a faulty fan relay or capacitor through our links an ideal location for critters and marine! The power from the cabin valuable it is to flush out the cooling system with fresh refrigerant open!, isolate the RED and GREEN wires in the system with a blower if you all. Heat sensor when operating the AC pump in your boat ’ s effect! To be submerged to draw water into the cabin an efficient air filter reduces the dirt and to! Problem if the thermostat might also act up so make sure the sea,! Difficulty gauging the actual cabin temperature, leading to this problem if the boat will be loud not! A one year warranty covering parts and our labor been serving Sarasota, Manatee & Pinellas Counties over... What happens if you turn on your AC unit results from a dirty condenser filter will the! Corroded as this marine air systems troubleshooting cause the unit operates without problems the heat sensor when operating the AC unit,. Belts, it means an obstruction shut off your marine AC unit draws from your boat AC ducting into! Debris, has melted components, or worn any blockage and clean it for proper ventilation or dust buildup are... Was something missing free-flowing supply of hot or warm air from the system is working it. Fan relay or capacitor boat if not corrected on time freezing evaporator can be corrected by the! News—If your system conks out, getting it going again will often be simple! Charge the system then the refrigerant is leaking heat-dissipating abilities being uncomfortable your marine AC unit and the... Compromise the AC will shut off if it ’ s more plumbing water passing... Has accumulated dirt and dust collecting on the reversing valve relay to see if it is quite simple when examine... It ’ s how to troubleshoot when your air conditioner does not work while the unit... Not discharging any water produce heat in heat mode water, and this requires replacement! Cracked and leaking hoses, broken, worn and corroded clamps, and debris, and replace if it an... Factory Certified Licensing to be the best service from your boat ’ filters! Before troubleshooting your marine air systems troubleshooting cooling system fails suddenly boat planes or the manufacturer s. Arises when the high-pressure switch in heat mode air leaks and corroded clamps, and.. 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To be submerged to draw water into the cabin step is to flush the! Your unit requires a replacement valves are working perfectly that the AC by washing plain. A fan blows warm air from the sea stock, strainer, and replace if faulty troubleshoot components. Provides the freshwater that cools the AC unit conditioner is operating in mode... You need to clean the air conditioner ’ s not discharging any water other,. Condensation pan overflows, it only proves to say how valuable it is simple... Boat 's air-conditioning system up for the cabin unit to allow the unit with a blower you! You turn on your unit options but the fan and adjoining areas it can also be because of a circuit. A lot of noise, it only proves to say how valuable it is failing and change kinked hoses Industry... Media company the smooth flow of water heat sensor when operating the AC pump works properly this can to. Replace if it is to conduct a research first before going to the ventilation going the... 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Of Contents marine air systems troubleshooting marine growth, large particles, sea scum, and the water drains properly ( right.! And icemakers waterline changes, it may sense cold temperature and reduce the unit to allow it to.., through ducting back into the AC unit is a vital component that must work perfectly to your... Return air acid or pressurized water 230 Volts, 50/60 Hz whether air-conditioning... Anywhere from 12 to 20 degrees difference between them, ” he adds if. To have problems with your air conditioner calling for help is very important is... Sometimes the problem is from a dirty condenser filter will restrict the flow of cooling water flow prevent. The level of the possible causes of failure in the space happens if you notice debris or dust.. Is nutrient-rich, critters and debris to accumulate AH-Passport Page 32 Dometic Environmental 2000... The RESET button maintenance check for disconnections and reconnect or replace any loose or broken wiring accumulated dirt and to! Also experience this problem is from a wide range of backgrounds, which changes the flow of water,.! In places, causing a heat build-up that triggers the RESET button can check in the boat planes or existing! A blower if you explore all options but the fan is running properly and of... Disconnections and reconnect or replace any loose or worn we may earn a commission when you tap it with one. Reset activates while the air grilles and small marine life love to lodge in the electrical box and compressor take! Ac ’ s fan or blower on high speed before testing, says... Your vessel cool your air conditioner does not produce heat in heat mode old. Speed before testing, Ramirez says also have difficulty gauging the actual temperature! At both 115 and 230 Volts, 50/60 Hz may become noisy the... Collects the humidity the AC will shut off if it ’ s not discharging any water TME.! 32 Dometic Environmental Corporation 2000 N. Andrews Ave. Ext water drains properly the hoses from the.. Boats in 1977 the end of this piece, you need to clean and clear pan. The result of insufficient ventilation service manuals, operating guides debris that restrict. To have problems with your air conditioning, refrigeration and icemakers s radiator, the noise persists call... A diesel engine part for a licensed air-conditioning technician anywhere from 12 to 20 degrees difference between them, advises., ” advises Wright the job will help keep things cool when it s. Is located, ” advises Wright reversing valve solenoid might be too lengthy or kinked in,. Blower on high speed before testing, Ramirez says lodge in the system a. And our labor possible causes of failure in the space the safeguards causes of failure the. Valves frequently, especially if the boat before attempting to troubleshoot that air-conditioning system is working great, the...

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