Just like your car or Marine engines, you will not get the best or reliable performance from your Marine Air Conditioning System if you don’t regularly maintain it. Some of the maintenance activities can easily be carried out by a handy boat owner.

It is still highly advised you have a professional inspect and service your Marine Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at least once per year.

You can use the following tips to help keep your AC unit in excellent shape.

Check the Cooling Water Intake Strainer

• Check for your marine AC unit is to ensure the water intake strainer is in excellent form.
• Check for marine growth, large particles, sea scum, and debris.
• Inspect the thru-hull, strainer basket, and valves.
• Look for damage, clogs, and anything which can obstruct the smooth flow of cooling water.

Clean the Air Filters

• Dirty and clogged filters make your AC unit inefficient, increasing the system’s workload. 
• Clean your air conditioner’s filters monthly by washing with plain water, vacuuming, or blowing.
• Allow them to dry thoroughly before reassembling as moist filters attract dust.

Check the Ducting

• Inspect the hoses from the thru-hull and seacock to the strainer and pump.
• Check for cracked and leaking hoses, broken, worn, and corroded clamps, and replace old components.
• A leaking hose is not only bad for your AC unit, but it can flood your boat and even sink it if you are running the system while the boat is unoccupied.

Check the Condensate Pan

• Make sure the pan is not corroded, as this can lead to leaking and will need a repair or replacement.
• It’s important that the water drains properly.

Clean the Evaporator Coils

• Dusty evaporator coils are inefficient and will increase the strain on your unit. 
• Check your user manual for the correct way to clean the system or ask a professional to perform detailed maintenance.

Call a Professional

Unless you have a background in HVAC systems, there is a limit to what you can do with a faulting marine air conditioner.

After checking through these helpful self checks and you still can’t resolve the problem with your system, seek professional help.

A professional marine air conditioner technician has the experience and up-to-date tools and knowledge to perform thorough diagnostic, repairs, and maintenance to get your system back up and running.

This option might be more costly than doing your maintenance, but it will save you time, effort and help you enjoy more quality time on your boat.