Facts about your boat's A/C

There are 3 different types of air conditioners that are commonly used on boats

Self Contained or Package unit: All cooling components combined into one compact package. Most commonly used on boats sized 25’ to 60’
Split System: Half of the cooling components are installed below deck and the other half installed in cabins. Most commonly used on boats sized 40’-60’
Chiller system: Fresh water is chilled below deck and plumbed throughout the boat to individual cabins. Typically found on boats sized 60’ or larger

All marine air conditioners require seawater to keep them cool. Seawater is pumped to all AC units and then discharged overboard. There will always be growth in our waters, therefore, there will always be growth in the AC systems on boats. Which means the AC system will require regular maintenance.
All marine AC units have the ability to heat the cabin also.
Unlike your home, there is no insulation in your boat. Obtaining a low temperature below 77 degrees in the middle of summer may be impossible.

Tips to Keep Your AC Cooling

Maintain good water flow to the AC's. Keep your sea strainer clean. Every boat is different and requires different frequencies of strainer cleaning.
When your boat is unattended, leave the AC set at a reasonable temperature so that it will shut off from time to time. We suggest to set AC's at 82 degrees in the summer time and 75 degrees in the winter months. If the AC is running and calling for cooling, the pump is pumping seawater throughout the AC system and allowing things to start growing.
Keep the sun from warming up the inside of your boat. Use of dark curtains or windshield covers will significantly help keep your boat cool during the hot summer months.
Keep your AC set to “COOL” only mode. Not “AUTO” mode. If set to “AUTO”, the AC will run continuously, switching from Heat to Cool back and forth.

HPF or HI PS: High Pressure Fault: This error is shown on the AC display and indicates that the AC system is overheating. The most common reason for HPF is reduced water flow to the AC. The seawater environment grows barnacles, grass, and other fouling creatures. They will also grow inside the hoses and pipes that lead to your air conditioners. Also, this fault can indicate a failed seawater pump.
LPF or LO PS: Low Pressure Fault: This error is shown when the pressure inside the AC unit has fallen below a specified value. Most of the time, this error indicates there is a leak in the air conditioner’s refrigerant circuit. In some cases, the leak can be repaired. Some of the components are not repairable and require AC unit replacement
AC not blowing cold: There are many potential problems. This can be a simple fix. Ensure that the AC display is set to cool mode and make sure temperature is set below the room’s temperature.