What Boat Air Conditioning Does
The basic principle of an air conditioner is the movement of heat. In a marine direct expansion (DX) seawater-cooled air conditioner, heat is transferred from the cabin air to the refrigerant gas, which then releases the heat into the seawater. In reverse cycle heating (heat pump), the refrigerant flow is reversed and heat is extracted from the seawater and discharged into the cabin.
Part of the cooling process, in addition to lowering the air temperature, is the removal of moisture from the air. This lowers the humidity, makes the area feel more comfortable, and helps to keep the boat dry, reducing mold growth and other moisture-related problems.
There are three basic types of Cruisair systems:
Other Requirements and Considerations
A complete Cruisair air conditioning system requires multiple subsystems, including the control/switch assembly, the seawater cooling system, and the air distribution system.
In selecting the type of system for your boat, many factors must be considered:
- Size and layout of boat.
- Required capacity.
- Access for routing necessary tubing/wiring/hoses.
- Location of furnishings.
- The storage space you are willing to sacrifice.
- Cost.
Continue to Specifying Guidelines