Our 41 Commander has the three original air conditoners. None of them blow cold and they run on R-22 refrigerant.
I don't think it's wise to work on getting these old units back up and running since R-22 has largely been phased out, it's hard to come by, and due the age of the system, I have a feeling I'll be chasing down leaks in the system on an ongoing basis (pin holes in the copper pipes, connections, etc.).
I would like get some input from those that have updated their air conditioners.
FYI, currerntly there is a unit for the forward berth, one for the main salon and one for the aft stateroom.
My main questions are as follows:
1) Thoughts on installing a split system which is the same as what in installed currently? Or, would it be better (and easier) to install all-in-one units?
2) If we use all-in-one units, could a single system handle the main state room and small forward berth since the current air handler for the main salon is right next to the forward berth?
3) Thought on BTU sizing?
Any input would be appreciated.
Hap Carlson
Port Washington, WI
414-333-8569
IMHO. Go with the self contained. If you replace with new refrigerent my understanding is you will also have to replace the air handlers. $$$. The self contained units are much nicer than they were and far less cost. Install them were your air handlers were. We put a 16k btu in our main salon and it works fine. Hoping to nurse the V and rear staterooms with the old split systes. Our V is a 10K unit and it feeds the V and has an outlet into the main. We added a second vent near the pillar of the cabin and also used the one at the old air handler where the unit was installed. I don't recall what the rear one is that feeds both staterooms but its never in direct sunlight so its not as hot. We have a 47 Commander. Best of luck.
On another site a contributor claimed success converting to ammonia gas. This is well researched and I'm sure much information is available but probably little for this application.
Hi Hap,
As you know I have the 42 down the dock from your friend Keith. I went with self contained units. I have 18,000 for the salon. 7,000 for the aft stateroom and 9,000 for the front v berth. The v berth unit splits 1/2 of its output into the salon. The 42 has an extreme sun load and while the 18k unit is a great unit, on 80+ days, it needs some help. We like our boat cool, so this is what I ended up with. The BIG drawback on the self contained units is noise. They can not be in the bilge, or anywhere that bilge fumes can leak into the intake. This puts them well within ears reach of noise. Some sound deadening can be done, but they will never be as quiet as a split system with the compressors in the bilge.
If I had it to over again, I would still go self contained, but I would put a little more thought into unit placement keeping in mind noise levels. One piece of advice I will give is to go with a simple system. Get ones that use basic electrical components and NOT circuit boards. On the newer fancy ones if a board fails (and they do!) you are buying a new unit for what the boards cost.
The systems I have use standard thermostats and electrical components readily available anywhere.
Best of luck. Scott
Scott...
Thanks for the feedback. I am leaning toward self contained units if I can't get any of the existing units up and running. Would like to find someone in the Milwaukee/Port Washington WI area to pressure test the existing units to see if they will hold pressure and see if they can still run. But they are R-22 and old, so that may not be the best solution. Question: do you know which air conditioners don't use boards? Also, what modifications would you make to help quiet the all in one units if you had it to do over again? Appreciate your help on this!
-Hap