Marine Air Conditioning (AC) Survey and Engineering

New Vessels

New Vessels have distinct issues to be aware of; just because it is new does not mean it built correctly.   If there is a problem, there may be simple solution.   Our professionals will size up the problem in a professional manner.     Over 25 years of New Vessel Design and Engineering experience adds up to provide you with a wealth of information and additional contacts with world class professionals. NEED IMAGE-marina?

Brokerage and Previously Owned Vessels

Taking a Trade or thinking about a Previously owned vessel…know what you are getting into.   A good Marine Air Conditioning (AC) system with a small problem is not a deal breaker, but vessels with bad track records or those poorly maintained can cost the buyer or seller more than one would expect to accept willingly.   Know what you are buying…guess work could be a costly experience. NEED IMAGE-marina?

Mechanical Services

Refit, Replacements, Onboard or Shop Repairs

Our professionals can guide you to decide whether a problem can be resolved on board with existing equipment or will require removal to adequately address the problem at hand.   In the case where a refit is the obvious choice, our experts can guide you to making cost effective choices whether it be equipment, plumbing, pumps and filter, fresh air make up systems and other major mechanical projects.  New equipment may be needed but repair of existing major components is often a far less expensive proposal based on client requirements. NEED IMAGE

Marine Air Conditioning (AC) Equipment Programmed Maintenance

If you think about a vessel’s Air Conditioning and Ventilation System, there are lots of parts so let’s discuss them individually!

Seasoned Refrigeration Technicians

Refrigerants should be handled by Certified Experienced Individuals.   Just because a technician comes aboard with a set of refrigerant manifolds does not make them knowledgeable.   A recovery license is likely the only certification many Marine HVAC technicians have!  Evaluate who puts a gauge set on your equipment; do not let just anyone fool with your equipment.   Let our Dometic trained 25-year veteran provide you an analysis of your equipment, gas oil or charge related questions or problems.   Do not invite trouble aboard.

Descale Services

Descale system

Sea Water Descale   Vs.   Chilled Water Descale

A Marine Air Conditioning system can be composed of more than one type of Circulated Water aboard!  

Seawater

Self-Contained, Direct Expansion and Chiller Systems all have a Seawater cooling loop.   Each have a specific seawater plumbing architecture.   A poorly executed or organized descale can unleash more problems than expected.   The planning of the descale is as important as the chemicals used to do the job.   Let a professional with knowledge of how long, how strong, and how to conduct a descale perform your essential Seawater circuit maintenance. NEED IMAGE

Confused about descaling and how it should be performed?   Contact Tri-County Marine Air Conditioning (AC) to clarify your needs

Circulated Chilled Water

Water Chemistry is especially important.   Vessels with large complex circulated loops may be composed of many different type of plumbing.   Knowledge of the plumbing materials and the condition of the circulation water should be left to professionals.    The wrong type Glycol, Oil from a burst Chiller, Heavy Calcium concentrations can lead to serious problems.   If you have or suspect a problem, give us a call. NEED IMAGE

Glycol Testing, Water Chemistry, Glycol Replacement

Glycol Meter Scale

The heart of a Circulated Water Air Conditioning System is the circulation loop.    The integrity of the circulated loop is critical to system performance.   Whether a vessel is new delivery or already in service the health and mechanical integrity of this system is of utmost importance. NEED IMAGE

The type of glycol and percentage of glycol present in the loop is as important as the fuel, engine oil, or potable water in fresh water tanks.    A system with the wrong material, wrong concentration or a loop that leaks poses a major risk to the value of the vessel.

Let our seasoned professionals have a look at your loop whether or not you suspect a problem.    If you have a leak there are methods to reduce the risk of a small leak through proper management.   Do not allow a poorly maintained chilled water loop destroy your cruise or reduce the value of your investment.

Indoor Air Quality – Know what you are breathing!

Filter element

Recent awareness about what we are breathing in has been heightened by the COVID 19 pandemic.   Keep in mind that Indoor Air Quality Issues on Yachts has been around since the time Columbus set sail for the new world.

Filters

An essential part of any vessel’s Indoor Air Quality is linked to Air Filtration.    Filter Cleaning is not something to be ignored nor something that our technicians normally do.  We can help you with optional filter elements to replace the standard filters supplied with your air handling units. NEED IMAGE

Humidity Aboard

Air Conditioning in theory is supposed to dehumidify your vessel, to be sure your vessel is being dehumidified properly check it or have us come aboard to evaluate it.    Keep in mind that if the sun is shining you may not have too much of a problem, but if the vessel’s indoor humidity level rises when it is humid, this may be a problem. 

Our Management will be happy to have a look aboard if you are concerned about excessive humidity.   There are solutions to resolve the problem, often times it may be a matter of software settings or unperformed maintenance.  

In the case of design issues that promote high humidity, supplemental dehumidification is suggested.   Contact our offices to organize an appointment should humidity.  NEED IMAGE

Duct Cleaning

New vessels should not have problems with dirty ducts, but once the vessel is three years old, a look see would be advisable.   The EPA suggest changing dirty ducting but that is not always possible aboard a vessel.   We will be happy to evaluate your vessel and determine if duct replacement of duct cleaning would benefit the vessel’s indoor air quality. NEED IMAGE

Testing Services

If you suspect that dark patches in corners or particles on floors surfaces may be coming from AC duct work, we can evaluate the material to determine if it may be hazardous.   Not all molds are hazardous to individuals who do not have underlying pulmonary problems.  To be sure what sort of material you are dealing with allow us to collect a sample for evaluation. NEED IMAGE