Marine Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Repair | ZipYacht in Annapolis

Marine Air Conditioning & Refrigeration for Yachts Worldwide

Marine HVAC-R specialists keep guest cabins comfortable and galley provisions cold across every climate a yacht crosses. They install, service, and troubleshoot chilled-water and direct-expansion air conditioning, self-contained units, reverse-cycle heating, and refrigeration for galleys, wine rooms, and cold storage. Common jobs include diagnosing low refrigerant charge and leaks, replacing failed compressors and seawater pumps, clearing fouled condensers and strainers, and repairing control boards and thermostats. Saltwater corrosion, scaled heat exchangers, and undersized seawater flow are the usual culprits behind weak cooling. Good techs balance the whole system rather than just topping up gas.

When hiring, look for refrigerant-handling certification (EPA 608, F-Gas, or equivalent), factory training on brands like Dometic, Webasto, Frigomar, or Cruisair, marine chilled-water experience, and proper recovery equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my yacht AC running but not cooling?
A: Usually low refrigerant from a leak, restricted seawater flow from a fouled strainer or pump, or a scaled condenser coil. A tech will check charge, raw-water flow, and superheat before recharging.

Q: How often should marine AC be serviced?
A: Plan annual service: clean seawater strainers and condensers, check refrigerant charge, test pumps, and inspect electrical connections. Boats in warm water or heavy use benefit from twice-yearly checks.

Q: Can a self-contained unit be upgraded to chilled water?
A: On larger yachts, yes, but it is a significant refit involving a central chiller, insulated piping, and air handlers. A specialist should size the load and assess space and power first.