Our New A/C

[ReMetau]

Here is our new Dometic 16k A/C.

We found that the bulkhead between the salon and the berth was a double bulkhead with about 3 inches of space between them. This worked out great since the installer (Welcome to SALT Service, Inc - Sea Air Land Technologies SALT Service Inc. - Residential, Marine & Motor Coach Power Systems) was able to use this as plenum space. So with one duct, we have two vents in the salon and another in the berth.

[rebel heart]

Dare I ask:

a) What was the total cost?
b) How long did it take to fully install?
c) How much power does it use?

[svHyLyte]

Very creative/convenient. My only concern with the arrangement would be the possibility of condensation on the inside faces of the bulkheads giving rise to the development of mold/dry-rot where you won't be aware of it until too late. A periodic spray of an anti-fungicide in the return air intake might be wise, eh?

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Dare I ask:

a) What was the total cost?

We got it in trade, but I think they list for $2,500 just for the unit.

Originally Posted by rebel heart

b) How long did it take to fully install?

Two days. Includes making the plenum in the bulkhead.

Originally Posted by rebel heart

c) How much power does it use?

I think 15 amps 110v

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Very creative/convenient. My only concern with the arrangement would be the possibility of condensation on the inside faces of the bulkheads giving rise to the development of mold/dry-rot where you won't be aware of it until too late. A periodic spray of an anti-fungicide in the return air intake might be wise, eh?

I'm not sure why the bulkhead would condense any more than a duct.

We have been using it for a couple of weeks now and after your message, I checked the inside bulkhead and didn't find any moisture at all. But thanks for the heads up.

[svHyLyte]

Don--

Firstly, there are others here that can speak to the A/C issue more knowledgably than I. My comment was based on the fact that you have a relatively large enclosure, the surfaces of which will become quite cold from the chilled air. Theoretically, most of the moisture in the air passing through should have already been condensed out on the evaporator plates as air is blown through the system. Never-the-less, as the compressor cycles on-and-off some moist air will makes its way into the space--particularly in Marathon where the humidity can be pretty terrific. That air, hitting the chilled surfaces on the inside of the bulkhead "plenum", could give rise to condensate. On our boat we have teak wedge diffusers and I often find these and the adjoining woodwork to become somewhat moist from condensate. You have a larger area that I suspect may be somewhat more difficult to access, hense my observation. You have a nice looking installation and it was a creative approach to distributing the cooled air. Hopefully it will be problem free.

FWIW,,,

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Don--

Firstly, there are others here that can speak to the A/C issue more knowledgably than I. My comment was based on the fact that you have a relatively large enclosure, the surfaces of which will become quite cold from the chilled air. Theoretically, most of the moisture in the air passing through should have already been condensed out on the evaporator plates as air is blown through the system. Never-the-less, as the compressor cycles on-and-off some moist air will makes its way into the space--particularly in Marathon where the humidity can be pretty terrific. That air, hitting the chilled surfaces on the inside of the bulkhead "plenum", could give rise to condensate. On our boat we have teak wedge diffusers and I often find these and the adjoining woodwork to become somewhat moist from condensate. You have a larger area that I suspect may be somewhat more difficult to access, hense my observation. You have a nice looking installation and it was a creative approach to distributing the cooled air. Hopefully it will be problem free.

FWIW,,,

Thanks. I'll keep an eye on it. May not be an issue until next year.