Marine AC Repair
Boat air conditioning repair in Long Beach and San Pedro: Dometic and Cruisair service, descaling, reverse cycle heat and new AC installs. Book now.
- 4 services
- Labor $150/hr
- Trip fee from $30
- At your slip or in the shop
Marine Air Conditioning Repair in Long Beach and San Pedro
We repair, service and install marine air conditioning at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach. That includes reverse cycle systems that heat as well as cool, and the raw water side that keeps them running.
What the work covers
- Marine air conditioning and refrigeration service: diagnosis of AC and refrigeration units that run warm, trip or will not start, and repairs to their pumps, raw water lines, wiring and controls.
- Marine HVAC descaling and acid flushing to clear scale and growth from the condenser coil and raw water lines.
- Reverse cycle heating troubleshooting for systems that cool but will not heat.
- Marine AC installation and system upgrades when a unit is past repair or the boat needs more cooling. We fit pre-charged units and connect their water and power.
Many AC faults start on the raw water side: a clogged strainer, a weak pump or growth in the lines. Refrigerant work, such as leak repair and recharging, is done by an EPA 608 certified technician we bring in or refer you to; their charge is listed on your estimate. Away from the dock, the AC usually runs on the generator; see generator repair. Parts are quoted with the job.
Signs your boat AC needs service
- The unit runs but blows warm air
- It shuts off with a high-pressure fault soon after starting
- Little or no water from the AC discharge on the hull
- Ice on the coil or lines, or water dripping into the cabin
- Heat mode blows cold air
Questions about marine AC repair
Why does my boat AC keep shutting off?
A high-pressure shutdown usually means the unit cannot shed heat, most often from low raw water flow or a scaled condenser coil. Check the strainer first, and close the seacock before you open it. If the strainer is clean, the coil may need descaling or the pump may be failing.
Why does reverse cycle heat lose output?
Reverse cycle systems pull heat from the water around the boat, so they work less well as the water gets colder. If heat output drops while the water is still mild, the water flow, the reversing valve or the refrigerant charge may need attention. We check the water flow and the electrical side; refrigerant work goes to the EPA 608 certified technician we bring in or refer you to.
Book a visit: submit a ticket with the boat, where it is kept and what the AC is doing, or call (562) 542-7296.
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#1299 Common question asks
What does a marine autopilot system do?
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A marine autopilot automatically maintains your boat’s heading or course, reducing steering fatigue and improving navigation accuracy. It’s especially useful for long trips, offshore runs, and precise course holding.
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#1297 Common question asks
Can a new marine AC system improve onboard comfort and resale value?
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Yes for comfort: a properly sized and installed system cools the cabin, reduces humidity and protects interior finishes. Working air conditioning can also help when you sell, but we cannot promise a higher sale price.
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#1295 Common question asks
Do you test the system after installation or upgrade?
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Yes. After installation we test cooling output, water flow, electrical load and thermostat accuracy, and check the raw water fittings for leaks.
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#1292 Common question asks
Does a new marine AC system increase power consumption?
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If the boat has no air conditioning today, yes: an AC unit is one of the largest electrical loads aboard and needs 120 V or 240 V power from shore or a generator, so we check your shore power, generator and wiring capacity before sizing the system. If you are replacing an old unit, a modern unit of the same size usually draws less power and runs quieter.
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#1290 Common question asks
How do you determine the correct AC size for my boat?
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We calculate cooling requirements based on cabin volume, insulation, window exposure, engine heat, and usage patterns. Proper sizing prevents short cycling, excessive power draw, and uneven cooling.
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#1288 Common question asks
Can I upgrade an older marine AC system instead of replacing it completely?
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Often, yes: a new seawater pump, digital controls or a new air handler can improve an older system. On units that still use R22, compressor and refrigerant repairs are expensive and need an EPA 608 certified technician, so replacing the unit is usually the better buy. We tell you which makes sense before any work.
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#1286 Common question asks
Do you install new marine air conditioning systems on boats?
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Yes. We install complete marine air conditioning systems sized for your boat's cabins, layout and power supply. A new install needs the boat hauled out for the seawater intake, and haul-out and yard charges are listed on your estimate.
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#1284 Common question asks
Can proper refrigeration service improve energy efficiency onboard?
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Yes. A clean condenser coil, good seawater flow and clean filters let the system cool faster and draw less power, which also eases the load on the compressor.
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#1282 Common question asks
Do you service both self-contained and chilled water AC systems?
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Yes. We service the seawater side, air side, electrics and controls of both self-contained units and chilled water systems, following the maker's specifications. Work on the refrigerant circuit goes to a specialist we work with or refer you to.
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#1280 Common question asks
How often should marine air conditioning refrigeration be serviced?
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We recommend servicing marine AC refrigeration systems annually or before peak summer season. Boats operating year-round or in warmer climates may require more frequent inspections.
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