12V MARINE AIR CONDITIONER

A marine air conditioner 12V is the perfect cooling solution for boats, yachts and sailboats that require reliable climate control without relying on high-voltage AC power.

Designed specifically for marine environments, 12V DC air conditioners provide efficient, quiet and safe cooling while preserving battery life.

Whether you are navigating coastal waters or enjoying long stays at anchor, a 12V marine air conditioning system ensures maximum comfort on board, even in hot and humid conditions.

24V Marine Air Conditioner

Listening to our customers requirements, we have developed our newest battery operated marine air conditioner that run directly on 24 volt batteries from the battery bank of your boat, without using a generator or inverter.

This new 24V DC air conditioner is specially useful for work boats that run on 24 volt systems, but also for large yachts that have a central chilled water air conditioning system, but under certain circumstances with few guests onboard want to enjoy comfort in the owner's cabin, without wasting energy running a complex system on generators.

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a 12V marine air conditioner?

A 12V marine air conditioner is a cooling system specifically designed to operate on 12V DC power. It is ideal for boats and yachts that rely on battery banks, solar panels or off-grid power systems, offering efficient cooling without the need for high-voltage AC electricity

Can a 12V battery power a marine air conditioner??

12v marine air conditioning scheme

Our battery operated boat air conditioner has a high speed blower and is perfect for cooling saloons and cabins in both sailing or powerboats. Its 12Vdc refrigeration inverter compressor, with high quality and efficiency gives large autonomy while running on batteries. Is also quiet and reliable. Uses R134a refrigerant gas, which is considered as environmentally friendly.

It has a variable speed blower with automatic mode and internal motor for a compact installation footprint. The blower can be rotated for installation convenience. Is built on an easy to plumb stainless steel pan and its air filter can be removed for easy cleaning. The unit is operated with the included touchscreen digital control. For added installation convenience, the electric panel is mounted separately. 

How many batteries does it take to run a marine air conditioner?

cost marine air conditioning system 12V 12000BTU


If you are thinking of buying a marine air conditioner with the intention of using it connected to the boat's batteries, you should know that a conventional 230Vac boat air conditioner running off power inverter isn't a feasible option. Isn't feasible economically because power consumption of a conventional machine is approximately three times that of our 12-volts inverter machines. To achieve the same hours of autonomy, the conventional machine will need triple the battery capacity. As the necessary batteries are lithium LiFePO4 and they are batteries with a high cost, the cost of the extra batteries needed would be larger than the difference in price between both machines. In addition, there would be the problem of the greater space required by the batteries and extra solar panels.



Reasons why the consumption of a conventional machine is approximately triple are:

  1. The inverter compressor is more efficient than the conventional compressor
  2. The 12-volt machines use a blower, also an inverter, which helps to improve efficiency
  3. dc/ac converter isn't needed, thus avoiding the energy losses of these devices
  4. With the 12 volts aircon there aren't inefficiencies due to inrush current peaks at start-up.

Are 12V marine air conditioners energy efficient?

Yes. A 12V DC marine air conditioner is designed for low power consumption, making it highly energy efficient compared to traditional AC systems. It allows longer operation time while minimizing battery drain, specially when combined with solar or lithium battery system.

Can a 12V marine air conditioner run on solar power?

Absolutely. A 12V marine air conditioner for solar systems is an excellent solution for off-grid applications. When properly sized, it can operate efficiently using solar panels and battery storage, reducing the need for generators or shore power.

What size boat is suitable for a 12V marine air conditioner?

A marine air conditioner 12V for boats is suitable for small to medium-sized boats, sailboats and yachts. The correct unit size depends on cabin volume, insulation, climate conditions and usage. Compact models are ideal for limited spaces. Contact us today for customised advice

Is a 12V marine air conditioner quieter than traditional systems?

Yes, our 12Vdc marine air conditioners are significatly quieter than conventional AC units. Their advanced compressor technology ensures low vibration and noise, making them perfect for sleeping cabins and long overnight stays onboard.

How much power does a 12V marine air conditioner use?

Power consumption varies by model and cooling capacity, but a low power marine air conditioner 12V is designed to optimize energy usage. Many systems are suitable for continuous operation with properly sized battery banks and efficient energy management.

Is installation of a 12V marine air conditioner difficult?

No. A compact marine air conditioner 12V is designed for easy installation, even in tight spaces. Most units support flexible mounting options and are suitable for both new installations and retrofits on existing boats.

What is the difference between a 12V DC and a 220V marine air conditioner?

The main difference is power source. A 12V DC marine air conditioning runs directly from batteries or DC systems, while 220V units require shore power or generators. 12V systems offer greater independence, lower noise and improved energy efficiency for off-grid use.

What is the best 12V marine air conditioner for my boat?

The best 12V marine air conditioner depends on your boat size, power system and cooling requirements. Factors susch as cabin size, battery capacity and climate should be considered. Our experts can help you choose the most efficient and reliable solution for your boat.

Nowadays it is an increasingly common trend to install equipment that can work directly powered by the boat's batteries. Without the need for the power supply from the port, and without the uncomfortable noise of the generator set. Although the purchase price of this equipment is higher due to the high cost of the new technology they use, the total cost of the installation is lower because the generator set is not necessary.

For an air conditioner to work efficiently and thus achieve maximum comfort without wasting battery capacity, it must use an inverter-type compressor. They are compressors with lower than normal energy consumption, but they also have a main difference compared to 220 volt compressors. Conventional compressors have a very high consumption in the moments of startup. After a few seconds that consumption is reduced to normal values, but those seconds are long enough to need a powerful electrical supply to support that maximum current. However, modern inverter compressors have a progressive start, they accelerate little by little with an almost imperceptible noise and with an electrical consumption that increases little by little.
Additionally, when the air conditioning unit Inverter conditioner reaches the desired temperature, its compressor reduces the power consumed.

This is how modern 12-volt direct current equipment manages to increase its operating hours by making the most of the capacity of the batteries..



Which is the most efficient 12V air conditioenr for a boat?

Dormaire 12 volt Marine Air Conditioners, use an inverter compressor with variable speed. This compressor type has a better efficiency and its power consumption upon start is reduced and without inrush current spikes.
As the air conditioner reaches the set point temperature in the room, the system will reduce its speed and power consumption, to extend battery life for hours without recharge. This way when the air conditioner is used during the night, as there isn't strong sunshine radiation, running times will extend.
This is the ideal air conditioning system for running on batteries as it doesn't need external power inverter to rise the battery voltage, it avoids power looses on the inverter system. Best of all, you will not need generator, avoiding annoying noises and smoke.

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