Simply put, the Fresair 12V DC Air Conditioner is a patented evaporative cooling unit that produces glorious cold air and a powerful breeze when you need it the most.
HOW IT WORKS
Fresair is conveniently designed to utilize minimal power from your 12V system to produce a satisfying breeze even during the hottest desert-like days.
Using its built-in pump, it circulates conservative amounts of tap water from its reservoir (included) through an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal organic pine filter to produce humidity-free cooling and conveniently accommodates a variety of applications. As an added bonus, the pine filter even helps to filter dust and pollen out of the air. Insert mic drop here.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRESAIR & TRADITIONAL COOLING UNITS?
Unlike traditional air conditioning units that demand high power and run on a refrigerant. Fresair runs on regular tap water and is powered by the vehicle’s existing battery, drawing minimal power and providing cooling to the user of up to 40°F+ degrees! It does just what a Fresair 12V DC Air Conditioner should do—keep it cool.
The cooling effect is generated by evaporation and is triple filtered, feeling dry, unlike a typical “swamp” cooler or misting system. The unit itself is very slimline at only 3.7″ tall but packs a punch with four adjustable vents and our latest smart control panel safeguarding the system.
DESIGN + TECH
FAQ
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Q. Can I buy directly from you?
A. Yes, please contact us for pricing. Professional installation is preferred but not necessary if you’re handy.
Q. Do the covers come in any other color besides white?
A. Yes, At this time the covers come in white and black. The cover is constructed from ABS plastic with UV protection which can be custom painted at the dealer level to match any roof or body color.
Q. How many different types or styles of Fresairs are there?
A. There are currently two models available, the S6 which uses an external reservoir, and the S7i which uses an internal reservoir. The S6 is recommended for the majority of installations, however, the S7i can be used where a self-contained unit is preferred (normally step vans). For golf carts and most van conversions the unit of choice is the S6. The S6 is universal for all makes and model of golf carts, including both gas and electric.
Q. What is the warranty and do you offer an extended warranty?
A. Fresair offers a one-year manufacturer warranty for your system. Contact your authorized Fresair dealer to inquire about extended warranty packages.
Q. Can you tell me about the preventive maintenance, frequency and cost?
A. There are two pumps for this system (injection – pumps water from the reservoir up to the roof, and return – pumps any excess water extracted from the pine filter back into the reservoir). The pine filter can be power washed but it is recommended that both pumps and pine filter be replaced once a year (depending on usage and proper maintenance). Your annual cost to keep your Fresair system running optimum should be around $100, contact your authorized Fresair dealer for a quote.
Shipping Carrier
The shipping carrier for your Fresair 12V DC Air Conditioner is selected by Fresair.
Shipping Costs
Any applicable shipping fees for the shipment of you Fresair 12V DC Air Conditioner will apply to your transaction and calculated prior to confirming your order.
Delivery Timing
The estimated shipping date will be provided to you, however, the delivery date is not guaranteed and is based on the information provided by the shipping carrier.
Please note, while it’s not typical, inventory shortages and unexpected events beyond our control could impact and delay the delivery date.
Fresair is not liable for delivery later than the estimated delivery date, or for any loss, damage, or penalty you may incur from a delay in shipment or delivery. Unless otherwise noted in the product description, each Fresair Shop Product will be delivered FCA delivery location (as such location is designated on the applicable order) (Incoterms 2010).
Defective Product
You may be entitled to a refund at the sole discretion of Fresair, if you receive an item that we consider to be defective or does not match the product description of the item that you purchased. In the case your product is deemed defective, you must return the item in unused condition, in exchange for a refund. To begin the return process, please contact us. Return shipping instructions will be provided. Fresair will refund your purchase price in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned product. Return shipping costs are your responsibility unless otherwise agreed to by Fresair.
Return Policy
Fresair Shop Products may be returned in their original packaging and condition (including all accessories and components provided) within 30 days of purchase.
Q. How does an evaporative cooling system work in humid climates?
A. We have tested Fresair in high humidity climates like Florida and the cooling sensation works great, however, the evaporative process lessens at humidity levels over 80%. Even when the humidity levels are very high the fan alone provides fast-moving cooling air. Fresair delivers cold air not moisture unlike systems of the past. Our pine filter absorbs the moisture and then passes through two additional filters resulting in cool clean air, not mist. For further detailed information on performance levels in differing temperatures and relative humidity levels see below.
Q. How cold does the air get from your product?
A. This depends on the outside temperature but you should see 20°F – 40°F reduction from the ambient temperature to the air emitting out of the vents. Fresair is not a traditional air conditioner, there are no coolants or compressors, which would kill the batteries. Fresair is a green product powered by a 12V power source, normally just the regular vehicles’ existing battery or batteries, drawing minimal power whilst cooling the air with tap water and pine using evaporation.
Q. How much cooling can be expected in a particular environment?
A. Another one of Fresair’s frequently asked questions is how much cooling can be expected in a particular environment.The below graph shows the temperature of the air blowing out of the Fresair unit versus the outside air temperature, in various relative humidities. Even in higher humidities a lot of comfort and temperature reduction is realized versus a regular fan. At >80% relative humidity though the air temperature drop is minimal, however directional airflow from the vents works better than a single fan.
For those in VanLife, the graph also shows the human comfort of trying to sleep on a hot and humid night whilst only using Fresair. If you are going to sleep in a vehicle in very hot and very humid environments you will need to use traditional, compressor-based AC units, either by running the vehicle’s AC or installing a regular AC.
Fresair is an advanced evaporative AC unit but high humidity still reduces its effectiveness. It’s a balance between using high-power and noisy compressors vs a quiet 12v/water system. Fresair can handle the majority of cooling situations but it has its limitations when humidity is very high.
Installing Fresair will keep you cool, with low power and low noise, in the majority of environments. If you plan on traveling to tropical areas, Fresair will help reduce the load on your traditional AC units but it cannot safely reduce the temperature in extreme climates.
If you plan on using Fresair as your only AC system you need to be aware of the temperature and humidity of wherever you’re traveling. If you’re pushing into the “orange zone” at night then you would need to run the vehicle AC, a separate coolant-based AC unit… or check into a hotel!
Q. Does your system require distilled or filtered water?
A. No, all that is required is tap water. If you live in a climate where the water is very hard and you are concerned about calcium build-up, a chlorine tablet can be dropped into the reservoir every other month.
Q. What different types of reservoirs are there?
A. For step vans and van conversions, there is a larger 18L flat reservoir (installs vertically or horizontally internally) that can be filled by hose, by a pump from your main water tank, or the unit can even be connected directly to your main tank. Alternatively, the S7i has an internal reservoir, within and out hoses. For installations like teardrops or step vans, this is an ideal and rapid solution.
(For Golf Carts see golf cart faq section.)
Q. Do I need to fill the reservoirs with ice?
A. No, ice will not hurt the system but it is not necessary as the difference in thermal sensation will be minimal.
Q. How do you fill the S7i internal tank once it has been installed?
A. There are a few options here:
- You could connect the S7i ‘in’ hose to the vans pressurized water supply through a valve you could open, just like you connect to a sink faucet. The ‘out’ hose could just vent outside or back to the main tank I suppose. It wouldn’t need to go to grey water as it’s not been contaminated.
- The S7i works well for teardrops or step-vans where there may not be any reservoir. You have to pull up to a water supply and connect the hose to fill it. In step-vans for example, they mount the S7i and run the hoses into the cabin and hang them up. At the start of the day they pull up to a water faucet, unhang the hoses and connect to the faucet, fill up, hang the hoses back up and go out for the day. On the Escapod, the user connects a garden hose to the ‘in’ hose on the roof to fill up.
- On Van Conversions you could also retrofit an S7i after the fact, without having to run anything inside. If replacing a MaxxAir fan for example, you could remove your MaxxAir and replace with an S7i and connect to the MaxxAir power but run your hoses externally, over the roof and down the outside. To fill up you would again pull up to a water supply, connect the ‘in’ hose and fill it. You wouldn’t need to run anything else on the inside or break open finished ceilings or walls.
Find out more information for the S7i here.
Q. What functions occur after the water is pumped from the reservoir to the top of the unit?
A.The excess water that travels through the pine filter goes through water channels and passes through (2) additional sub filters ending up inside the small reservoir built into the front of your Fresair. The return pump is located inside the small reservoir which takes all excess water and pumps it back into the main reservoir – this process will continue until all the water is evaporated. The control panel has an indicator light (fill up) that will blink when water level is low and remain solid when water drops below the sensor inside the main reservoir – at this time both pumps will automatically shut off to avoid damage to the pumps. Your Fresair can leak water if the following scenarios happen:
- If you are on a slope for an extended period of time – Water is pumped
up to the top of the unit every couple of minutes and if the excess water cannot
reach the return pump due to the angle / slope of the vehicle, water can leak out
from the top of the system. This action will not damage the system and is not a
design defect. - Inspect return pump – Please reflect back to owner’s manual for proper
maintenance. The return pump is programmed to turn on just after the injection
pump to ensure there is never any excess water sitting inside the top of the unit. - Proper installation of your Fresair – The system must be level and slightly
facing downward in the front. If you over tighten the mounting bolts causing the base of the unit to curve downward – water will leak from the top of the unit. It is very important to use the included foam to create a seal around the outside of the mounting bolts. - Pinched return line – When installing the system be careful not to pinch or crimp the return hose. If this hose is pinched or crimped water will not flow correctly back to the reservoir, resulting in water leaking from the top of the unit.
- Maintenance – We suggest performing preventative maintenance and replacing wearable parts every year (injection pump, return pump and pine filter bag), coinciding with your yearly vehicle maintenance. See full details within the owner’s manual.
- Winterize your system – To drain the water from your system, simply run the unit until the low water indicator comes on and both pumps automatically shut off. This is recommended when your Fresair will not be in use for an extended period of time.
Q. Is the water that runs through the Fresair clean enough to cycle through a van’s main water tank?
A. An important one of Fresair’s frequently asked questions pertains to water potability. Water is not potable without additional filtration. Outside elements go through filtration of the Fresair and would not be deemed safe for direct consumption.
Q. How easy is the unit to install?
A. Professional installation is recommended but can be accomplished by a skilled owner.
A hole to accommodate the airbox needs to be cut from the roof (template provided). The unit drops onto the roof and is sealed by foam and silicone gel and mounted using 4 bolts.
The water lines and power lines, contained within a single harness, are run from the unit to the reservoir and battery. The harness contains two water pipes, one to feed the unit with water, the other to return water from the unit to the remote reservoir, as well as the 12V power cable. On golf carts, the loom runs over the top of the roof and down one of the roof supports into the cart body. We also provide a unit where the harness runs under the roof, especially clean when you have a headliner. On vans, the loom runs internally along the ceiling and down the side to wherever you choose to mount your reservoir. You can also install Fresair to use your main freshwater tank rather than a separate reservoir.
For golf carts, there are many different roof types out there, so the strength of the roof, curvature of the roof, and where the mounting bolts are to be located need to be analyzed. There are multiple mounting bolts patterns though so there are options to work with virtually any roof. If your roof cannot hold a 25lb weight, support brackets need to be added on the underside of the roof, but most roofs are fine. The harness runs towards the back of the roof and generally to the left down the rear left roof support strut and into the body of the cart. Depending upon your cart a 1” hole may need to be cut to allow the harness to pass through the body. The harness then needs to be connected to the reservoir and 12V power converter. There are two types of reservoirs, an 8L model that fits under the seat where the batteries are located (if you have space) and a 5L model that is usually mounted under the left rear wheel-well and connected through the body to a “gas-cap” style remote fill. The water pipes then need to be connected to the reservoir and the 12V power cable to the converter.
Q. What types of vehicles can these units be installed in?
A. The S6 Van Conversion Kit & S7i can be installed on van conversions, trailers, RVs, skoolies, tear-drops, escapods, step vans, and more. The S6 Golf Cart Kit is customized specifically for installation on Golf Carts.
Find out more about installation types here.
Q. My golf cart roof is not flat, can your system still be installed?
A. Flat roofs work the best, but as long as the system is flat or facing down slightly towards the front (the return pump gathers water from the front of the unit) the system will function properly. The unit weighs about 25lbs, so your roof will need to be able to support that weight or will need support bars added. Contact an authorized Fresair dealer to have your cart inspected by a certified tech.
Q. I have a gas powered golf cart, can I use your system?
A. Yes, but please remember that if the engine is not running the battery will drain. The system does draw minimum power though (< 10A/h) so it is not a large load on the battery, however, you should run the engine occasionally so the alternator is charging the battery.
Q. I have a 48V electric golf cart, can I power it straight to one 12v battery?
A. No, on electric golf carts you need to connect the power source to a converter, this will draw power equally from your battery pack rather than draining one battery. Most golf carts already have a 12V converter fitted to run things like lights and sound systems.
Q. Will both of the golf cart reservoir systems get me through a round of golf?
A. Yes, water consumption is based upon the exterior ambient temperature but you should get an absolute minimum of 4 hours of cooling sensation.