Dometic EnviroComfort ECD16KZ-HV 16,000 BTU 230V Marine AC Retrofit

The Dometic EnviroComfort ECD16KZ-HV (part 9108821279, legacy part 207500017) is the 16,000 BTU 230-volt self-contained marine air conditioning unit in the EnviroComfort retrofit kit configuration. Designed specifically for replacing an existing self-contained marine AC unit of comparable capacity (12,000-16,000 BTU) on a boat already wired for 230-volt AC service. The retrofit configuration includes the AC unit itself, the Dometic Passport I/O digital control head with bezel and 15-foot cable, and the install instructions - everything needed to swap an old self-contained unit out for the current-generation EnviroComfort.

What self-contained marine AC means. Self-contained marine AC units integrate the compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower, and seawater-cooled heat exchanger all into one unit that mounts in a single location on the boat (typically below a settee, in a forward storage compartment, or in a dedicated AC equipment space). Cool air discharges through ducting from the unit to the cabin spaces. Hot exhaust air discharges through different ducting to a vented space (or directly overboard). Seawater pumps through the unit to remove heat from the refrigerant cycle. Self-contained units are the simplest marine AC configuration - one unit, one set of ducts, one seawater connection, one electrical hookup. They're the right choice for boats with single-cabin spaces or for boats where running multiple split-system units isn't practical.

16,000 BTU capacity. 16,000 BTU per hour is the right cooling capacity for boat cabin spaces of about 200-280 square feet under typical marine conditions (saloon area on a 30-38 foot cruiser, master cabin on a larger boat, combined main cabin / V-berth on a 25-32 foot express cruiser). The general marine AC sizing guideline is 50-65 BTU per square foot of cabin space for boats with insulated headliners and 75-90 BTU per square foot for boats without insulation. Use the higher end if the boat sees significant southern-summer use, the lower end for northern climates with less solar load.

Reverse-cycle cooling and heating. The reverse-cycle design lets the same unit pump heat into the cabin in cool weather and pump heat out of the cabin in warm weather. Switch the unit's operating mode at the digital control head to flip between cooling and heating. Reverse-cycle heating works down to about 40-50 F seawater temperature - below that, the heat pump efficiency drops significantly and you need supplemental heating. For boats that get used in the spring shoulder season and into fall, reverse-cycle eliminates the need for a separate heating system. For winter use in cold climates, supplement with a diesel or electric resistive heater.

230V high-voltage operation. The HV in the model number stands for High Voltage - this is the 230-volt variant of the ECD16KZ. For boats wired with a 230V shore power system (most boats over 35 feet, many European boats of any size, and any boat with significant air-conditioning or other 230V loads), the 230V unit is the right choice. The 230V draws less current per BTU than the 115V variant (~7 A typical at 230V vs. ~14 A at 115V), which means smaller-gauge AC wire runs and less voltage drop over long shore-power cable runs. For boats wired only for 115V, the ECD16KZ (without the HV suffix) is the 115V variant.

R-410A refrigerant. R-410A is the current EPA-approved refrigerant that replaced the older R-22 (phased out under the Clean Air Act for ozone-depletion concerns). R-410A operates at higher pressure than R-22 and provides higher cooling capacity per pound of refrigerant. For boats originally fitted with R-22 systems, the R-410A retrofit is the modern equivalent and matches all current EPA regulations.

High-velocity blower with internal motor. The blower is high-velocity (delivers strong airflow through the supply ducts to the cabin) with an internal motor (the motor is integrated into the blower assembly rather than mounted externally). Internal-motor design saves significant space in the install footprint compared to older external-motor designs - matters for typical marine installs where every cubic inch of equipment space is precious. Compact footprint also leaves more room around the unit for service access.

Rotatable blower for install flexibility. The blower can be rotated to either horizontal or vertical position depending on which way you need the supply duct to exit the unit. For installs where the supply ducting runs horizontally out the side of the equipment compartment, rotate the blower horizontal. For installs where the supply ducting runs vertically up through the deck above the unit, rotate the blower vertical. The flexibility means the same unit fits a wide range of install configurations without needing a different SKU per orientation.

Stainless steel drain pan. The drain pan that catches condensate from the evaporator coil is stainless steel rather than the cheaper plastic or galvanized steel some marine AC units use. Stainless steel doesn't corrode in the marine environment, doesn't crack from temperature cycling, and stays cleaner longer (no plastic surface chemistry that grows mold faster). For a part that lives wet most of the time, the stainless steel construction is meaningful long-term durability.

Pre-installed return-air filter. The unit ships with the return-air filter pre-installed and easily removable for periodic cleaning. Wash the filter with mild soap and water every few weeks of use to keep airflow strong and to keep the cabin air clean. The pre-installed filter saves install steps and ensures you have the right filter from day one.

Dometic Passport I/O digital control. The included Passport I/O digital control head (part 9600005997) mounts in the cabin where the user accesses it, with the 15-foot cable running back to the unit. The control handles temperature setpoint, fan speed, mode select (cool / heat / fan only), system on / off, and the standard AC functions. Easy-to-read display, simple button interface, no menu maze.

Plastic remote electrical box. The unit includes a separate plastic electrical box that mounts remotely from the AC unit itself, giving the installer flexibility on where to bring the 230V supply wiring in. Useful when the AC unit's natural mounting position is far from the boat's existing AC distribution panel.

Specs at a glance. 230V input, 50/60 Hz frequency. 34 A starting amps. 12-20 A fuse range. 16,000 BTU cooling. R-410A refrigerant. Minimum supply duct size 6 inches. Seawater inlet 5/8 inch. Unit dimensions 13.5 H x 20 W x 11.25 D inches. Weight 75 lb.

What's in the box. The ECD16KZ-HV self-contained AC unit (with built-in compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower, seawater heat exchanger, drain pan, return-air filter), the Dometic Passport I/O digital control head with bezel and 15-foot cable, the plastic remote electrical box, and the install instruction manual. Required separately: 230V AC supply wiring with appropriate fuse, supply ducting (6-inch minimum), return-air ducting, condensate drain plumbing, seawater inlet plumbing with seacock and strainer, and the seawater pump (if not already installed).