When it comes to choosing an air conditioning unit for your RV or mobile home, two of the most popular brands in the market are Coleman Mach and Dometic. In this article, we'll compare the two brands across several key areas to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit is size and capacity. You want to make sure that the unit is the right size for your RV or mobile home and has enough cooling capacity to keep you comfortable in hot weather.
Coleman Mach:
- Offers a range of air conditioning units with varying sizes and cooling capacities, including the popular Coleman Mach 8.
- The Coleman Mach 8 has a cooling capacity of 7,000 BTUs and is one of the most widely used units for RVs and mobile homes.
- Tends to offer larger units with higher cooling capacities, making them suitable for larger RVs or mobile homes.
Dometic:
- Units come in various sizes and cooling capacities, with their largest unit, the Penguin II, having a cooling capacity of 15,000 BTUs.
- Overall, Dometic units tend to be smaller than Coleman Mach units.
When choosing between Coleman Mach and Dometic, it's important to consider the size of your RV or mobile home. If you have a larger RV or mobile home, a Coleman Mach unit with a higher cooling capacity may be a better fit. If you have a smaller RV or mobile home, a Dometic unit may be more appropriate.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another crucial factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit. A more energy-efficient unit will not only save you money on your electricity bill but also reduce your carbon footprint.
Coleman Mach:
- Units are generally less energy-efficient than Dometic units.
- The Coleman Mach 8 has a SEER rating of 10.0, which is lower than many Dometic units. Check it out HERE
Dometic:
- Units are generally more energy-efficient than Coleman Mach units.
- The Dometic Penguin II has a SEER rating of 13.5, which is higher than the Coleman Mach 8 and many other Coleman Mach units.
Both Coleman Mach and Dometic offer models with energy-saving features, such as programmable thermostats and low-power start-up options. However, if energy efficiency is a priority for you, Dometic may be the better choice.
Noise Level
Another factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit is noise level. You want an air conditioning unit that will keep you cool without being too loud and disrupting your peace and quiet.
Coleman Mach:
- Units are known for being somewhat louder than Dometic units, due in part to their four-blade fan design.
Dometic:
- Units tend to be quieter overall than Coleman Mach units, due in part to their two-blade fan design.
Both brands offer models with noise-reducing features, such as rubber isolation mounts and vibration dampening technology. Dometic units tend to be quieter overall than Coleman Mach units, but both brands have models that are suitable for those who are noise-sensitive.
Price
Price is always an important factor to consider when making any purchase, and air conditioning units are no exception.
Coleman Mach:
- Units are generally priced lower than Dometic units, making them a more budget-friendly option.
- Some Coleman Mach units may require additional accessories or parts, which can add to the overall cost.
Dometic:
- Units are generally priced higher than Coleman Mach units.
- Dometic units come with a built-in thermostat, which can save you the cost of purchasing a separate thermostat.
It's important to note that the initial cost of the unit is not the only factor to consider. You should also consider the long-term cost of operating and maintaining the unit, as well as any additional accessories or parts that may be required.
Warranty
Another important factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit is the warranty. You want to make sure that your unit is covered in case of any defects or malfunctions.
Coleman Mach:
- Offers a 2-year warranty on most of their units.
Dometic:
- Offers a 2-year warranty on most of their units.
It's important to check the warranty details for each brand and model before making a purchase.
Installation
Installation is another factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit. You want to make sure that the unit can be installed easily and without any complications.
Coleman Mach:
- Units can be installed by a professional or by a skilled DIYer.
- Some Coleman Mach units may require additional wiring or installation accessories, which can make the process more complex.
Dometic:
- Units can be installed by a professional or by a skilled DIYer.
- Dometic units tend to be easier to install than Coleman Mach units, due in part to their simpler design.
Both brands offer installation manuals and videos to help with the process, and you can also find professional installation services if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
Maintenance
Finally, you'll need to consider maintenance when choosing an air conditioning unit. Regular maintenance is important to keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently.
Coleman Mach:
- Units require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters and coils.
- Some Coleman Mach units have easily accessible parts, while others may require disassembly.
Dometic:
- Units require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters and coils.
- Dometic units often have removable and washable filters for easy cleaning, which can save time and effort.
Both Coleman Mach and Dometic units require regular maintenance, so it's important to consider the ease of maintenance when choosing a unit.
Conclusion
Choosing between Coleman Mach and Dometic air conditioning units depends on several factors, including the size of your RV or mobile home, your budget, and your preferences for energy efficiency, noise level, and ease of installation and maintenance.
Coleman Mach units tend to offer larger units with higher cooling capacities, making them suitable for larger RVs or mobile homes. They are also generally priced lower than Dometic units, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Dometic units are generally more energy-efficient than Coleman Mach units, which can translate to lower energy costs over time. They also tend to be quieter overall than Coleman Mach units and may require less maintenance.
Ultimately, the choice between Coleman Mach and Dometic air conditioning units will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering the factors outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and choose the unit that best fits your needs.