The Story Behind Climate Command’s DC-Powered AC and Heat Systems

Finding the Intersection Between Quality & Cost Efficiency

When we created the Climate Command brand of DC-powered heat and air conditioning systems, the goal was simple: provide a premium product at a middle-market price. There were a few premium-labeled DC air conditioning systems, and plenty of cheap alternatives, but the VMACS team saw a need for high quality at an affordable price. Something a DIY van build owner could add to their rig, or that an upfitter could spec to keep their units affordable.

A secondary focus was to ensure we could offer support and, if needed, parts for Climate Command specialty vehicle A/C and heater units. “We didn’t want cheap stuff,” explains VMACS president Scott Faivre. “We wanted to provide equipment that will perform well and last a long time for our customer,” he adds. The design is based on longevity, and the ability for future repairs, if needed, vs replacing an entire unit.

Development & Testing to Perfect Climate Command

The VMACS team tested more than a dozen DC-powered air conditioning systems, and another 10 DC-powered fuel heating systems, searching for the right mix of performance and quality. “The quality in the industry varies tremendously,” said Scott. “We tested and tested to make sure the manufacturers could deliver on their promises, and that we could provide products we’re proud to have our name on.”

The Result: A Solution to Common A/C & Heater Challenges

The end result is Climate Command: battery-powered air conditioning and heat systems that are optimized for campervan builds, commercial delivery vans, custom RV builds, and tiny houses. The units are available in 12-volt and 48-volt configurations, allowing the end user to select a unit that is optimized for their battery bank and electrical system.

Traditional mobile air conditioning systems on RVs and older campervans rely on “shore power” 120v electricity (or a massive inverter). Those units use on/off compressors that have a big power draw every time the unit starts cooling, which usually means a minimum of 30-amp service, typically found in private RV parks and some campgrounds. Staying comfortably off-grid with 120v systems usually requires a generator.

Climate Command solves those challenges, and others. Since the air conditioner is powered directly by a battery bank, there’s no need for 120v electricity, and customers can have comfortable air conditioning wherever they are – from a campground to remote boondocking well off-grid. This also makes van builds easier for the DIYer. The mini-split configuration is popular for tiny homes and off-grid structures, also powered by a battery bank and solar panels.

Climate Command & Battery Efficiency

How much battery capacity is needed? The VMACS team powers an air conditioning unit in our trade show booth on a single 360 amp-hour lithium battery. The display unit runs full time, at full blast maximum cooling in an outside environment for an average of six hours without recharging the battery. Since installed applications only run enough to maintain the temperature setting, the expected cooling potential is significantly longer!

In addition, the units use an inverter scroll compressor, which starts at slow speed and ramps up as cooling is required, resulting in lower initial and ongoing power demands – an important feature for battery-powered systems. “Our units don’t need a soft start,” explains Scott.

Powerful, Efficient -- and Quiet

Finally, the Climate Command AC units are surprisingly quiet, a plus for anyone who has been inside an RV or camper with a loud 120-volt unit. “One of the most frequent comments we hear at the Overland Expo events is that people are amazed at the low noise level,” said Scott.

A Climate Command Unit to Fit Your Needs

In addition to the popular rooftop and mini-split air conditioners, Climate Command has a similar, high-quality, mid-market price point diesel- or gas-fueled heater for related applications. The units are ideal for customers who want quality equipment but don’t want to pay a premium for an international brand, and don’t want to settle for low-quality units, particularly where combustible fuels are used to generate heat.

If you’re planning a van build, off-grid tiny home, or custom RV, Climate Command is a great option for quality and off-grid comfort, no matter what the season. Learn more about Climate Command units from VMACS!