Can Salt Water Damage My Heating System?

Many people living around Fort Myers are unaware of how salt water impacts their heating and cooling equipment. Yes, salt water can cause damage to your HVAC system. Your system can shut down entirely if the damage goes unchecked. Let me start by explaining how salt water affects your A/C.

How salt damages your equipment

Salty water from the ocean contains large amounts of sodium chloride (salt) particles. Moist air from the sea carries salt particles which creates a dust-like film on the surface of your equipment. This film of salt attracts moisture. The combination of salt and water easily corrode and deteriorate the metal parts of the cooling system. Salt affect metals such as aluminum, copper, and steel. Many components of your A/C system are made of these materials which mean your A/C will experience such damages.

The air condenser of your A/C is the most susceptible to the problem of saltwater damage. The condenser is composed of copper tubes to which aluminum fins attach and spins to dissipate heat rapidly. Upon exposure to salt and moister, the contact between the copper and aluminum start to erode, and the damage may end up leaking Freon.

The damage has a ripple effect. Corroded coils hamper, the efficient flow of air and consequently reduce heat transfer. This can lead to additional damage to other parts of the A/C. The damages culminate in reduced efficiency of the system and complete failure in a worse scenario.

Signs of A/C damage

• Poor circulation
• Poor performance or poor cooling effects
• AC parts start to fail
• The AC freezes or parts begin to ice up
• Pockmarks begin to emerge on the equipment

If you reside near the sea, the above signs could indicate saltwater damage. Living near the ocean can damage and shorten the lifespan of your Cooling equipment. The conditions can shorten the lifespan of units that last for more than ten years to deteriorate within five years.

Ways to Protect Your A/C from Saltwater Damage

The A/C is a significant investment, and you do not want the unit to fail prematurely. You want it to last long. Here are ways you can protect your unit from saltwater damage.

1. Schedule Regular HVAC maintenance

I would recommend regular maintenance as this is the best way to protect your A/C against saltwater damage. You should consider air conditioning and heating maintenance agreement Fort Myers for scheduled service by experts. During maintenance, the technician will examine your A/C and detect any potential problem. Regular inspections help prevent damages before they occur. During maintenance, the technician will rinse the system and clean it in a way that protects your A/C from saltwater.

2. Clean and wipe the coils

I like to see this as the easiest cheapest method of maintaining your A/C. The loops are the most susceptible part of your A/C. The salt film is easy to wash and wipe off your equipment. You can hose your system down with fresh water on a regular basis. Hosing the system quarterly or monthly will prolong the life of your A/C’s coil.

3. Purchase the right A/C

If you live around the beach, then you need to do some research before purchasing a unit. Investing in an air conditioner that suits the environment is your best option. Some manufacturers build air conditioners that can withstand natural elements. If you reside along the coastal area, I will recommend that you buy one that can resist saltwater damage. When shopping for an A/C, confirm that the product is saltwater-friendly.

4. Install in the right location

The location of an outdoor unit has a significant impact in preventing saltwater damage. Proper installation is vital, and this is why I suggest you hire professionals only. Experts understand the best installation location for outdoor units in homes near the ocean. For example, they can install the A/C such that your home serves as a barrier to the ocean winds. This installation prevents corrosion and buildup of salt. The technicians will have the unit exposed to rainwater. When rainwater accesses the A/C, it naturally rinses the accumulated salts.

5. Apply anti-corrosion coat

You can also have a technician apply a protective coating to specific parts to prevent them from corrosion — for example, aluminum oxide coating for aluminum parts and iron oxide coating for iron parts. The coat protects the system from damage and improves its efficiency.

6. Clear obstructions

The things you store outside your house can increase damage to your cooling system. The objects can accumulate saltwater particles. These particles will damage your A/C if they find their way to your equipment.

Despite the various ways of protecting your HVAC system, the best way to protect your investment is to have an expert carry out regular maintenance of your equipment. Experts can detect issues early and prevent damages before they occur. For routine HVAC maintenance contact us on (866) 281-5199 and let our experienced experts service the A/C.