Florida’s climate has several impacts on your AC system. One of the drawbacks of being a Tampa resident is AC salt corrosion. For homeowners living close to the water, your unit is more vulnerable to heat, humidity, and salt in the air. As a result, your AC may quickly wear down, requiring frequent repairs.
With our seasoned professionals at Fairway Heating and Cooling, you can learn how to prevent your AC unit from salt corrosion.
How Salt Air Affects Your AC
Tampa AC systems undergo stress due to salt exposure. Specifically, the salt permeates the air, reaching all homes near the ocean. It can deteriorate metal (i.e., aluminum fins, compressor, condenser coils) faster than those located inland.
Signs of salt damage include:
- AC malfunctioning
- Unit freezing over
- Metal components eroded
- AC Parts break regularly or need repair
- Exterior drain pipe corrosion
Additional Factors That Impact Your AC
Along with salt erosion, here are other factors that affect your AC:
Heat
The hotter it is outside, the harder your AC has to run. Heat exacerbates salt corrosion. This causes your system to work harder to maintain its cooling efficiency. With frequent heat waves, your system will struggle to meet the demands.
System Wear and Tear
Heat, humidity, and salt result in AC system wear and tear. This reduces your system’s performance and cooling efficiency.
Humidity
Along with heat, moisture and salt further corrode your AC’s metal components. All these factors may lead to musty odors, wet spots on your ceilings, or rust buildup on metal HVAC parts.
Increased Energy Costs
Salt, heat, and humidity prevent your system from operating at maximum capacity. Overall, these factors are responsible for higher heating and cooling costs.
Mold & Mildew
Higher moisture mixed with salt air is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This combination can be problematic for your AC. If left unmanaged, viruses, microorganisms, and bacteria may develop.
That’s why it’s necessary to have professionals evaluate your system. They help you target issues before they become costly or extensive.
How To Protect Your AC From Salt Corrosion
Here are Fairway’s tips for preventing AC salt corrosion:
- Schedule AC Maintenance
Tampa’s weather leaves your unit vulnerable to wear and tear. Regular AC maintenance is necessary for improving your unit’s health. Neglecting maintenance causes a steady decline in AC function and efficiency. As a result, you increase your energy usage over time.
In addition, your system may be at risk for other complications.
For instance, your AC may suffer from the following:
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Clogged air filters
- Poor indoor air quality
- Condensate drain leaks
Instead, HVAC professionals can clean your system during routine maintenance. Maintenance prevents rapid AC deterioration.
- Check & Clean Your Coils
Your AC evaporator and condenser coils become dirty, eroding the contact between the aluminum and copper. To avoid this problem, check your coils and clean them down with vinegar and water.
- Change Your Air Filters
Your air filters are responsible for cleaning contaminants from the air, including residual salt. Regularly changing your air filters keeps dirt, debris, and salt from reducing your indoor air quality.
- Rinse Outdoor Unit
Since the outdoor unit remains outside, it can be at a higher risk for corrosion. Periodically, rinsing your outdoor unit will slow down salt air erosion.
- Apply Corrosion Resistant Coating
Contact professionals for a corrosion-resistant coating to protect your air conditioner from corrosion. Namely, graphene-based coatings protect ACs against weathering and environmental factors.
Choose Fairway Heating and Cooling to Optimize Your AC’s Health!
Whether you need your unit repaired or maintained, rely on Fairway Heating and Cooling. Being local Tampa Bay professionals, we can guide you on how to keep your unit safe from AC salt corrosion. With our climate expertise and dedication to excellence, we can assist you with any of your AC needs.
More so, we provide top-notch AC servicing at a fair cost. That’s because we believe in providing customers with affordable AC assistance.
To optimize your AC’s health, contact us to speak to one of our customer service agents or book an estimate!
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