We are all aware of just how much damage can be caused by the salty air near the coast. Homeowners on the crystal coast are in a constant struggle to minimize harm caused by salt in the air. Salt in the air can cause costly damage to your air conditioning unit. It is important that you take the steps necessary to protect your AC unit from the salty air near the coast.
There are a number of precautions you can take to minimize damage caused by salt in a coastal area. Some are as simple as washing your unit on a regular basis while others involve the application of an industrial grade protectant. This resource will highlight some of the most effective methods of protecting an air conditioning unit from salt in the air.
Why is salty air bad for an AC unit?
A common question that our customers ask our technicians is “why is salty air bad for my AC unit?” The answer, put simply, is corrosion. Salty air increases the rate of corrosion. AC units in coastal environments are under constant attack by humid and salty air. Metals in salty coastal areas corrode ten times faster than metal in normal conditions. Corrosion has the biggest impact on the coils of the air conditioning unit. The constant exposure to salt causes the air conditioning coils to fail much sooner than coils located in less salty conditions.
Replacing the coils on your AC unit can be costly. That is why it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your AC unit lasts as long as possible. Here are some of the things you can do to help extend the life of your AC unit in a salty environment.
How to make your AC unit last longer in a salty environment
There are a few things you can do to help make your air conditioning unit last longer near the beach or other salty environments. Utilizing these tips can help you extend the life of your AC unit by years.
- Apply commercial rust resistant coating
- Build a mist barrier
- Wash unit regularly with fresh water
If you live on the crystal coast you know just how harsh the climate can be on our home’s air conditioning systems. Contact coastal home services today if you have any questions about replacing your current HVAC system or applying Rust Grip rust resistant coating to your current AC unit. Give us a call or fill out the online contact form below to get in touch with one of our friendly technicians.
Understanding Salt Air’s Impact on AC Units
Salt air poses a unique threat to AC units, primarily through its corrosive properties. The salt carried in the air settles on the metal components of your unit, accelerating the corrosion process. This is especially harmful to the AC’s evaporator and condenser coils, which are crucial for efficient cooling. Corrosion weakens these components, causing them to degrade faster, leading to expensive repairs or even premature replacement.
In coastal environments, metal exposed to salty air corrodes up to ten times faster than in normal, inland environments. Given that AC units are predominantly made of metal, they are particularly vulnerable. Regular maintenance and preventive steps are necessary to slow down this corrosion and protect your investment.
Methods to Protect Your AC Unit from Salt Air
To ensure your air conditioning unit continues to function efficiently in coastal environments, several strategies can be employed:
1. Regular Cleaning with Fresh Water
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your AC unit is to wash it down regularly with fresh water. Doing this removes the salt that has accumulated on the unit’s metal components, especially the coils. Aim to wash your unit at least once a month, or more frequently if you live close to the beach where the salt concentration in the air is higher.
- Use a low-pressure hose to gently rinse off the exterior and the coils of the AC unit. Be careful not to use high pressure, as this could damage sensitive components.
- Avoid using any detergents or chemicals unless they are specifically recommended by your AC manufacturer, as some cleaners could further corrode the metal.
2. Apply Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Another highly effective method to protect your AC unit from salt air damage is to apply a commercial-grade anti-corrosion coating. These coatings are designed to act as a barrier between the metal surfaces of your AC unit and the corrosive salt air.
- Rust-resistant coatings such as Rust Grip or similar products can be applied by professionals. These coatings seal the metal components and provide a protective shield, reducing the risk of rust and corrosion.
- Fin Guard is another product specifically designed for protecting the fins and coils of air conditioning units, prolonging their lifespan in salty environments.
Make sure to reapply these coatings as directed by the product manufacturer, usually every one to two years, to maintain protection.
3. Install a Barrier or Enclosure
If you live particularly close to the beach or in areas where salt content in the air is high, consider installing a barrier or enclosure around your AC unit. This structure can help shield the unit from the direct impact of salty air while still allowing for adequate ventilation.
- Misting systems can also be installed around your AC unit to create a barrier that reduces salt air exposure. These systems create a fine mist of fresh water around the unit, preventing salt from settling on the metal surfaces.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that any enclosure or barrier does not obstruct airflow. Your AC needs adequate ventilation to function efficiently, so a balance must be maintained between protection and airflow.
4. Use a Cooled Shelter or Raised Platform
Building a shelter for your AC unit that helps keep it cool while protecting it from salty air is another option. A small, roofed structure that shields the unit from direct wind carrying salty air can be a game-changer. Alternatively, placing your AC unit on a raised platform can help minimize direct exposure to salty air, which tends to accumulate closer to the ground.
These structures can also reduce heat exposure from the sun, improving your unit’s efficiency and longevity.
Additional Maintenance Tips for Coastal AC Units
Beyond cleaning, coating, and protecting the unit, there are a few additional maintenance tips to ensure your AC unit performs optimally in a salty environment.
1. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Regular professional maintenance is critical to identifying potential issues early and addressing them before they escalate. If you live in a coastal area, it’s a good idea to schedule biannual inspections by a certified HVAC technician who can:
- Check for signs of corrosion.
- Clean the interior components of the AC unit, including the coils and fan blades.
- Inspect refrigerant levels and ensure the unit is operating at peak efficiency.
2. Use a Sacrificial Anode
Installing a sacrificial anode in your AC unit can help prevent corrosion. This device is designed to corrode in place of the metal components of the AC unit. When properly installed, the anode will take on the brunt of the corrosion, leaving the critical parts of your AC intact.
- These anodes need to be inspected periodically and replaced when they have fully corroded, ensuring continuous protection.
3. Upgrade to Coastal-Ready Units
When it’s time to replace your AC unit, consider upgrading to an AC unit designed specifically for coastal environments. Some manufacturers offer units with additional anti-corrosion protections, such as coastal-coated coils and components made from more corrosion-resistant materials. These units are more durable and better suited for salty air exposure, making them a smart long-term investment for homeowners near the coast.
