Common AC Problems Coastal North Carolina’s Salt Air Causes
When the coastal summer is in full swing, does your air conditioner have a hard time keeping up? You may find rust on the outdoor unit for no apparent reason or be put out by cooling that is not as potent as of old and costs more every month.
For those on the Crystal Coast, the ocean breeze you are fond of could well be to blame. We at Coastal Home Services Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing can tell you what salt air will do to a cooling system; we have been attending to the needs of Morehead City and other communities in the area since 2007. Should you have any AC troubles to discuss, pick up the phone and call (252) 675-4245.
The Hard Truth About Salt Air and Your AC
There are perks to a life near the water but your air conditioner has to make some concessions for the beachside setting. Ocean salt is carried on the air to all outdoor surfaces, the metal of your cooling system included. Inland homes do not see this kind of accelerated corrosion. The outdoor condenser is left to the elements all year and will bear most of it; the nearer to the coast you are, the sooner you will see the effects.
What We See Most with Coastal Cooling Systems
These are the typical problems we come across:
- Condenser coils that have corroded and can no longer shed heat
- Cabinet panels and fasteners rusted to the point of weakening the unit
- Salt accumulation damaging fan motors and electricals
- Metal eaten away by corrosion leading to refrigerant leaks
- Debris and salt residue on components restricting airflow
- The system having to exert itself more, putting a dent in your energy bill
- Equipment with a shortened life span from constant exposure to salt
It is not uncommon for a homeowner to be oblivious to such things until the day comes when the system can no longer cope with the heat and the damage has been festering for some time.
Early Warnings of Salt Air Damage
A technician is not required to see if your unit is in trouble. Make it a habit to check the outdoor unit for any of the following:
- Rust or corrosion to be seen on the coils or cabinet
- Vents inside not putting out much air
- The system taking its time where it did not before
- Unusual sounds from the motor or fan outside
- Air that is warm instead of cool
- An electric bill on the upswing for no good reason
If that rings a bell, have someone look at the unit to forestall a complete breakdown.
Ways to Shield Your AC
You can put some distance between yourself and the damage and extend the life of your system with a little regular care. Some things to do:
- Put fresh water to the outdoor unit to get the salt off
- Do not let plants and debris encroach on the condenser
- Be sure to change air filters as you should
- Get professional maintenance done on a schedule
- Inquire into protective coatings for equipment in a coastal environment
- Repair or put in new parts rather than wait for them to give way
To that end we have the Coastal Comfort Club, a paid plan of ours to ensure your system is in good order come what season. With our regular tune ups we can put an end to corrosion and wear before you are left without cooling.
Homeowners from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach, Newport, Beaufort and Swansboro have been calling on us for their cooling systems since 2007. We are licensed and insured and our 940 plus Google reviews speak for themselves with an average of 4.8 stars. And when the AC cannot be put off we are there, 24/7.
We will work with your budget too; financing is an option with approved credit and we give free estimates.
One does not have to put up with a failing air conditioner even if salt air is part and parcel of living on the coast. If your unit is corroding or just not doing its job, let Coastal Home Services Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing take a look. Call (252) 675-4245 and we will lay out your options in no uncertain terms so you can remain cool however close to the water you may be.
