How Does Salt Air Affect Your Air Conditioner?

Living here in South Florida during the summer months can make for fun-filled memories throughout the years. But if your air conditioner isn’t working at full capacity due to salt air corrosion, you may spend more time sweating than smiling.

While the ever-present salt air can negatively affect your HVAC system, Ferrara’s Air can help you take steps to minimize any potential damage. Our expert team wants to help ensure your Boca Raton home’s comfort and safety by addressing any corrosion issues you may face while maintaining your equipment.

How Does Corrosion Affect My HVAC System?

Corrosion is a chemical reaction between metal, water, and air, with its byproduct being rust. Florida homeowners can expect salt particles from the Atlantic Ocean to travel through the air and corrode your HVAC system. 

If you examine your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit, you’ll most likely recognize the white salt deposits on the unit’s delicate aluminum fins. As the salt moves its way into your system, the salt damages the fins, preventing the outdoor unit from expelling warm air from your home.

Our HVAC team typically sees leaks, insufficient airflow, rattling sounds, electrical problems, and freeze-ups when corrosion impacts your outdoor unit.

Corrosion can create a host of other problems, such as refrigerant leaks and damaged evaporating and condenser coils. One problem may require a replacement system, while the other can lead to decreased efficiency in operation.

Can I Prevent Corrosion?

The average life span of a well-maintained air conditioning unit is 12 to 15 years before parts start slowing down. However, salt air corrosion can lead to a shorter life span for your HVAC system, costing more to operate and losing capacity much quicker.

The best avenue to prevent corrosion with your HVAC system is to be proactive when it comes to the salt air and humidity.

When you live in Boca Raton during the summer, you can’t get away from humidity. But you can take steps to help counter any salt air corrosion, protecting your system. Let our team of Ferrara’s Air professionals assess your South Florida home’s unique needs and provide solutions for you.

We highly recommend a professional preventative maintenance visit at least once a year to stay on top of your equipment’s care. Removing salt and other debris from your system on a regular basis helps guard against airflow blockages and unit deterioration.

Inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up your heating and cooling system helps you avoid unexpected, expensive breakdowns.

When your AC is in use, we recommend regularly cleaning the aluminum fins with water. Be sure to turn off your air conditioner, and then gently move your hose back and forth in a horizontal motion to remove any visible debris. 

When it comes time to replace or upgrade your HVAC system, protect your AC with a corrosion-resistant coating for an extra layer of protection against salt air corrosion. Ferrara’s Air can recommend numerous products designed specifically for our South Florida coastal areas that can help shield your unit from corrosive elements.

We Are Your Salt Air Corrosion Experts

At Ferrara’s Air, we are well versed on the potential damage salt air can wreak on your Boca Raton, FL, AC system. We bring the best possible HVAC service and plans to help you create the healthy home you deserve. Contact us today at 954-914-9000 or request service online.