Living on the coast can be quite the lifestyle. However, any property located near a body of saltwater will be exposing the outdoor units of an HVAC system to environmental elements. The combination of moisture and salt in the air within these areas can potentially lead to thousands of dollars in repairs due to the corrosion of a system's essential parts.
Within any HVAC unit, there are parts that will be significantly more affected by the combination of salt and moisture in the air. Condenser units, a critical outdoor component of an HVAC system, are made up of copper tubes and aluminum fins. These materials are most vulnerable to the salt and moisture combination and can rapidly lead to a state of deterioration. The copper coil, known as the condenser coil, is the most vulnerable part of an HVAC unit when exposed to salt and moisture. The copper coil will be the first to corrode (Source: Sciencing.com) which in turn will lead to poor air flow and as a result, heat transfer will be reduced. Once this point is reached, the damage further progresses to the aluminum fins that are bonded to the copper coil.
The closer a property is to a body of saltwater, the greater damage an HVAC unit can face. The average lifespan can be cut by more than 66% if an HVAC unit is exposed to a combination of salt and moisture for prolonged periods of time.
Live on the coast in towns such as Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes or surrounding areas? Contact us today for more information on coastal HVAC units such as heat pumps and furnaces or overall best practices.
Published: September 19, 2023