HVAC on the Coast in Worcester County - Will Saltwater Corrode my HVAC Unit?

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.

Saltwater Corrosion

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.

Warning Signs to Look out For

• Little circulation or poor performance in a space's heating or cooling
• System freezing up and the outdoor unit has ice on it
• Equipment is showing pockmarks on the surface

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.

Considerations and Maintenance 

• If purchasing a new air conditioning unit, seek products that are "salt water friendly" and/or have coastal warranties
• Consistently rinse the exterior of the unit to remove any accumulated salt particles
• Apply a coating of special material that will protect the more vulnerable parts of an HVAC unit from corroding, specifically the copper coil and aluminum fins
• Invest in regular maintenance to prevent build up and deterioration of any type of equipment, despite proximity to bodies of water

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