The Outer Banks offers picturesque views and plenty of beachfront to explore, but there are also downsides.

For homeowners in the area, the combination of salty air and humidity can cause air conditioners and heat pumps exposed to the elements to suffer from accelerated corrosion. This can reduce the life of your HVAC system by as much as half and lead to costly repairs.

How Salty Air Causes HVAC Corrosion

Salt from the air can collect on any outdoor equipment, leaving a thin film behind. When humid air encounters the salt film, it can draw moisture out of the air, creating a corrosive brine that eats away at steel, copper, aluminum, and other metals, all of which play critical roles in the operation of your air conditioner or heat pump.

The coils are typically made from aluminum, while refrigerant lines can be made from copper or aluminum, and things like the compressor and the condenser fan feature steel in the cases, fasteners, and blades.

Signs Your HVAC Unit Is Corroded

Spotting damage to your HVAC system can help you address the problem before the system fails completely and leaves you without cooling or heating. Here are some of the most common signs that your HVAC is corroded:

• Poor air circulation
• Insufficient cooling or heating
• Frozen evaporator coil or refrigerant line
• Leaking refrigerant
• Pockmarks on the equipment

Do I Need to Replace a Corroded HVAC System?

The extent of the corrosion and its location will determine whether or not you need to replace your HVAC system.

If just the refrigerant line is damaged, for example, it can easily be replaced, but if a coil or compressor has suffered major damage, it may be more cost-effective to replace the system, especially if it’s more than 10 years old.

If the interior or exterior portions of a heat pump or air conditioner have severe corrosion, it’s best to replace the entire system.

How to Protect Your HVAC System From Corrosion

Although the salty air can be quite damaging to your HVAC system, there are a few ways to provide some protection against corrosion and the problems it can cause:

• Clean the coils: Rinsing the salt residue off the condenser coils every month or two can greatly reduce the risk of corrosion. Turn the power off and spray down the coils with a garden hose, careful not to bend any delicate aluminum fins. Then, wipe the unit’s exterior down to remove any remaining salt residue.
• Keep up with routine maintenance: Schedule AC maintenance annually and heat pump maintenance twice a year so your HVAC technician can find and address any corrosion-related issues before they cause a breakdown.
• Apply anti-corrosion coatings: Ask your HVAC technician about applying an anti-corrosion coating to prevent rust between service visits.
• Install a corrosion-resistant HVAC unit: Some HVAC units are made with materials that offer better resistance to corrosion. Your HVAC technician can recommend the right model for your needs and install it in the ideal location with minimal breeze and salt from the ocean.

Schedule Professional HVAC Services in the Outer Banks

Get help repairing and preventing corrosion damage by calling our team at Comfort First Heating & Cooling. Our company has years of industry experience offering HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance.

We deliver superior service backed by excellent customer reviews, upfront pricing, comprehensive maintenance agreements, and specials. Plus, we offer free estimates for system replacements, generous HVAC installation guarantees, and convenient financing. We’re fully licensed and insured for your protection.

Call Comfort First to schedule heat pump or air conditioning services in the Outer Banks. We’re available 24/7 to help with all your emergency HVAC needs.