How to Spot Salt Air Damage in Your HVAC System

South Florida is home to some of the saltiest air in the United States. We might expect the air in coastal areas to be salty, but the brininess can also travel hundreds of miles inland. While there are reported benefits to spending time in salty air, the same doesn’t hold true for the HVAC systems in South Florida. Salt in the air is corrosive and can shorten the lifespan of heating and cooling systems, leading to expensive repairs down the road.

How Salt Air Causes Damage In HVAC Systems

Air that is found in coastal areas, and the surrounding regions contains high concentrations of salt particles, otherwise known as sodium chloride. Unfortunately, when sodium chloride particles settle into HVAC systems, they create an environment that is well-suited for corrosion.

Salt accelerates rusting because it breaks down the outer oxide layer on the metal. In addition to this, the high humidity levels of South Florida and metal HVAC components begin to deteriorate even faster. Given Florida’s climate, the exposure to both salt and moisture is year-round. This can lead to shortened life spans for HVAC systems in the area.

5 Signs of HVAC System Salt Air Damage

Spotting salt air damage to an HVAC system can save homeowners from costly repairs later down the road. There are a few telltale signs that salty air is causing damage. Here’s what to look for.

1. Rust & Corrosion

One of the most noticeable signs that salt air is damaging your HVAC system is visible rust and corrosion. The first signs often occur on the outdoor unit panels, especially around the mounting brackets. There might also be signs of corrosion on the condenser coils and the small bits that hold the HVAC system together, such as small screws and fasteners.

2. Decreased Efficiency

Salt air can cause damage to corrosion coils and other internal components. This can cause the HVAC unit to work less efficiently than it’s designed to. Decreased efficiency can show up in the form of higher energy bills, but there are other signs, including uneven temperatures throughout the home and longer cooling/heating cycles.

3. New Noises

If you’re noticing new noises coming from your HVAC system, this is a sign that corrosion from salty air is causing damage. This is caused by corrosion to moving parts of the HVAC system, such as fans and motors. You might notice sounds like rattling, grinding, and squeaking, either occasionally or consistently.

4. Frequent Repairs

The damage caused by salt air can break down various components of HVAC systems, leading to more frequent repairs. Internal electrical connections, coils, and capacitors are a few examples of components that might be impacted.

5. Condensation

Salt attracts and draws moisture out of the air. In South Florida, where there’s an above-average level of humidity all year round, you’re likely to find increased condensation inside and around your HVAC system if it is regularly exposed to salty air. Excess moisture can expedite corrosion but also lead to electrical issues and increase the risk of mold.

What Happens If Salt Air Damage Is Ignored?

Neglecting to address the effects of salt air damage can lead to serious issues with home HVAC systems. One of the most significant is the reduction in HVAC lifespan. Without proper maintenance that takes the salt in the air into consideration, HVAC systems can need replacing much sooner. With extremely salty air, they can need replacement in as few as five to seven years.

Even before the entire HVAC system needs replacing, there may be costly repairs needed due to corrosion to critical components. The earlier corrosive damage can be caught and remedied, the less costly the repairs tend to be.

Finally, we don’t want to ignore the effect on indoor air quality and the higher energy bills that can occur when salt air has damaged HVAC components.

Preventing Salt Air Damage in Your HVAC System

Recognizing the signs of damage to your HVAC system is important, but taking preventative steps to avoid damage can add years of life to your system. Here are our top recommendations for preventing damage to your home’s HVAC system.

Start with the Right Equipment

The weather and air in South Florida are different from those in the majority of regions in the United States. This means that long-lasting HVAC systems equipped with anti-corrosion coatings, and tightly sealed systems, are best suited for this unique climate.

Rinse the Salt Away

One of the easiest preventative steps is to simply rinse away the salt from the outdoor unit. Once or twice a month gently spray away salt residue. Avoid using a high-pressure spray, as this can actually cause damage to smaller components.

Cover it Up

Use a protective cover over your outdoor HVAC unit to help protect it from salt exposure from the air. Make sure the cover is also breathable to prevent excess moisture from being trapped inside.

Simple Upgrades

If your HVAC unit doesn’t already have an anti-corrosive coating, it’s never too late to apply one. This is best done by a professional, rather than as a DIY project.

Invest in Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the most protective thing homeowners can do to protect their HVAC systems. A professional HVAC technician can check for the earliest signs of corrosion, rust, and other salt-related damage. Worn or damaged components can be repaired or replaced before causing bigger, more expensive issues.

When To Call a Professional

Your home’s HVAC system is a significant investment, and it’s important to your home’s air quality, as well as your quality of life. While there are important steps homeowners can take on their own to prevent salt air damage, partnering with an HVAC professional can ensure they get the most possible life out of their equipment. An HVAC professional can remedy and prevent persistent rust and corrosion, fix the issues that are causing the system to run less efficiently, and help improve air quality while reducing overall costs.

Living in South Florida doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to frequent issues and repairs of your HVAC system. By being aware of the signs of salt air damage, taking preventative steps, and working with a trusted HVAC professional, your system can work efficiently throughout every season.

We invite you to reach out to us at All Year Cooling, and allow us to help you find ways for your HVAC system to run efficiently, and with less strain on your utility bill. Contact us today to set up an appointment.