Maintaining a functional HVAC system is a vital part of protecting your Savannah, GA, home and family. Year-round temperature and humidity control help keep mold and mildew at bay while preventing heat stroke and hypothermia. Unfortunately, long, hot summers and the occasional cold front aren’t your only climate control concerns. The salty coastal air of the region accelerates HVAC corrosion. Without the right interventions, your heater and AC could have shorter-than-normal lifespans.
What Is Coastal Corrosion?
Savannah’s salty coastal air carries salt particulates inland, where they settle on and in HVAC systems. High concentrations of salt accelerate the corrosion of metal components, including evaporator and condenser coils, capacitors, blower motors, heat exchangers, and compressors.
The Impact of Coastal Corrosion on Your HVAC System
Without efforts to delay coastal corrosion, some of your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner’s most expensive parts will fail long before their time. Coastal corrosion can shorten the lifespan of every metal HVAC component. While most heating and cooling systems last 15 to 20 years, HVAC systems in Savannah could last just 10 to 15 years or less.
Decreased Efficiency
As coastal corrosion erodes evaporator and condenser coils, heat pumps and ACs have a harder time transferring heat. If you use a furnace for wintertime heating, coastal corrosion will eventually damage its heat exchanger. These changes can lead to longer heating and cooling cycles, with an increased frequency of cycles. The result is rising energy bills and noticeable decreases in home comfort.
Mold and Algae Formation
Savannah’s humid subtropical climate makes air conditioners, heat pumps, and condensing furnaces especially prone to slimy buildups of mold, algae, and biofilms in their condensate drains and drain lines. These buildups inhibit airflow, decrease humidity regulation, and create muggy indoor environments.
Faulty Electrical Connections
Salty coastal air can wreak havoc on an HVAC system’s electrical connections. Locals can experience recurring circuit breaker trips due to worn wiring, faulty electrical contactors, damaged circuits, or failed capacitors.
Frequent Part Replacements
Coastal air will increase your need for HVAC repairs, especially for heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. Corrosion is a progressive issue. It spreads by continuing the electrochemical process of oxidation. The sooner you swap out corroded components, the better you’ll protect all others.
How to Mitigate the Effects of Coastal Corrosion
While you can’t change Savannah’s coastal climate, you can mitigate its impact on your HVAC system. With the right strategies, you can limit your repair costs, ensure efficient operation, and delay the need for costly system replacements.
Choose Equipment From a Local HVAC Company
Don’t shop for ACs or heat pumps online or in big-box stores for DIY installation. While you might find budget-friendly models by doing so, these products aren’t guaranteed to be suitable for the local environment. Working with a licensed, local HVAC company provides access to corrosion-resistant models perfect for the region.
Regularly Rinse Your Outdoor Condenser
When you can, grab a hose and rinse off your outdoor condenser. This is best done on warm and relatively dry days. You can ask an HVAC technician the best technique for hosing down your condenser to remove salty buildups without causing harm.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filters More Often
In general, HVAC equipment manufacturers recommend inspecting standard air filters monthly and replacing them every one to three months. In a salty, coastal climate like Savannah’s, it’s best to replace these components every 30 days. This will eliminate buildups of sand, dust, and other salty debris, which helps optimize airflow throughout your system.
Keep Your Condenser’s Perimeter Clear
Regularly clear your heat pump or AC’s condenser. Salt-laden leaves, twigs, paper, and other loose, wind-blown debris can inhibit airflow and increase corrosion. Outdoor condensers must have at least two feet of clearance on all sides, especially during heat pump or AC operation.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
The best way to remove salt buildup from your HVAC equipment is to schedule routine maintenance. During these visits, HVAC technicians can lubricate moving parts for added protection against salt and corrosion. They can also find and replace corroded components before corrosion spreads. Some HVAC companies apply protective coatings to evaporator and condenser coils and other salt-sensitive components.
Report Problems Right Away
If your HVAC equipment has a corroded heat exchanger, evaporator coil, or condenser coil, it will work harder and longer to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. Scheduling timely repairs for these and other problems will limit both operational stress and ongoing system wear.
Since 1969, we’ve helped homeowners battle the ravages of Savannah’s salty coastal air. We offer expert HVAC maintenance, repair, and replacement services. We also provide value-rich HVAC preventative maintenance that includes covered tune-up service and discounted labor and parts. For help protecting your HVAC system in Savannah, get in touch with Air Therm now!
