HVAC Tips For Coastal Areas
The humid and salty air in coastal neighborhoods corrodes HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The corrosion decreases heating and cooling efficiency, leads to frequent breakdowns, and shortens lifespans. Below are tips to minimize your coastal environment's effects on your HVAC system.
Buy a Coastal Unit
Choose an HVAC system built for coastal homes. HVAC manufacturers understand the effect of coastal environments on their products. The manufacturers have specific products for use in coastal areas without accelerated corrosion. For example, some manufacturers produce coastal HVAC systems with corrosion-resistant coatings.
Other manufacturers use aluminum for their products. Aluminum develops a protective corrosive layer that prevents further corrosion when exposed to corrosive agents. Some coastal HVACs also feature fewer soldered joints; such joints are weak points because they disconnect or leak refrigerant when corroded.
Choose a Good Installation Area
The outside unit's installation location determines its exposure to humid and salty air. Choose an installation location with the least exposure possible without compromising the system's efficiency.
For example, choose a location where the wind doesn't directly hit the unit. You can block the wind by using natural wind barriers like hills, your house, fence, or other structures. Ensure a good clearance between the wind barriers and the HVAC unit so the system still experiences the efficient air circulation it needs for heat exchange.
Apply a Rust-resistant Coating
The HVAC industry also has anti-corrosive treatments for HVAC systems susceptible to corrosion damage. Apply the treatment to HVAC parts exposed to the natural elements. At the very least, coat the coils on the outside unit. Be careful with DIY coating — ask a professional contractor for help.
Regularly Clean the Unit
All HVAC systems need regular cleaning to clear debris that attracts pests, restricts airflow, and encourages corrosion. However, you should clean the system more frequently in a coastal area. You can use commercial HVAC cleaners or rinse the unit with mild detergent and water solution. Again, take care not to damage the HVAC coils.
Get Regular Professional Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance helps to spot emerging problems and deal with them before they cause serious damage. Don't skip maintenance schedules if you live in a coastal area. The contractor will help you preempt issues that might cause emergency HVAC breakdowns if you don't address them in time.
You don't have to worry about technical HVAC issues after consulting an experienced contractor. A local HVAC contractor understands the local weather and climate and can help you install the right system.
For more information, contact a local company like Central York Corp.
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