Living near Bristol County’s stunning coastline comes with a hidden cost that many homeowners discover too late: salt air is silently destroying HVAC equipment at an alarming rate
The picturesque coastal communities of Bristol County, Massachusetts—from Westport to Fall River—offer residents breathtaking ocean views and refreshing sea breezes. However, this coastal paradise presents a serious challenge for homeowners: salt is a corrosive substance that can absolutely destroy your HVAC. Experts sometimes see systems that should last over 15 years destroyed in less than five.
This process is accelerated in environments with salt, like coastal areas, because salt water acts as an efficient electrolyte. This means it facilitates the flow of electrons and increases the rate of corrosion. For Bristol County residents, this means their HVAC systems face a constant battle against the corrosive effects of salt-laden ocean air.
The Science Behind Salt Air Destruction
Salt air is essentially a mixture of sodium chloride and water vapor. This combination is particularly harsh on metals like aluminum and steel, which are common in air conditioning units. Over time, salt particles cling to your AC’s coils, fins, and casing, trapping moisture and accelerating corrosion.
The damage manifests in several critical ways:
- Salt deposits can corrode aluminum or copper fins, reducing efficiency and leading to refrigerant leaks
- Metal components like heat exchanger coils experience increased deterioration due to corrosion. These coils are crucial for the transfer of heat in HVAC systems. As they corrode, their ability to effectively transfer heat diminishes, leading to reduced efficiency
- Corrosion will eventually turn the aluminum fins to dust and eventually, all that is left are the copper tubes that the aluminum used to be connected to. By the way, copper is not immune to the corrosive nature of the salt atmosphere. Over time it too will deteriorate resulting in leaks that allow the refrigerant to escape
Why Coastal Systems Fail Faster
Proximity to the Ocean: Homes located within a mile of the coast experience faster corrosion than those further inland. The salty air carried by the ocean breeze directly affects the AC unit, leading to quicker degradation of metal parts and components. The salt atmosphere extends well inland and we see salt deteriorated units in Galloway, Absecon, Linwood, Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township, Upper Township, Swainton, Cape May Court House.
Regular AC units exposed to salt air can fail within 5 years, while salt-resistant models can last 10-15 years. Without protection, visible corrosion can appear within a few years, and system failure may occur in 5-8 years. However, with proper upkeep, a salt-resistant air conditioner can last 10 years or more.
Warning Signs Your System is Under Attack
Bristol County homeowners should watch for these telltale signs of salt air damage:
- White salt deposits on the unit’s delicate fins
- Rust, discoloration, flaking metal components, and holes in coils
- Inadequate cooling on hot days, higher electric bills, leaks, and untimely breakdowns
- If your HVAC system is struggling to maintain the desired temperature, it could be due to corroded coils or clogged components
Protecting Your Investment
Fortunately, coastal homeowners aren’t helpless against salt air damage. Some of the steps you can take to protect your AC unit from corrosion include spraying off the unit with fresh water, constructing a mist barrier that blocks salty sea spray, and applying a rust resistant coating to the important parts of your unit. The easiest way to limit the effects of corrosion is to spray your unit with fresh water from time to time. This will help remove any salt that may be resting on the unit and slow down corrosion.
Professional maintenance is crucial. It’s advisable to schedule more frequent professional inspections and maintenance for coastal HVAC systems. In addition to identifying and addressing early signs of corrosion that a homeowner might overlook, professionals provide a thorough cleaning of units. These cleaning services go a long way in combating corrosion and wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Equipment and Service Provider
When it’s time to replace your system, look for HVAC systems from reputable manufacturers like Carrier, Trane, and Lennox, which offer units specifically built for coastal use. These models often come with enhanced protective features to resist corrosion and extend the lifespan of the system.
For Bristol County residents facing these unique coastal challenges, working with an experienced HVAC Contractor Bristol County, MA like Dempsey Energy makes all the difference. Dempsey Energy, established in 1992, has transitioned from a family-run oil business to a full-service provider of HVAC and plumbing solutions. Since 2001, we’ve served Bristol County, MA, upholding strong family and community values.
Our team knows the unique climate challenges of Bristol County and are ready to tackle any AC repair needs. Dempsey Energy is a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience serving Massachusetts families. Dempsey Energy has built a reputation serving over 12,000 customers throughout Bristol County.
The Cost of Inaction
As a result of salt air corrosion, your HVAC system has a shorter life span, costs more to operate, and loses capacity. Overall, the lifespan of an HVAC system is significantly reduced due to corrosion. The continuous degradation of components means that the system as a whole is more likely to require complete replacement sooner than a well-maintained system in a less corrosive environment.
Don’t let Bristol County’s beautiful coastal environment destroy your HVAC investment. The best avenue to prevent corrosion with your equipment is to be proactive when it comes to the salt air. With proper maintenance, protective measures, and the right service provider, you can enjoy coastal living without sacrificing your home’s comfort or your wallet.
Contact Dempsey Energy today to learn how we can help protect your HVAC system from Bristol County’s coastal corrosion crisis. Our experienced technicians understand the unique challenges of coastal living and can provide the specialized care your system needs to withstand the harsh marine environment.