Salt in the air settles on outdoor coils and electrical connections. Over time it eats the thin aluminum fins and corrodes the joints, which leads to leaks and lost efficiency.
Who's most affected
Homes near the Oceanfront, Sandbridge, Shore Drive, Ocean View, Buckroe, Poquoson and along the rivers see it most. But breezes carry salt well inland.
What helps
- Rinse the coil. A gentle rinse with fresh water every few months removes salt buildup. Never use a pressure washer on the fins.
- Annual professional cleaning. A proper coil cleaning and inspection of electrical connections each spring.
- Keep it clear. Two feet of clearance around the unit for airflow.
- Consider coatings. Some manufacturers offer coastal coil coatings on new equipment.
Ace's spring tune-up includes coil cleaning and a check of the connections most affected by salt.
Written by the Ace Mechanical team. We've been fixing heating, cooling, refrigeration and plumbing across Hampton Roads for more than 30 years. Questions about your own system? Call (757) 495-7782.
