Heating and cooling systems are made up of several components that work together to keep your space comfortable and healthy. Among the most vital parts of your HVAC system are the coils. When the evaporator or condenser coils are in poor condition, refrigerant loss will occur, and your equipment’s efficiency will suffer.
Read on to learn what causes HVAC coil corrosion and how you can prevent it.
Common Reasons HVAC Coils Corrode
Pitting corrosion. Excessive exposure to water, chemicals and cleaning products containing fluoride and chloride can cause pitting corrosion. Pitting corrosion is the formation of pits or cavities in metal surfaces, which can lead to leaks over time.
Formicary corrosion. Some adhesives, cleaning solvents and paints have formic or acetic acids that can cause corrosion in metal HVAC coils. This often results in pinhole leaks or creates obvious etchings on the metal surface. It’s why heater and air conditioner installers often call it “ant nest” corrosion.
How Do You Avoid This Issue?
Invest in routine maintenance. Regular cleaning goes a long way not only in keeping the coils in good condition, but also in keeping your HVAC system performing well. It helps prevent both indoor and outdoor coils from corroding. An experienced professional will know which tools and cleaning solutions won’t cause coil corrosion.
Abrasive cleaning products or ones containing chemicals that can corrode coils are harmful to both your HVAC system and your health. As much as possible, choose products with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Don’t delay repairs. Contact your HVAC technician as soon as possible if you notice any damage to your equipment. Once corrosion forms holes, repairs are trickier and sometimes not even possible. Most times, the evaporator coil requires replacement. If this is the case, your technician will need to find a matching outdoor coil replacement and refrigerant type. Should they fail to do so, the entire system will need to be replaced.
For your residential HVAC needs, you can always rely on Air Quality Heating & Air Conditioning. We only install high-quality products from leading manufacturers, such as Carrier® heating and cooling systems. Call us at (408) 920-3910 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in San Jose and nearby areas.