by After you’ve installed your new HVAC system, you want to continually maintain the unit. Why? There are several issues that could take place, including HVAC coil corrosion that can wreak havoc on your unit. This could cause anything from repairs to having to replace the entire unit.
Learn what coil corrosion is and how to prevent it from taking over your heating and cooling systems. If you work now to know what it is and how to stop it, it can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run.
What is Coil Corrosion?
There are basically two types of corrosion when it comes to your HVAC unit. Pitting corrosion is basically little pinholes in the metal lines where it has been eaten at by fluoride or chloride. This can happen if you are in states where you get a lot of snow as these chemicals can be present in the snow melting products you use. When these products eat at the metal lines, the pinholes it causes can make the refrigerant leak out.
The other type of corrosion is called formicary. This corrosion happens when the lines are exposed to certain acids you can find in household cleaners, insulation and other everyday products that are around the HVAC unit or your home. This type of corrosion produces tunnels in the lines which then leads to holes leaking out your HVAC refrigerant.
How Can I Stop This?
There are several methods of preventing coil corrosion on your units. You want to find a good product to protect your lines from these exposures and others. There are several out there that you can choose from depending on your budget, lines and other perimeters. While some manufactures are coating the pipes now, there are a few coatings you can choose from if your lines are in need of protection.
You’ll find there are four types of coatings available that include things like epoxies, polyurethanes, silanes and fluropolymers. You want to know you have the right cover for your lines as some are thicker than others. Remember when protecting your lines that the thicker covers can reduce efficiency on your heating unit causing your electric bill to rise. Your HVAC technician can assist you in determining what your best protectant will be for your particular situation.
Should I Worry About This?
If you have an HVAC unit that is near the saltwater, pool or laundry facilities, yes this should be a concern for you. Even if you’re considering your unit at home, you should know that your unit is protected. This corrosion can cost hundreds of dollars to repair. You can have anything from replacing the coils and refrigerant to having to replace your entire HVAC unit all at once. This little issue can become quite big in no time.
Maintain Your Unit
The best way to prevent HVAC coil corrosion after insuring your coils are covered is to maintain the entire unit. Have regular maintenance performed on the coils and unit to not only prevent that problem but several others. Be sure you talk with your current HVAC technician to have them out on a regular basis. They offer several maintenance plans that can help you reduce the chance of costly repairs down the road.
Keep the chemicals mentioned above away from your unit if possible. If not due to snow or pools in the vicinity, coating the lines and true maintenance can assist you in keeping your unit around for a long time. Whether you’re installing a new unit or you have to have one repaired, having this regular maintenance can prevent that coil corrosion down the road.
