AC coil corrosion is a major HVAC problem that can cause serious problems. As is the case for any other HVAC related issue, it is better to prevent coil corrosion rather than repair it. With that said, in cases of advanced AC coil corrosion, which leads to refrigerant leaks, the air conditioner may not be reparable and therefore, you may have to replace the entire system. Because it can be an expensive issue, it is best to deal with AC coil corrosion by preventing it beforehand.
At Galmiche & Sons, we understand how troublesome AC coil corrosion can be. As a certified HVAC company, we have been serving St. Louis since 1950. For AC coil corrosion repair or any other heating & air conditioning issue, contact us today at 314-993-1110.
What Causes AC Coil Corrosion?
All air conditioner units are made up of different parts and the coil is just one of them. There are coils in both the indoor and the outdoor unit. These coils are usually made of copper tubing that is used to circulate the refrigerant. Copper, although great for heat transfer, is highly reactive and is prone to corrosion by certain chemical vapors.
For the inside coils, AC coil corrosion can occur as a result of pollutants such as aerosol sprays and fumes from paints. On the outside, fumes from vehicles as well as industrial air pollutants can affect the coil.
AC coil corrosion can occur in the form of either pitting or formicary deterioration. Pitting is often caused by exposure to fluoride or chloride while formicary deterioration occurs as a result of exposure to acetic and formic acids.
How to Prevent AC Coil Corrosion
There are a couple of ways in which you can prevent coil corrosion in your AC. The first, and most basic one is applying a protective coating. Regular cleaning of the coils should also help prevent AC corrosion. This is because it helps get rid of deposits which later lead to corrosion.
While you may not want to spend much on maintaining your HVAC system, it is important to note that the coating and cleaning of the indoor coil are best done by a professional. Cleaning the indoor AC coil yourself can easily lead to more damage.
The outdoor unit is more accessible and as such, you can easily clean it yourself. To prevent AC coil corrosion on the outside unit, ensure that you clean the coil at least twice a year. Here’s how to go about it:
- Cut off the power supply to the outdoor unit at the main switch
- Remove the side panels and the top grille of the unit
- Use a garden hose to spray the inside of the condenser unit
- Let the coil dry before restoring the side panels and top grille
Call Galmiche & Sons for Professional AC Maintenance in St. Louis
Since wear and tear will happen to any HVAC system over time, annual professional maintenance is necessary to ensure that the system remains in good working order. From cleaning and lubricating parts to ensuring that the system is free from AC coil corrosion, maintenance is important to prevent problems and extend system life. In the greater St. Louis area, contact Galmiche & Sons today at 314-993-1110 to book your annual heating & air conditioning maintenance check.
