Salt and Your AC: How Hurricane Salt Saturated Air and Water Can Corrode and Rust Your AC and How to Protect It

Salt is a common element found in coastal areas, and it can have a significant impact on your AC system. When salt-saturated air and water from hurricanes or coastal storms come into contact with your AC unit, it can cause corrosion and rust in just a matter of weeks, leading to costly repairs or replacement. In this article, we will discuss the effects of salt saturated air and water on your AC and how to protect it from damage.

The Effects of Salt on Your AC: Salt corrosion is a common problem for AC units located near the coast or in areas with high salt content in the air. Salt can cause damage to the coils, fins, and other metal components of the AC unit, leading to decreased efficiency and potential system failure. Salt can also cause rusting of metal parts, which can lead to fan motor brackets breaking.

How to Protect Your AC from Salt Damage:

1. Keep the AC unit clean: Regularly clean your AC unit to remove salt buildup. This can be done by using a water hose to spray off the unit or by using a specialized cleaning solution.
2. Use a rust inhibitor: A rust inhibitor can be applied to the AC unit to prevent rusting of metal parts.
3. Use a protective cover: A protective cover can be placed over the AC unit to keep salt-saturated air and water away during Hurricanes.
4. Schedule regular maintenance for your AC unit to ensure it is running efficiently and to identify any potential issues caused by salt corrosion. Coastal AC units should be washed with a hose and checked twice per year, and after every Hurricane or Heavy wind storm.

Conclusion: Salt saturated air and water can cause significant corrosion and rust damage to your AC unit, leading to rapid deterioration, costly repairs and replacement. By keeping your AC clean, using a rust inhibitor, using a protective cover, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can protect your AC from salt damage and ensure it runs efficiently for years to come. ​If you live in the Florida Space Coast area, consider New Smyrna Beach Air Conditioning, LLC for all your Air Conditioning and Heating needs.