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Hey there, coastal homeowner! Living near the beach is amazing, isn’t it? Sunrises over the water, the sound of the waves—it’s the stuff dreams are made of. But as anyone living near the coast knows, salt air can be a real pain when it comes to your HVAC system. If you’re in Tallahassee, Wakulla, or anywhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast, your HVAC system faces a unique challenge: corrosion from that salty, humid air.
Let’s dive into some helpful tips on how to protect your HVAC system from salt air, keep it running efficiently, and maybe even save some money in the long run. Plus, we’ll throw in a few resources along the way if you want to dive deeper into HVAC maintenance.
Salt air and HVAC units don’t get along too well. The combination of moisture and salt creates the perfect environment for corrosion, especially on the condenser coils and metal parts of your unit. When salt particles land on your outdoor unit, they attract moisture, causing oxidation, which leads to rust and wear over time.
This corrosion doesn’t just make your unit look bad—it can actually affect how well it works, making it less efficient and shortening its lifespan. So if you’re noticing that your HVAC system is giving you trouble more often, salt air might just be the culprit.
Helpful Link: For a deep dive into how salt air affects HVAC systems, check out this guide on corrosion in coastal environments.
Keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance is essential if you live near the coast. While it’s always important, living by the sea means you need to be even more proactive. A well-maintained system can withstand salt air a lot better than one that’s neglected.
Pro Tip: The folks at Energy Star recommend HVAC checkups before the start of summer and winter to keep things running smoothly.
One of the most effective ways to protect your HVAC system from salt air is to apply a protective coating. These anti-corrosion coatings are specially designed to add a layer of protection to the metal components of your outdoor unit. When applied properly, these coatings act as a barrier against salt, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Learn More: Here’s an in-depth resource on different types of anti-corrosion coatings for HVAC units in coastal areas.
If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system or need to replace some parts, opt for materials that are better suited for coastal conditions. Many HVAC manufacturers offer “coastal models” specifically designed for salt air environments.
Quick Reference: For more details on aluminum vs. copper coils, check out this article from americancoolingandheating.com.
Some HVAC brands, such as Trane, Carrier, and Lennox, offer units specially designed for coastal environments. These models come with enhanced protection, like corrosion-resistant coatings, specially treated components, and better materials that withstand the harsh conditions of coastal living.
Explore Coastal Models: Read up on Carrier’s coastal HVAC units to see what features might be best for your home.
Even if your unit is well-protected, rinsing it off periodically is a good idea. Just a simple rinse with a garden hose can help wash away salt deposits before they cause any damage. Try to do this every few weeks, especially after windy or rainy days when salt can easily build up.
Tip: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers more advice on HVAC care and maintenance.
Plants, shrubs, and debris can trap moisture and block airflow around your outdoor unit, which isn’t ideal for coastal conditions. Clearing the area around your HVAC unit helps it “breathe” and stay dry, reducing the chances of rust and salt buildup.
Good to Know: For more on landscaping around your HVAC unit, check out these tips from This Old House.
In addition to your own maintenance efforts, having a professional clean your HVAC system annually or biannually is key. Pros have access to tools and techniques that can more effectively clean and protect the unit, ensuring it’s thoroughly treated for salt air exposure.
Read More: Check out the National Association of Home Builders for more home maintenance tips specific to coastal environments.
At Lawson HVAC, we know Florida’s coastal climate and the unique challenges it brings for HVAC systems. With years of experience in the Tallahassee and Panhandle area, we’re equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance and corrosion prevention to selecting coastal-specific HVAC models. We believe in doing more than just keeping your home cool—our goal is to protect your investment, so you can enjoy the beauty of the coast without worrying about your HVAC system.
Whether you need advice on protecting your existing unit or are interested in exploring a coastal HVAC model, our team is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation, and let’s make sure your HVAC system is as beach-ready as you are!
Living near the coast is a dream, and with a few extra steps, you can protect your HVAC system from the challenges that come with it. From regular rinses and professional cleanings to choosing the right materials, there’s plenty you can do to keep your system running strong.
By following these tips and enlisting the help of professionals like Lawson HVAC, your HVAC system will be ready to handle whatever the salt air throws at it. Enjoy the coastal breeze—and let us help you keep it cool inside!
The fastest way to get in touch with us is to call or text us at call or text us at (850) 778 - 7999 but if that doesn’t work for you, feel free to reach out here and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
