Rusty Air Conditioning

Your air conditioner is exposed to much wear and tear over its life. Although modern AC units are highly durable and are designed to withstand harsh conditions, they still require AC maintenance services often for effective working. High moisture levels in the air and lack of maintenance can lead to problems such as rust.

Not only is a corroded air conditioner a cosmetic eyesore, but it can also upset your unit’s operations. A rusty AC unit may take longer to cool or heat your home, resulting in high energy bills. Additionally, if the rust is not removed on time, it can spread and rotate various AC components, leading to a costly repair.

Let’s look at what causes a rusty air conditioner and how we can prevent it!

Causes Of Rust On Air Conditioner Unit

Rust builds when metals such as steel or iron are exposed to oxygen and water for a certain time. Once rust starts to form, it can quickly spread and cause damage to the metal surface. The AC parts usually affected include air filters, coils, drain pan, refrigerant line, fan blades, compressor, and ductwork.

Three of the common reasons that lead to running on an air conditioner:

1.    Excessive Moisture

The first cause of rusting is moisture which can come from condensation, rain, and humid air. Your AC unit deals with moisture in its daily functioning. For example, when the system draws warm air from your home to be cooled, humidity from the atmosphere reduces on the evaporator coils and then drips into the trench pan.

The problem cultivates when unwarranted moisture stays in contact with your air conditioner components for an extended period. Water sometimes enters the unit when the drain pan becomes clogged and overflows.

If you live in a shoreline area, the salty air may rusty conditions. Moreover, if plants surround your outdoor unit, they can come in contact with water and harsh chemical fertilizers that can make the metal rusty. Similarly, rain falling directly on your outdoor AC unit can accelerate corrosion.

2.    Lack Of Maintenance

Ignoring your AC maintenance creates various problems for your AC unit. If you overlook air filter cleaning for longer, the moisture and dirt build-up can cause rust to develop.

The AC unit needs periodic cleaning. Leaves, stems, and other dust particles can assemble in the condenser and impact its performance.

3.    Aging Of Air Conditioners

Your air conditioner has a 10-15 years lifespan, and corroding is a normal part of aging. As your air conditioning system comes through its life end, it will degrade due to regular wear and tear.

How To Prevent Your Air Conditioner From Getting Rusty?

The best way to prevent corrosion is by considering HVAC maintenance. Regular cleaning and examination of your unit will help eliminate any dirt or debris build-up that could speed up the rusting process.

·         Check Outdoor Unit

Look around your outdoor unit now and then to see if any debris or plant leaves are stuck on the top or sides of the outdoor unit. Also, frequently clean the area around the unit and trim any vegetation around it.

·         Coating

If you live near the coastline side where the humidity level is high, you should go for units with a rust-prohibitive coating.

·         Opt For A Cover

You can put on a water-resistant air conditioner cover when your AC unit is not used to prevent corrosion that comes with excessive moisture in the air.

·         Annual Professional Inspection

Hire an HVAC maintenance company to thoroughly inspect and examine your AC unit and ensure its optimum performance. Annual check-ups ensure that filters are not filtered with debris, coils are cleaned, and the condenser performs at its best.

Looking For An HVAC Maintenance Company?

If you are searching for an AC maintenance company, you may contact Bob’s Climate Control for high-quality services.

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