Heating and air conditioning systems generally come with two sets of coils–a condenser coil in the external HVAC unit, and an evaporator coil in the indoor unit. The coils are responsible for increasing or reducing the temperature and pressure of the coolant used by the HVAC system, ensuring reliable, consistent heating and cooling performance. However, coils aren’t exempt from the occasional problem, the most common of which is corrosion.
But why exactly does coil corrosion occur, and what can you do to prevent it? A trusted AC repair and installation company in the area, Air Products & Services, shares what you need to know here.
There are actually two types of coil corrosion that can occur in your HVAC system. Pitting corrosion happens when the coil is exposed to water, chemicals or detergents that contain chloride or fluoride. This creates cavities or ‘pits’ in the metal surface of the coil, increasing the potential for leakage.
Formicary corrosion, on the other hand, occurs when the coil comes into contact with formic or acetic acids, which are usually found in paints, cleaning solvents and adhesives. You’ll know your HVAC coils have formicary corrosion when they develop pinhole leaks or a distinct etching on their metal surface. If you notice corrosion in your HVAC coils, call a trusted residential AC repair and replacement company like Air Products & Services promptly for the necessary solution.
Whatever type of corrosion your HVAC coils may have, the result will be the same. The coils will become so deteriorated that refrigerant will eventually leak out of them. Refrigerant is a chemical blend that’s integral to the cooling and heating performance of your HVAC system. Without the proper amount, your system won’t be able to run at peak efficiency, which will compromise your home’s indoor comfort and lead to higher energy bills. Worst case, the HVAC system may even break down and force you to get an early replacement.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple, effective ways to prevent coil corrosion in your HVAC system. You should, for example:
In cases where corrosion has developed unimpeded in your HVAC coils, you can deal with the problem either by having the coils repaired or replaced. Unfortunately, once corrosion has created holes in the coils, no amount of repair work can fix them. The coils will need to be replaced with the exact same type to ensure they’ll work correctly. When it’s not possible to find a matching coil, you’ll need to start planning for a full HVAC system replacement.
Some people are under the impression that an HVAC replacement can be easily DIYed, but this isn’t true. Like most home upgrades, a heating and cooling system replacement will take precise workmanship and technical experience: qualities that reliable HVAC professionals have. And finding the right one for your needs is actually fairly simple–you just need to turn to Air Products & Services. Homeowners in Southern California know that when it comes to high-quality air conditioning replacement, we’re the ones to call.
Here’s why:
You may recognize Air Products & Services as an expert in AC troubleshooting systems, but you can also count on us for professional HVAC repair and replacement services. By combining superior workmanship and customer-first service, we’ll ensure your project runs smoothly and safely. We proudly serve Van Nuys, Tarzana, and other areas in Southern California. Call us today at (818) 989-2030 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!