The Causes of Corrosion on Air Conditioners

Appliances with metal components are vulnerable to corrosion, especially if they’re exposed to outdoor conditions. This description certainly applies to air conditioners. In today’s post, local HVAC company Amber Air Conditioning Inc. shares a look at what causes corrosion and what you can do about it.

What Causes Corrosion on Air Conditioners?

Corrosion on air conditioners can be caused by one or more of the following:

Moisture from rain and humidity — Most types of air conditioners are partially exposed to the elements. Window-mounted units protrude from exterior walls, while whole-home and mini-split units have an exterior enclosure. These exposed parts of air conditioners require air circulation to vent warm air, which means they can be built as airtight enclosures. This leaves them exposed to moisture from rain and humidity, which can later result in corrosion.

Formaldehyde — Formaldehyde is found in many building materials. It also comes from fumes generated by fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves. It can react with copper — which is what condenser coils in air conditioning systems are made of — and cause formicary corrosion that leads to refrigerant leaks.

Animal urine — Dogs mark their territory by urinating on it, which can cause corrosion on an outdoor unit’s coils. Bird droppings can also have the same effect.

Can Corrosion on Air Conditioners Be Fixed?

Taking the preventive route is the ideal solution for most HVAC problems. This can be difficult when it comes to rain and humidity levels, which one can’t control. Exposure to formaldehyde is also hard to avoid, as it’s an essential ingredient in many building materials. You can protect the air conditioner from your pets (and stray animals) by enclosing it within a fence and putting a cover–similar to an awning–over it. You have to make sure that there’s ample air circulation when you do this, however.

The best way to protect your air conditioner from corrosion is to have it regularly inspected by an HVAC technician. Early signs of corrosion, particularly in the copper coils, can be recognized by a trained eye. Depending on the extent of the corrosion, the affected parts can sometimes be repaired. Extreme corrosion, on the other hand, will require replacement, as repairs may not be as cost-effective.

Call Amber for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

Amber Air Conditioning Inc. is your leading provider of heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality services. Give us a call at (951) 674-6974 to take advantage of our services. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and Corona, CA.