Living close to the ocean is one of the best things about the South Coast. For your air conditioner or heat pump's outdoor unit, the salt in the air is one of the hardest things. Salt settles on the coil and the cabinet and, with moisture, corrodes metal faster than it would inland.
What salt air does
- The coil: the thin metal fins and tubes that move heat. Corrosion there reduces efficiency and can eventually cause refrigerant leaks.
- The cabinet and fasteners: rust on panels, screws and the base.
- Electrical connections: corrosion on terminals can cause intermittent problems.
What helps
- Rinse the outdoor unit with fresh water every so often, gently, with a garden hose (never a pressure washer, which bends the fins). Turn the system off first.
- Keep it clear: plants, mulch and debris hold moisture against the unit.
- Regular maintenance: a technician can spot corrosion early, clean the coil properly and check electrical connections.
- Choose equipment built for the coast when you replace. Carrier makes Coastal versions of the Performance™ 18 and Comfort™ 16 heat pumps with WeatherShield™ protection against salt air corrosion.
Extended warranties near the coast
Salt air matters to warranty companies too. If you buy an extended labor plan from JB Warranties, which we offer on Mitsubishi Electric systems, an outdoor unit within a mile of the ocean or a bay needs JB's Seacoast plan. We'll quote the right one for your home.
If you live near the water in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, Goleta or Isla Vista and your outdoor unit is showing rust, call 805-965-6326. When replacement makes sense, the quote on new equipment is free.