Coastal-Proofing: AC Corrosion Protection Against Salt Air

Salt air is hard on air conditioners. Near the ocean, salt and moisture settle on the outdoor unit and slowly corrode the aluminum coil fins, copper lines, screws and electrical connections. As the coil breaks down, the system can’t release heat as well, so it runs hotter and longer, and parts wear out sooner. Cejas Cooling’s coastal-proofing is designed to slow that damage.

What our coastal-proofing includes

• Protective coil coating on the outdoor coil (the blue coating in the photo is from a real Cejas Cooling job)
• Marine-grade stainless steel screws in place of hardware that rusts
• Terminal grease on electrical connections
• Copper corrosion inhibitor on the refrigerant lines and fittings

Who should consider it

• Homes and businesses in our coastal cities, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, especially near the beach, the Intracoastal or a canal
• New systems, which can be protected before corrosion has a chance to start
• Existing outdoor units that are still in good condition and worth protecting

Signs salt air is already affecting your unit

• White or green crust on copper lines and fittings
• Coil fins that look flaky, crumbly or are falling apart
• Rusted screws, panels or brackets
• The system running longer than it used to, or bills creeping up

Caring for an outdoor unit near the coast

• Keep shrubs, mulch and debris away from the unit so air can move freely.
• Never pressure-wash a coil, because it can bend the fins. Ask Alex whether a gentle freshwater rinse is right for your unit, and always turn the power off first.
• Have the unit checked during regular maintenance, so corrosion is caught early.
• Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If an outdoor unit has been underwater or damaged in a storm, don’t run it until it has been checked.