My Air Conditioner and Salt Air

Living by the ocean is lovely. Here in Southwest Florida, seaside properties are highly sought after. It's not hard to see why—you can swim, get a suntan bring friends and family for beach picnics and volleyball—all with the picturesque views and calming ambiance. 

What Should I Do to Keep My Unit Working At Its Best?

However, the salt air can be harsh on your air conditioner (AC). That’s why it’s important to be proactive. Firstly, if you aren't already a member, you should join our Blue Ribbon Maintenance Plan.

Joining our plan gives you access to one of the most comprehensive plans in the business! With 65-point inspection checklist, we will not only ensures your equipment gets the regular preventative maintenance and attention it needs, we'll be providing you with peace of mind that your unit will get the special care it requires! Plus, you'll have access to great plan benefits!

There are three easy ways to sign up:

1. You can quickly sign up by filling our our online form with your all of the pertinent information; (if you are unsure of any of the details we ask about your unit, please let us know and we will a Certified Comfort Representative will then give you a very quick call to confirm your information and set up your first appointment.
2. Simply call the office at 239-205-8342 and one of our friendly Certified Comfort Representatives will help you in setting you your account and booking your first appointment.
3. Using our chat function that can be found on any page of our website. Simply ask to be signed up for our Blue Ribbon Maintenance Plan and a Certified Comfort Representative will be in touch to get you signed up and set up your first appointment.

Secondly, purchasing cooling equipment for a coastal environment is a good idea. Some HVAC manufacturers make AC models that offer protection from salt and sand damage.  

Are you looking for a new system near Fort Myers, Estero and Naples? Upgrading from an AC unit 10 years or older to a new efficiency model could reduce your monthly energy spending by 20 to 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Call Certified Heating and Cooling today for all your HVAC services. Besides AC, we service and install furnaces, ductless mini splits, heat pumps, and more. 

What Does the Salty Air Do to My Air Conditioner?

Live within 10 miles of the ocean? You may have already noticed how salty air affects your outdoor fixtures. Metals rapidly corrode. Additionally, wood surfaces begin to look “fuzzy” after salt eats away at them. 

Similarly, salt and sand residue can wreak havoc on the compressor––the outdoor component of your AC unit. This can erode the aluminum fins within just a few years of installation. Once they are damaged, your compressor will be unable to expel warm air from your Florida home. 

Protect Your Air Conditioner Compressor 

The Certified Heating and Cooling team strongly recommends covering your outdoor compressor during stretches of the year when your AC isn’t in use. This will prevent salt and sand from getting stuck in the fins, which leads to corrosion. 

When your AC is in use, we recommend regularly cleaning it with water. This is entirely safe to do whether the unit is operating or on standby. Move your hose back and forth in a horizontal motion to remove any visible debris. 

How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Compressor Is Damaged? 

Regularly, you should inspect the condition of your fins, looking for any signs of deterioration. Gently run your index finger along the tops of the fins. If they break off, this indicates an issue. 

If large patches of your fins are missing and the coils are visible, it’s likely time for a replacement. In this instance, your AC cannot produce sufficient cooling to keep your home comfortable. 

How Does Preventative Maintenance Help My Air Conditioner Unit? 

Seasonal check-ups are vital for preserving HVAC equipment, especially for homeowners near saltwater. You’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Fewer repairs
• High indoor air quality (IAQ)
• Lower energy bills
• Longer system lifespan

Our maintenance loyalty program makes scheduling appointments a breeze with friendly reminders, service and parts discounts and priority scheduling. Get in touch with us today to learn more. 

Call Today for Expert HVAC Service

Headquartered in Fort Myers with offices in Estero and Naples, Certified Heating and Cooling is pleased to take care of all your heating and cooling needs. Call today at 239-205-8342 or request service online.