The Best Air Conditioner For Coastal Climates

Nexgen AC unit installed on pebbled ground

There are so many benefits to living near the ocean. You enjoy great weather nearly year-round, you get to experience that pleasant ocean breeze and the sunsets are always gorgeous. However, there’s a disadvantage: corrosion. That same ocean breeze brings salt to the air, which settles on the outdoor portion of your air conditioning unit. Over time, this can quickly ruin your system. Here are some ways to avoid that problem.

Buy a Coastal Region Air Conditioner

The biggest concern for your air conditioning unit when it’s near the ocean is the condenser coil. A condenser coil is usually made of aluminum or copper, with a protective oxide layer. Constant exposure to salt in the air erodes this layer, and then the metal itself, leading to costly air conditioning repairs. Instead, some air conditioning units use condenser coils, and other components, specifically designed for the salty air. They are less likely to erode, meaning your unit lasts much longer. Ask about our coastal air conditioning units today.

Rinse Your Condenser Coils

If you don’t have a coastal weather-specific unit, or if you’re trying to help your current unit last as long as possible before the upgrade, there are a few things you can do. One temporary solution is to rinse your condenser coils. This washes off the salt and prevents the salt from corroding your system. Simply spray down your outdoor unit with a hose each morning. Just be sure to turn off your thermostat so you don’t trigger the unit to turn on. However, constant spraying can wear down the unit in other ways--you’ll eventually need to replace the unit, but this simple step could add several years to its life.

Get Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance

Though air conditioning maintenance is always a good idea, it’s especially necessary when you live near the coast. A certified HVAC contractor will check components like your condenser coils for erosion, while also inspecting pieces like your air filter. They will also check the unit for necessary cleaning, and keep an eye out for any upcoming issues or repairs. Regular maintenance can mean the difference between a unit that dies on you after a couple of years and a unit that lasts a decade.

Place Your Outdoor Unit Wisely

Lastly, be careful about where you place your outdoor unit. Ideally, it should sit somewhere that doesn’t get directly hit by winds. It should also never be in direct sunlight if you can avoid it, and it’s even better if it’s protected from rain. Though salt will always be present in the air if you live near the coast, blocking the breeze can slow the corrosion process.

A little air conditioner maintenance is a small price to pay to live near the ocean. At NexGen Heating and Air, we’re here to help you find the best product for your situation and to help your current unit perform as well as possible. Contact us today to make sure your air conditioner is ready for that ocean breeze.

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