The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful and bustling region in Australia, known for its sunny weather, warm temperatures, and beautiful beaches. However, this warm, humid, salty climate can also be hard on air conditioners, causing them to suffer from corrosion and other forms of wear and tear. To ensure your air conditioner lasts for as long as possible and continues to perform at its best, it’s important to take steps to protect it from corrosion. Read on for a few tips to get you started.
Your Most Important Appliance
The air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in the home, especially here on the Sunshine Coast where we experience hot and humid coastal weather for most of the year.
If you want your AC to be ready to use as soon as you need it, it’s a good idea to ensure its protected from corrosion. Salty air can cause rapid wear and tear on susceptible parts of your air conditioner, as can a build-up of dust, dirt, and debris. Regular maintenance will allow you to catch any problems early before they cause too much damage.
Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
Your maintenance routine should include regular checks and cleaning of your AC. Focus on the following areas:
- The Air Filter: Responsible for removing dirt, dust, and other debris from the air before it is circulated back into your home, the air filter can become clogged over time. Clogs reduce the efficiency of the unit and increase the risk of corrosion and other forms of wear and tear. To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, be sure to clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis.
- The Coils: The coils remove heat from the air inside your home. Dirt and debris can accumulate on the coils, reducing their efficiency and causing your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to.
- The Fan Blades: This part of your AC circulates air throughout your home. Dirt and dust can accumulate on the fan blades, which can affect your unit’s performance. Keep your air conditioner running smoothly by cleaning the fan blades on a regular basis.
- The Drain Pans: Responsible for collecting water from the air conditioner and removing it from your home, the drain pans can become blocked by dust.
Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate on your air conditioner, causing it to become clogged and increasing the risk of corrosion. So, a good habit to form is regularly removing any dirt or debris that has accumulated on its surface.
Protective Coating
A rust protection coating is designed to protect metal surfaces from the damaging effects of rust and corrosion. It forms a barrier between the metal surface and the environment, preventing salt and moisture from penetrating the metal and causing it to deteriorate. This helps to extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it in good condition, even in a coastal climate.
There are many different types of rust protection coatings available, and it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your air conditioner and the conditions in which it is used. Some of the most common types of rust protection coatings include:
- Zinc-rich primers: These primers contain a high percentage of zinc, which is a natural corrosion inhibitor. When applied to metal surfaces, they provide an effective barrier against rust and corrosion.
- Epoxy coatings: Epoxy coatings are known for their durability and resistance to moisture. They provide a tough, long-lasting barrier against rust and corrosion and are a good choice for air conditioners that are exposed to harsh coastal conditions.
- Aluminium coatings: Aluminium coatings are highly reflective and provide an excellent barrier against rust and corrosion. They are often used on air conditioners that are exposed to direct sunlight, as they help to reduce heat build-up—preventing the metal from overheating.
Keep Your AC Running Smoothly
If you follow the simple tips above, you can help extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running smoothly for years to come. And, if maintaining your AC feels overwhelming, you can always hire a professional to maintain it for you, allowing you to focus your time on other tasks.
If you need help with your air conditioner, O'Brien Electrical & Air Conditioning Warana is here to help. Get in touch with us today via our contact form or give us a call at 1300 552 514. We offer a wide range of electrical and air conditioning services such as installation, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs so we’ll surely to be able to help you with all your AC needs.