How to Prevent AC Coil Corrosion and Refrigerant Leakage

May 6, 2020
AC Coil Corrosion

Servicing your AC unit is key to extend its lifespan. This will both allow you to save money in the long run and avoid any environmental and health issues. Plus, corrosion and gas leaking demand the equipment to waste more electricity than usual, increasing your power bill exponentially.

These problems can end up being hard and costly to fix. Corrosion happens because the air conditioner fins are made of aluminium and the condenser coil is made of copper. In the presence of moisture, galvanic corrosion happens at the point of contact of these two metals. Over time, this corrosion results in gas leakage and the condenser would then need to be replaced or repaired.

Because of this, it’s vital to try and prevent decay from happening in the first place. There are different ways to avert this problem before it gets out of hand.

Bimetallic or galvanic corrosion

Usually, more than one metal is used in the manufacturing of AC units. This is far from ideal, but certainly cheaper than other alternatives. When the two metals touch while moist with the presence of a liquid, it makes corrosion more likely to occur. Should there be a single metal, even with the presence of a leakage, it would take a longer time for this wear and tear to happen naturally.

It’s a good idea to try and purchase an air conditioner with fins and coils manufactured with only one metal. It’ll be more cost-effective to the customer in the long run.

Formicary corrosion

Pure copper also presents corrosion problems in air conditioning systems. This type of wear and tear doesn’t happen naturally without any outside influences. Since it requires three elements and only two are present in the devices, it’s usually a result of the actions of the unit’s user.

For formicary corrosion to occur, water, oxygen and an organic acid, such as cleaning solvents, cosmetics or paint, must interact. Usually, when a user mistakenly allows one of these organic acids to fall on the unit or attempts to clean it with solvents, this type of corrosion begins damaging the AC.

It’s vital to be very conscious of what elements we place near and over our AC units, to avoid such problems from arising.

There are also two types of coatings that can be used to protect the AC units. When it comes to old devices, copper guard coating is the best alternative. It’s a preventive coating that helps keep solvents, water, and other elements from damaging the copper in the AC’s structure. This will keep rusting from happening, as well as stop gas leaks before they begin.

Always Purchase AC with Anti Corrosion Coating

When purchasing a new AC, however, it’s a good idea to make sure it features a protective epoxy coating. This works as an effective and long-lasting protection for metal surfaces to both chemicals and water damage.

Check out the following posts for recommendations on best Air conditioners in India.

In India, two common epoxy coatings used to protect air conditioners are known by the name Bluefin coating and Goldfin coating. Though this might add to your cost of purchase when buying the unit with epoxy coating, in the long run, it’ll help the user save money.

How to Prevent AC Coil Corrosion and Refrigerant Leakage
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