Corrosion is a leading cause of air conditioning system failure. It involves the oxidation of metal. When the metal components in an air conditioning system, such as coils or electrical contacts, are exposed to oxygen, they may experience a chemical reaction. Known as oxidation, this chemical reaction will convert the metal into a chemical oxide, such as iron oxide or “rust.”
Why Corrosion Is a Concern
When ignored, corrosion can damage your air conditioning system. It will eat through the metal components. The condenser coil and evaporator coil, for instance, consist of metal fins. You can always straighten these fins if they are only bent. If the fins are corroded, though, you’ll have to replace the damaged coil.
You may not be able to turn on your air conditioning system if it’s heavily corroded. There are dozens of electrical contacts in a typical air conditioning system. Consisting of conductive wires and connectors, they allow electricity to flow through the various electrical components. Corrosion can develop on these electrical connections. As the corrosion builds up, it may interfere with their operation, meaning some of your air conditioning system’s electrical components may not receive power.
Your air conditioning system may experience a refrigerant leak if it’s heavily corroded. Air conditioning systems are pressurized. Pressurization allows the refrigerant to move through your air conditioning system while simultaneously collecting and releasing heat. Corrosion, however, can create weaknesses in your air conditioning system that, if left unchecked, allow refrigerant to escape.
How to Protect Your AC System From Corrosion
There are several steps you can take to protect your air conditioning system from corrosion. Start by checking the condensate drain to see if it’s clogged. It’s found directly below the evaporator coil. When moisture forms on the evaporator coil, it will drip into a pan connected to the condensate drain. A clogged condensate drain will prevent moisture from draining, which will increase the risk of corrosion on the evaporator coil.
Getting your air conditioning system’s filter drier changed on a regular basis can protect it from corrosion. Filter driers are devices that are designed to remove moisture from the refrigerant lines. Only refrigerant should travel through the refrigerant lines. If moisture enters them, the lines may corrode. A filter drier will absorb moisture so that the refrigerant lines are better protected against corrosion. For maximum protection, you may want to get your filter driver replaced once every few years.