Air conditioner corrosion affects air conditioning outdoor units that are usually exposed to the harsh Australian climate. Over time, this can result in a great deal of corrosion and wear, especially for residents living in coastal areas, as the systems are generally exposed to salt in the air through rain or mist. Manufacturers apply anti-corrosive coatings to prevent corrosion and other forms of wear and tear. However, the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover damage or breakdown caused by weather exposure.
If you have concerns about the corrosive effects on your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, you can take additional precautions to mitigate the risk of damage or failure.
Some residents cover or enclose the unit to protect it from the weather. We recommend against this as it can inhibit airflow, which can cause problems with the unit’s performance and potential overheating.
The first solution we recommend is relatively simple: spraying an anti-corrosive product on certain parts of your system. Action Corrosion is a product that can be used for steel protection. Applying it will involve removing the cover of the outdoor unit first to access vulnerable parts that need to be coated. You could easily make this part of your regular home maintenance to prevent rust or corrosion from forming or organise this during your next maintenance service.
We can also arrange for the unit to be treated with corrosion protection by Blygold, which offers HVAC coatings and other services. Blygold is the leading proponent of anti-corrosion in HVAC and marine applications and a company we recommend. Blygold essentially takes care of everything. They remove the panels and spray the inside parts of the unit to protect it from the elements and to ensure the system works efficiently. The great thing about this service is that it comes with a one-year guarantee. If you want an extended warranty, you must procure the services of Blygold independently and arrange a maintenance program for them.
We’ve seen excellent results when it comes to corrosion protection. One of our clients had a Daikin outdoor unit treated by Blygold, and after nine years, it is still in excellent working condition. In terms of pricing, you can expect to pay between $400 and $700 for single fan units, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Replacing your air conditioner due to damage from the elements is far more costly, which can often result in thousands in comparison.
If your air conditioner breaks down due to rust or corrosion, we will unlikely be able to repair the unit. Rust can often cause quite a lot of damage to the fan coil, which affects the system’s efficiency. When the fan coil becomes corroded, the fan won’t be able to regulate heat distribution. Corrosion can also cause dangerous electrical faults. If your outdoor unit becomes too severely eroded, replacing it would be the only option.
If you’ve spotted signs of rust on your outdoor unit, internal corrosion will likely occur, too. Book a service to inspect the unit and explore your options if we find evidence of damage.
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