For residents of Neptune Beach, Florida, the cool ocean breeze and warm temperatures are just two of the benefits of living near the Atlantic. However, these conditions can also pose a threat to your air conditioner, even if you don’t notice. If you feel that rust is ruining your air conditioner, here are a few tips to make sure it keeps running without trouble for years on end.

How Does Rust Develop?

Before fixing or prepping your air conditioner to prevent rust, it’s important to note how it develops. The humid air on the Atlantic coast of Florida carries plenty of salt, and when wind blows through, the salt adheres to your air conditioner. If the air conditioner is left untreated, the salt starts to corrode the metal. What makes this an even bigger cause for concern is that this often voids the warranty, leaving you stuck with the bill.

Preventing Rust

The best way to prevent rust is a proactive approach. In some cases, you can purchase an air conditioner that’s made specifically for coastal areas and contains a rust-prohibitive coating. If you can’t find one of these, then you can always apply the coating yourself or call us to do the work.

Repainting the Air Conditioner

If you’ve already developed rust on your air conditioner, there’s usually still time to act before it’s too late. To start, remove the rusted area with a nylon brush and fine grit sandpaper, and then wash with a degreaser to remove dust and debris. Before you paint, make sure to cover the internal components with painter’s tape or a tarp. Then, use a rust-proof primer first before adding a layer of rust-proof paint.

Hopefully, these steps will prevent a rusted air conditioner. If not, call Ocean State Air Conditioning and Heating at (904) 574-5619. We’ll help you find the right air conditioner for your home and install it with expert precision. Contact us today.

Image provided by Shutterstock