Why do your coastal HVAC systems need extra care? Living on the gorgeous Florida Coast is its own reward. Residents of Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Melbourne, Rockledge, Indian Harbour Beach, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa, and Port St. John enjoy nearly endless days of perfect weather, glittering ocean views, and all-year access to beachside fun.
However, the ocean also brings with it a few challenges when it comes to home maintenance, and your HVAC system is no exception. Salty air, humidity, high temperatures, and occasionally extreme weather will do a number on your air conditioning unit. It’s no wonder why HVAC maintenance is so important along the Florida coast.
Let’s take a closer look at what your HVAC system needs to keep giving its best performance year after year.
The Coastal Challenge for HVAC Systems
As every coastal homeowner knows, ocean air is tough on home maintenance. But it’s not just your home’s exterior paint and metal fences that can take damage. The salt, sand, and moisture in the air are pretty tough on your HVAC, too.
- Salt and Corrosion: Salt is naturally corrosive. Near the ocean, there is salt in the air, which can corrode any outdoor metal components. This includes your outdoor HVAC compressor unit. The corrosion can lead to rust, rapid decay, and a reduced lifespan for your AC. Not to mention lowered efficiency as parts corrode away.
- High Humidity: The ocean is constantly evaporating into the atmosphere. This high level of humidity can stress your AC as it tries to dehumidify the air in your home.
- Sand and Debris: Debris is always a risk for your outdoor AC unit, but sand is much worse. Sand can obstruct airflow and damage delicate components, while also being harder to keep out with protective grates.
Coastal HVAC Systems Maintenance Tips
For residents of Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Melbourne, Rockledge, Indian Harbour Beach, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa, and Port St. John, regular HVAC maintenance is a must. We’re not just talking about cleaning filters and tightening a few screws. Coastal HVAC maintenance has a few special requirements.
- Regular Inspections: Because the damage is accelerated in a coastal region, twice-yearly inspections are ideal for Florida HVAC systems. We recommend one in the early Spring and one in the late Fall to optimize the transition between heating and cooling.
- Anti-Corrosion Treatments: Special coatings on your outdoor HVAC can protect it from corrosion in the salty ocean air. This can extend your HVAC performance and lifespan.
- Regularly Clean or Replace Filters: Keep your filters clean, whether that means regular replacements or routine cleaning. This ensures proper airflow and improves indoor air quality.
- Seal and Insulate Ductwork: HVAC efficiency in a hot climate like Florida requires good insulation. Keep your ductwork repaired, sealed, and insulated for optimal cooling performance and lower energy bills.
- Clean the Evaporator Coils: Prevent ducts and frost from building up on your evaporator coils by regularly cleaning them or having them cleaned.
- Apply a Corrosion-Resistant Coating: Using a corrosion-resistant coating can protect your outdoor AC unit from damage and extend its lifespan, especially in coastal areas.
- Monitor Humidity Levels: Use an additional dehumidifier to help control humidity levels at home and make it easier for your AC to operate during the humid summer months.
Location-Specific Advice for Florida Homeowners Who Own Coastal HVAC Systems
Each community in Florida is part of its own local climate which can affect the performance of your HVAC. Here are a few personalized tips for HVAC maintenance and better performance based on your location.
Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral
Located right on the coast, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are the most exposed to salty sea air. Anti-corrosion treatments should be your top priority, as well as sand-blocking protections for your outdoor AC unit.
Satellite Beach & Indian Harbour Beach
If you live near the beach in Satelite Beach or Indian Harbour Beach, sand is your biggest concern. Use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA filter) to keep sand and debris out of your units and prioritize regular cleaning.
Melbourne & Palm Bay
Melbourne and Palm Bay are somewhat more sheltered from the sea but experience high humidity levels. Improve your HVAC performance with an extra dehumidifier or two placed inside the home.
Rockledge & Merritt Island
Rockledge and Merritt Island are located further inland but salty air and humidity are common hazards on the coastal wind. Duct sealing and insulation will provide you with the greatest indoor comfort from these hazards.
Titusville, Cocoa & Port St. John
In Titusville, Cocoa Beach, and Port St. John, air quality may be your greatest concern. Optimize your HVAC performance and indoor air quality by regularly cleaning coils and filters.
The Best HVAC Performance for Florida Homes Who Own Coastal HVAC Systems
Coastal Florida provides a gorgeous lifestyle of sunny days and beachside recreation, but you also love that crisp, cool feeling of coming home to the air conditioning. To keep your HVAC performing at its best in spite of the coastal challenges, it’s important to keep up with maintenance and make special considerations for problems like salty air, sand, and high humidity.
Partner with an HVAC team that understands your coastal HVAC needs to keep your home comfortable year-round. Kabran will keep you enjoying your delightful coastal life to the fullest.
