Common HVAC Problems on the Cape Fear Coast Attributed to Coastal Humidity
The air conditioner is on and yet your home has a sticky quality to it? You may be put off by musty odors or fog on the windows, or find the AC is simply not up to the task. The Cape Fear Coast is beautiful for those of us who live by the water, but the kind of salty, humid air you get here is hard on an HVAC system.
We at NC Quality Air can tell you what this climate will do to your heating and cooling equipment; in our 40 plus years serving Wilmington and the coastal communities we have seen it all. Should you need to discuss a problem, (910) 218-9830 is the number to reach us.
Then there is the matter of coastal humidity. Beyond being uncomfortable, it will erode your system in ways a homeowner does not expect. We have set out below the problems we come across most often and how to deal with them.
Why the Air Is What It Is
On the Cape Fear Coast warm ocean air full of moisture is part of daily life. You will have more humidity than you would find inland and salt in the very air you breathe. Put the two together and you have a burden for your HVAC that some extra attention is called for to manage. This is especially so if you are in Wrightsville Beach, Oak Island, Figure 8 Island or Carolina Beach where the proximity to the water makes itself known.
Humidity-Related Woes
In the course of our work in homes and businesses along the coast these are the usual suspects:
- Salt corrosion eating into the metal coils and fins of the outdoor condenser
- High moisture and poor airflow leading to frozen evaporator coils
- Mold and mildew making themselves at home in the ductwork, drain pans or about the indoor air handler
- Condensate drain lines getting clogged from the excess moisture the humid air puts out
- The system having to exert itself to draw moisture from the air, resulting in less efficiency and steeper energy bills
- A musty smell in the house when the system comes on
Left to their own devices they will reduce the lifespan of your equipment; put them all together and you could be looking at an untimely and costly replacement.
Putting Your AC to Work
An air conditioner is meant to cool and dehumidify. In the coastal humidity the latter is a much larger undertaking. The system will run longer to make things comfortable when the air is thick with moisture. That means more energy and more wear, and a greater likelihood of minor issues festering. Provided the system is of the right size and well maintained it can stand up to the demand.
Is Moisture Getting to Your System?
Some indicators to look for:
- Dampness in a room despite what the thermostat says
- Foggy or condensation covered windows
- Water near the indoor unit or a drain line that will not stay down
- Rust showing on the outdoor unit
- Mustiness when the heat or AC is engaged
- An uncharacteristically high bill on your energy statement
It is best to have someone inspect the system at the first sign of trouble rather than let it develop into a major repair.
A Few Ways to Stand Up to the Climate
There are some easy habits to adopt. For instance, put in new air filters to maintain good flow. Debris and salt should be kept off the outdoor unit and the condenser coils given an occasional gentle rinse. Do not neglect the condensate drain line.
We see too many homeowners put off maintenance until a breakdown forces their hand. On the coast that is an expensive mistake. Our Diamond Plan membership is one way to avoid it; members enjoy biannual cleanings, 15 per cent off labor and parts and priority scheduling so their systems hold up year in and year out.
Let Us Have a Look
Your HVAC ought to see you through the humid months in comfort. Whether for home or business, if you are having any difficulty due to the humidity, call (910) 218-9830. With an A+ from the Better Business Bureau and over 300 Google reviews to our name, NC Quality Air is at your service from Monday to Sunday. We provide free estimates as well, so why not give us a ring today.
