How often is your HVAC system inspected? Preventive maintenance can keep small issues from becoming larger problems, especially when it comes to the components of the system that might be overlooked.
How often is your HVAC system inspected? Preventive maintenance can keep small issues from becoming larger problems, especially when it comes to the components of the system that might be overlooked. One of these issues is known as coil corrosion. It’s responsible for about 40% of the equipment failures in any commercial facility. It is extremely expensive to fix, which is why it should be given as much attention as possible by both service technicians and building managers.
Coil Corrosion
Coil corrosion is so small at first that it easily goes unnoticed. If it goes unaddressed, it could lead to the necessity of complete coil replacement. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace your entire commercial HVAC system. Although it is also easy to assume that coil corrosion only affects older systems, it can happen to any system of any age. This problem takes two forms: pitting and formicary.
Pitting Corrosion
Now let’s talk about pitting, the first type of coil corrosion you might have to deal with. Fluoride exposure from the water supply or chlorides can lead to this type of damage. Ions of both fluoride and chloride pit the metal, which eventually forms small pinholes. These pinholes facilitate refrigerant leaks, which can cause further problems in their own way.
Coil Damage Consequences
Coil damage has a variety of far-reaching consequences. For instance, your HVAC system will have to run harder and longer to achieve the same results as before any coil damage happened. The compressor will also need to work harder as well. All in all, the system is overstressed which means more preventative maintenance is necessary. If temperatures inside your building are uncomfortable, then your employees will be distracted and not as productive as they could be.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
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