Coastal property is in high demand in nearly every real estate market. And Florida’s real estate market is no exception. Available data shows the median listing price for an oceanfront home in the Sunshine State is around $838,800. Some homes command even higher prices.
For example, the median listing price for coastal and beachfront homes in Pensacola, FL is between $870,000 and $889,500. Meanwhile, the median listing price for landlocked or inland homes is between $360,000 and $365,000.
Although the barrier to entry is much higher, many people with the financial means happily choose coastal homes over their lower-priced landlocked or inland homes. And that’s for several reasons. Along with higher property values, coastal real estate properties offer luxury, tranquility, and picturesque views, which some studies suggest contribute to better mental health. While incredibly appealing, owning a coastal home does have some downsides, one of which is HVAC-related.
Coastal Living and HVAC Systems: What More Homeowners Should Know
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems contain numerous components that work collectively to heat or cool a home. These components include the air conditioner, heat pump, ductwork, thermostat, air handler, evaporator and condenser coils, and blower motor, and they each play a role in controlling the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a home.
While landlocked and inland homes can also experience HVAC system problems, they are far more common in coastal homes. That’s because oceanfront and beachfront homes are subject to unique environmental conditions that can cause HVAC systems to fail or run less efficiently.
Chief among these unique conditions is salty air, which can wreak havoc on HVAC systems in oceanfront and beachfront homes. Because sea spray generation forces the dispersion of salt particles from the ocean into the atmosphere, the air in most oceanfront and beachfront communities is very salty. While salt-laden air in these communities might not necessarily pose a health risk to people, it can do a number on HVAC components.
How Salty Air Can Damage the HVAC System in a Home
Florida has an average relative humidity(RH) of 74.5%. High relative humidity and salty air can corrode numerous HVAC system components, including evaporator and condenser coils. When corrosion damages either of these coils, it can result in refrigerant leaks, reduced cooling efficiency, higher energy bills, and even HVAC failure.
Scheduling HVAC maintenance with a licensed technician can go a long way toward preventing evaporator and condenser coil corrosion and keeping a home’s HVAC system in good working order. HVAC maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician typically includes the following:
- Applying anti-corrosive coatings to extend the lifespan of coils
- Checking and topping off refrigerant levels if needed
- Inspecting and calibrating the HVAC thermostat if needed
- Inspecting and cleaning the system’s blower and fan motors
- Inspecting ductwork for leaks and blockages
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce wear and tear and improve efficiency
- Replacing air filters
- Thoroughly inspecting evaporator and condenser coils
- Tightening electrical connections, checking voltage, and inspecting wiring to ensure safety and performance
Even if corrosion is not an issue, salt particles can still do a number on an HVAC system. That’s because sea spray generation allows salt particles from the ocean to travel through the air and eventually stick to HVAC fins. For reference, HVAC fins are thin, flat aluminum plates on the condenser and evaporator coils of HVAC systems.
When HVAC fins become clogged with salt particles, it can reduce airflow and force the HVAC system to work harder. This combination can, over time, cause the entire HVAC system to fail. Generally speaking, the fins, coils, and other metal components in HVAC systems corrode up to 10 times faster in coastal homes than in landlocked or inland homes.
Common Signs of Salt Air Damage
Along with poor HVAC performance and higher utility bills, signs of salt air damage can include the following:
- A burning smell when the HVAC system is running
- Buzzing, grinding, rattling, or hissing noises
- Icing or freezing
- Puddles of water around an HVAC system, especially the outdoor unit
- Rust or discoloration on the HVAC cabinet or coil fins
How Sand and Debris Can Damage an HVAC System
Along with salt and resulting corrosion, sand and debris, especially microplastics, can damage HVAC systems in coastal and beachfront homes. That’s because they can clog filters, reduce airflow, and speed up the wear and tear of the entire HVAC system. Sand and debris can also cause HVAC systems to overheat, which can open the door to the following:
- Damaged compressor, fan motor, capacitor, and other components
- Increased energy consumption
- Decreased HVAC lifespan
- Short cycling
- Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
When sand or debris damages an HVAC system, it can cause many of the same symptoms associated with salt air damage. That includes reduced airflow, clogged filters, unusual noises, and damaged evaporator or condenser coils.
Damaged wiring and excessive dust circulating throughout the home are also byproducts of HVAC problems caused by sand, debris, or both. The same applies to uneven heating or cooling, which can occur when sand and debris obstruct air vents or ductwork.
What Can Coastal Homeowners in Pensacola, FL Do To Protect Their HVAC System?
Whether it is salt air and corrosion, sand, debris, or all three, there are a few things coastal homeowners in Pensacola, FL can do to protect their HVAC systems. Some of these include the following:
- Applying epoxy, acrylic, or hydrophilic coatings to coils and metal components to protect them against moisture, salt, pollutants, and other corrosive agents
- Rinsing off the outdoor HVAC unit with fresh water every month or after a storm
- Installing a barrier or enclosure around the outdoor HVAC unit to help shield it from salty air, sand, and debris
- Inspecting the outdoor HVAC system periodically to ensure it has adequate ventilation to function correctly
- Scheduling bi-annual inspections with a certified HVAC technician
In summary, salt, sand, debris, and other elements commonly associated with coastal environments pose unique threats to HVAC systems. Fortunately, many can be avoided or mitigated with routine cleanings, DIY inspections, and by scheduling regular maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician. To learn more or to schedule service, consider speaking with a Pensacola One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating associate today.