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Corrosion in HVAC Systems: How Can this be Prevented?

People in a room that solely relies on the temperature and condition of the surrounding environment won’t be able to survive or endure there for a long time. The heat waves from the sun cause serious medical conditions such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Even the temperature of snowy weather can cause hypothermia among people.

Fortunately, the conditions mentioned above can now be regulated with technology. One specific wonder of technology that helps regulate and control room temperature is the HVAC system. This system, with initials that stand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, can control elements that give the room its optimal temperature and air condition. The cleanliness and humidity level of the air is also controlled by the HVAC system.

As the HVAC system helps us regulate our room, we must also take into account the maintenance of this system. Throughout its use, corrosion can take over the components of the HVAC system. To prevent this from happening, you should check and manage the following factors.

• Water pH: Corrosion happens when the pH level of the untreated water drops. More metal surface of the system gets exposed as the pH level drops.
• Water Velocity: Low water velocity allows solids to settle on the metal surfaces of the system. Localized corrosion even happens when these solids prevent corrosion-fighting chemicals to function.
• Water Temperature: Corrosion thrives when the temperature of the water is high. This response is normal since some chemicals react faster in hot water.
• Dissolved Gases: The main cause of corrosion is stemmed back to two gases – oxygen and carbon dioxide. If they are not removed or chemically treated, then corrosion happens. Oxygen enhances the corrosion process when combined with metals. Carbon, on the other hand, can affect boiler systems.
• Dissolved Solids: These are minerals that are dissolved in water. Dissolved solids can interfere with the formation of corrosion inhibitor films, which increases corrosion.
• System Deposits: Dirt, corrosion products, and scale accumulate to form deposits. Corrosion happens when these deposits grow in size.
• Galvanic Corrosion: Your HVAC system may have metals that are different from each other. When these metals are connected and exposed to corrosive elements, then corrosion will occur.

Now that you know about the elements to watch out for, here are some ways on how to control and prevent corrosion in the HVAC system.

Use Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Some components on your HVAC system can be replaced with parts that use corrosion-resistant materials. These materials include copper, stainless steel, PVC, plastics, and concrete. You can also coat some components with corrosion-resistant compounds. However, this method is not practical with a system that has large components.

Apply Sacrificial Anodes

Sacrificial anodes can be used to protect your HVAC system. These are pieces of metal that rely on corrosion itself to function well. They are placed on components that are most likely will corrode over time. These nodes are replaced regularly since they take the corrosion process of the HVAC components.

Employ Corrosion Inhibitors

This method combines mechanical and chemical control. A corrosion inhibitor program interrupts the reactions of the corrosion agents through system cleaning, pre-treatment, and chemical treatment. System cleaning is done to eradicate oils, scale, and corrosion deposits that contribute to the formation of corrosion. Then, the pre-treatment involves the application of chemical coating on the metal to protect it once the system starts. Lastly, the corrosion inhibitors are used to maintain and assure the protection of the HVAC system. These preventative methods can only be effective if the mentioned factors are monitored. The presence of corrosion may be at least controlled if you closely manage and monitor your system. To know more about preventative maintenance for HVAC systems, contact us now at Protector Air Care. We take serious consideration of our customer needs for their HVAC systems.

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