It’s true that living in coastal areas like Miramar Beach, 30A, Destin, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Inlet Beach offers a beautiful and relaxing lifestyle, but it also presents unique challenges for homeowners and rental managers, particularly when it comes to maintaining air conditioning systems.

The combination of salt air, high humidity, and extreme heat can take a toll on your AC unit, potentially leaving you uncomfortable during the hottest months of the year.

Is your AC acting up, and you don’t know why? In this blog, we’ll try to find out. We’ll explore the common reasons why your AC might not be cooling as it should and discuss potential solutions to keep your home or rental comfortable year-round.

Before We Start, A Little About Us…

At Quality Air, we offer a range of HVAC services designed to elevate your comfort and ensure an uninterrupted, pleasant indoor environment. Covering Miramar Beach, 30A, Destin, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, and other areas, our expert technicians bring years of experience in fixing cooling and heating units for countless satisfied customers.

Want more tips about maintaining your HVAC system? Check out our HVAC blog! From best practices for energy efficiency to the perfect times for seasonal maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Now, let’s see what the problem is…

Here’s Why Your AC Might Not Be Cooling Properly

As we mentioned, our coastal environment is particularly harsh on air conditioning systems. The salt-laden air from the Gulf of Mexico can accelerate corrosion of metal components, while high humidity levels put additional stress on the system. Add to this the abundance of sand and other airborne particles, and you have a recipe for AC problems.

For anyone who takes their air comfort seriously, understanding these issues is crucial. It can help you take proactive steps to maintain your AC and avoid uncomfortable breakdowns — especially during the peak of summer.

Salt Air Corrosion

As you can already tell, one of the primary culprits behind AC issues in our area is salt air corrosion. The salty air from the Gulf of Mexico can be particularly damaging to the metal components of your AC unit, especially the condenser coils. These coils are responsible for releasing heat from your home to the outside air. When they become corroded, their efficiency decreases significantly, reducing the system’s ability to cool your home properly. Over time, this corrosion can lead to more serious issues and potentially shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.

High Humidity

Our coastal areas are known for their high humidity levels, which can put a significant strain on air conditioning systems. Did you know your AC doesn’t just cool the air? It also removes moisture to make your home more comfortable. In areas with high humidity, the system has to work much harder to remove this excess moisture from the air. This additional workload can reduce the AC’s overall cooling capacity and efficiency. If your system isn’t properly sized or maintained, it may struggle to keep up with both cooling and dehumidification, leaving your home feeling uncomfortably warm and damp.

Clogged Filters

As we mentioned, our coastal environment is rich in airborne particles – salt, sand, and other debris are constantly circulating in the air. These particles can quickly accumulate on your AC’s air filters, clogging them faster than in non-coastal areas. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the system, forcing it to work harder to circulate air. This not only reduces cooling efficiency but can also lead to other problems like frozen evaporator coils.

Refrigerant Leaks

The corrosive nature of salt air can lead to small holes developing in the copper tubing that carries refrigerant through your AC system. These leaks may start small but can quickly worsen, leading to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process, and low levels can significantly impact your AC’s ability to cool your home effectively. If you notice your system isn’t cooling as well as it used to, or you hear a hissing sound coming from the unit, a refrigerant leak could be the culprit.

Condenser Coil Fouling

The outdoor unit of your AC system, which houses the condenser coils, is particularly vulnerable to the coastal environment. Salt, sand, and other debris can accumulate on these coils, creating a layer of grime that reduces the system’s ability to dissipate heat effectively. This fouling can significantly decrease your AC’s efficiency and cooling capacity.

Electrical Issues

Salt air doesn’t just affect the mechanical components of your AC; it can also wreak havoc on electrical connections. Corrosion of electrical contacts and connections can lead to a range of performance problems, from intermittent operation to complete system failures. These issues can be particularly frustrating as they may cause your AC to work inconsistently, leaving you uncertain about its reliability during the hottest days of summer.

Increased Wear and Tear

The harsh coastal environment accelerates the aging process of AC components. Parts that might last for many years in a less corrosive environment may deteriorate much faster in our coastal areas. This increased wear and tear can lead to more frequent breakdowns and a reduction in overall cooling capacity. It’s not uncommon for AC units in coastal areas to have a shorter lifespan compared to those in inland locations — sometimes 5-7 years.

Improper Installation

All the unique challenges mentioned above make proper AC installation crucial. Units need to be installed in protected locations, ideally shielded from direct exposure to salt air and potential flooding. Proper elevation of outdoor units is also important to prevent water damage during heavy rains or storm surges. Unfortunately, not all installers are familiar with the specific needs of coastal installations, which can lead to premature system failures and reduced efficiency.

Undersized System

The extreme heat we often experience during summer months can overwhelm an undersized AC system. What might be adequate cooling capacity for an inland home may not be sufficient for a similar-sized home in our coastal area. The combination of high temperatures and humidity puts an extra load on AC systems, and if your unit isn’t properly sized for these conditions, it may struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures, especially during peak heat periods.

Signs Your AC System Needs Attention

Given these potential issues, how can you tell if your AC system needs attention?

Here are some key signs to watch for:

Decreased Cooling Performance

If you notice that your home isn’t cooling as quickly or effectively as it used to, or if some rooms are cooler than others, it could indicate a problem with your AC system.

Unusual Noises or Odors

Strange sounds like grinding, squealing, or banging, or unusual odors coming from your AC unit, can be signs of mechanical issues or mold growth due to excess moisture.

Higher Energy Bills

If you see a sudden spike in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage, it could mean your AC is working harder than it should to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Visible Rust or Corrosion

Inspect your outdoor unit regularly for signs of rust or corrosion, especially on the coils and other metal components. Early detection of these issues can prevent more serious problems down the line.

The Importance of Professional Maintenance

Given the complexity of these issues and the unique challenges of our coastal environment, professional help is invaluable in maintaining your AC system. Regular preventive maintenance by a trusted HVAC professional like Quality Air can catch potential problems early, before they lead to major breakdowns or costly repairs.

A professional can clean your system thoroughly, check for and repair any refrigerant leaks, ensure proper electrical connections, and verify that all components are functioning optimally.

Professional Advice on Purchasing and Installing a New AC Unit

When it comes to purchasing and installing a new AC unit, expert advice is crucial. A professional familiar with our coastal climate can help you choose a system that’s properly sized for your home and designed to withstand the challenges of salt air and high humidity. They can also ensure proper installation, including appropriate placement and elevation of the outdoor unit to minimize exposure to corrosive elements.

Specific Measures Professionals Might Recommend:

• Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: More frequent servicing than might be necessary in non-coastal areas, including thorough cleaning of coils and other components.
• Protective Coatings: Application of special corrosion-resistant coatings to vulnerable components can extend the life of your AC system in our salty environment.
• Proper Installation and Placement: Strategic placement of the outdoor unit to minimize direct exposure to salt air and potential flooding.
• Upgrading to Coastal-Specific AC Models: Some manufacturers offer models specifically designed for coastal environments, with enhanced corrosion resistance and other features suited to our climate.

Remember, a well-maintained AC system not only keeps you cool but can also save you money on energy bills and costly repairs in the long run.

Professional HVAC Solutions for Your Home or Vacation Rental in Miramar Beach

In today’s world, where comfort and energy efficiency are paramount, don’t wait for your HVAC system to break down before giving it the attention it deserves.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our HVAC maintenance plans and how they can benefit you. At Quality Air, we offer a range of HVAC services designed to elevate your home comfort and ensure an uninterrupted, pleasant indoor environment. These include:

• Emergency repairs
• Regular maintenance checks
• System upgrades and replacements
• Energy efficiency consultations
• Indoor air quality improvements

To know more, head to our website. Let us help you protect your investment, reduce your energy costs, and ensure your comfort for years to come.