How Daytona’s Coastal Air Impacts Furnace Efficiency
The warm climate, beautiful seascapes and abundant sunshine contribute to a pleasant lifestyle for Daytona residents. When outdoor conditions become unpleasant, people retreat indoors and depend on heating and air conditioning to keep the indoor environment comfortable. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems regulate indoor temperature and humidity levels throughout the year.
In coastal environments, the climate can affect mechanical equipment, including HVAC systems. Coastal environmental factors that adversely affect HVAC performance include intense ultraviolet light, high humidity, airborne salt and other airborne particulates. These conditions can impact air conditioner and furnace efficiency. It is important to recognize these factors and implement ways to protect your equipment and maintain efficiency.
Effects of Coastal Air on Heating Systems
Salty air. Salt is corrosive to several materials, including metal. Coastal air contains salt and moisture. When water and salt accumulate on stainless steel, iron, aluminum and other metals, a chemical reaction occurs that damages the protective layers of the material. Once the protective coatings break down, oxidation of the metal occurs quickly. Pitting and rusting can weaken components, cause breakdowns and reduce efficiency.
Outdoor exposure. The outdoor components of an HVAC system are particularly vulnerable because they are exposed to water and airborne particles 24 hours a day. Fans, coils, fins and the housing may corrode. Electrical wiring, condensate piping and other components become brittle or weakened. Moisture trapped in circuits can short out the electrical system. Your furnace will not operate effectively or efficiently.
Airborne pollutants. Airborne particulates, such as dust, chemicals, sand, mold and smoke, also affect the performance and lifespan of an HVAC system. Clogged filters reduce efficiency, which increases energy usage. Particulates can bypass a dirty filter and enter the system, straining motors, fans and other moving parts.
Moisture. Heating and cooling systems not only control indoor temperature. They also help remove moisture and lower humidity. Moisture creates an environment for organisms such as mold and bacteria to thrive. Mold can cause parts to deteriorate and grow in ducts and vents, which lowers the quality of the indoor air. Too much moisture causes frequent cycling, which increases energy usage because it takes more energy to heat the air. It also affects furnace performance over time, resulting in frequent repairs and a shortened service life.
Ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light coming in through windows can heat indoor surfaces, including walls, furniture and floors. This solar heat gain can affect the furnace’s operation. Thermostats placed near windows or on exterior walls may give false readings because they sense a higher temperature than that of the air. You may notice shorter cycles and more time between runs. This can result in rooms feeling too cold and allow moisture to accumulate on components. Too much moisture can trigger mold growth and rust. Thermostats should be located on an interior wall away from heat sources and drafts.
Prevention Tips to Maintain Furnace Efficiency
Scheduling regular maintenance is the best way to maintain furnace efficiency. Maintenance can identify small problems before they create larger, expensive problems. Maintenance also helps improve furnace efficiency, reduces the likelihood of repairs and extends the service life of equipment. In addition, most manufacturers require proof of maintenance to keep warranties valid. For a small annual fee, you save on energy and repair costs and can delay equipment replacement.
During a maintenance session, technicians examine, clean and calibrate every component of the system, including:
- Thermostats
- Condensate lines and drain pan
- Filters
- Electrical connections
- Burners and ignition on gas, oil and propane systems
- Heat exchangers
- Housing, plenum and other exterior parts
- Grilles and vents at their connections to ducts
- Fans and other moving parts
- Piping and joins on fossil fuel systems
- Airflow and pressure
- Refrigerant levels in heat pumps
Clogged filters are a primary cause of calls for repairs and loss of efficiency. Moisture and airborne particles trapped in the filter impede airflow into and through ducts. The system must work harder to produce conditioned air, which increases energy use and strains motors.
How the Experts at Daytona One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help
The technicians at Daytona One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning will explain any problems found during a tune-up and recommend solutions. Timely repairs prevent small problems from developing into larger ones. Delaying repairs often damages other components as the system struggles to perform.
Treatments such as enhancing ventilation help to prevent moisture buildup. Coating coils and other metal parts inhibits oxidation and corrosion. We will examine the placement of the thermostat and other components to determine whether wind, sunlight and other environmental factors affect performance. Simple strategies, such as installing windbreaks, screens or awnings around outdoor components, can minimize exposure to hazardous elements without affecting airflow or performance.
If we feel that a new replacement is a better option than expensive repairs, we present a cost-benefit analysis to help you understand the variables. We recommend durable equipment proven to perform in the extreme conditions of Florida’s coastal environment.
We offer fast, reliable service for all brands of heating and cooling equipment. Because HVAC equipment does not function according to business hours, we are available 24 hours a day to ensure your comfort and safety. When you schedule service with us, we arrive on time, or you don’t pay a dime. We back our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
Whether you need a tune-up, repairs or a new installation, Daytona One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning offers exceptional service by trained technicians. Your satisfaction is our goal. Call today to schedule furnace maintenance, heating repairs or other HVAC service.
