What is the main cause of Rust on AC & how to prevent it?

Green Leaf Air
3 min readDec 6, 2022

Rust is a common problem on AC units. If you don’t take care of your air conditioning unit, then lack of maintenance and high moisture content will lead to issues such as rusting. A rusty air conditioner looks terrible and affects its performance and functionality.

Rust can also affect electrical components, such as transformers, cables, and power cords. If left untreated, Rust can cause various problems with your AC unit. Moreover, if the Rust is not removed timely, it will spread and deteriorate the other AC components as well, leading to costly repair or even premature failure.

The main causes of Rust on an AC unit

Rust is a metal-eating fungus that lives on the surface of the metal and causes it to tarnish and corrode. This can increase the risk of fire and potential water damage. Keeping an AC unit clean and free from Rust is important to continue serving you well.

AC components that can be affected by Rust are ductwork, air filters, fan blades, refrigerant lines and compressors. Some of the primary causes of Rust on an AC include those above.

Over Moisture

Rust is the biggest cause of corrosion on air conditioners, which has the largest effect on the air conditioning system that runs outside your home during inclement weather events. For example, if your home’s HVAC system brings hot air from inside your home to be cooled, it absorbs moisture from the air and causes it to drop on evaporator coils and drips through the drainage system.

An excessive quantity of moisture can trigger rust issues. The AC’s components could be damaged if you live in an area with sea fog. Other factors like your outdoor Unit being surrounded by plants and rainfall falling directly on it are certain to attract Rust to your Unit.

Age of Air Conditioner

More than 10 years is the typical life span for an air conditioner, and rusting is a typical indicator of aging. As these signs appear, AC noises, poor airflow, high energy expenses, and higher electricity costs will all start to appear.

How to prevent AC units from Rust

AC unit rust is a problem that can arise from many factors, including age, use, and maintenance. To prevent AC unit rust, it’s important to take basic steps to keep the Unit running smoothly. Here are some tips to prevent it:

1) To protect your AC unit from rusting, you will need to conduct regular professional maintenance and inspect your air conditioner. If you find any issues, repair or replace the Unit as necessary.

2) First, To prevent your AC from rusting, clean your AC filters once every month. Use an AC-safe cleaner to clean the Unit. This will remove any built-up Rust and improve the Unit’s performance.

3) Do not overload the AC unit with too many objects. This can cause overloads and Rust in the Unit.

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Green Leaf Air

Dallas, TX-based HVAC Company. Providing the best AC repair services in Dallas & neighboring areas. greenleafair.com