Hateras Island – Graveyard of Heat Pumps
GrGramps
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
We have an ocean front house on the Outer Banks, NC and have found the heat pump (outdoor coil) has deteriorated in only 4 years. Use a hose to wash off sand and salt and the fins wash off too. It seems a wooden barrier might help protect it although it would have to allow free circulation of air. This may be a harebrained idea. If so, let me know. Have any of you seen how effective the units are that are designed for use in salt air conditions. We will have the existing unit replaced shortly.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Replies
Yes, I have seen salt accumulate on everything, resembling an ice storm.
Especially during late summer/fall storm season.
If there is such a beast, coastal rated unit sounds like a given.
A fence may not help eliminate but deflect much of the salt laden mist. Since the exhaust shoots upwards, it could be as tall as you can get away with. Allowing room along the bottom of the fence will not impede airflow too much.
The fence may also help contain the noise.