Staying Cool with Aloha
Sound advice from Cosco Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
Living in Hawaii truly is a gift. Although the Aloha State has an abundance of sunshine and you’re close to the ocean, exposure to salty elements isn’t always the best for our homes, especially our air conditioning systems.
“Our AC units are exposed to the elements that can be corrosive, like the salt from the ocean,” says Noella Cosco, executive vice president of Cosco Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. “Even inland the salt is carried in the air. Without a maintenance plan in place (that includes) spraying down the condenser coil, leaks can occur due to corrosion from the salt.”
At Cosco Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Daikin coils come coated, but maintenance is still required to ensure the coating does its job.
“Another interesting factor to worry about in Hawaii are geckos,” Cosco says. “They like to sit on the control boards due to the heat it gives off. However, with them sitting on the board, they can cause the board to short circuit, which results in a failure of the unit.” This leads to costly repairs to replace the board because most times, gecko damage is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Before buying an AC system, Cosco recommends researching the system’s efficiency rating. “HECO minimums start at 14 SEER (seasonal energy efficient ratio).”
Additionally, she suggests looking into the system’s optional features such as a thermostat with Wi-Fi capabilities that can be monitored using an app on your mobile phone. For example, consider the Daikin One thermostat, which features being able to automatically reduce cooling to conserve energy if it detects you’ve left home.
Don’t forget about the system’s noise level. “If you live in a community where your neighbors are very close, you want to check the decibel ratings of the equipment you will purchase,” explains Cosco. “In the industry, Daikin is known to have a wide selection of units with low sound ratings.”
Once you have an AC system, it’s important to set up an annual maintenance plan. “The coil needs to be free of debris or buildup for proper heat transfer,” says Cosco. Checking the drain pan in the indoor unit is also important. “Besides the smell that can come up, buildup of mold or growth can cause the excess condensate water to overflow and lead to damage in and on the wall and the general area around the unit.”
For more information, visit coscohawaii.com.
