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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    112

    Default Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    Noted this condition on an outdoor coil of a 2001 Bryant unit.
    The house was located close to a road that gets moderate-to-heavy traffic, but otherwise the home, the unit, etc. etc. was not atypical.

    If it were the indoor coil I might lean towards Chinese drywall suspicions, but outside?
    Any thoughts as to whether this pantina-like corrosion is of concern?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hahn View Post
    Noted this condition on an outdoor coil of a 2001 Bryant unit.
    The house was located close to a road that gets moderate-to-heavy traffic, but otherwise the home, the unit, etc. etc. was not atypical.

    If it were the indoor coil I might lean towards Chinese drywall suspicions, but outside?
    Any thoughts as to whether this pantina-like corrosion is of concern?
    Yard chemicals or the coils were cleaned and not washed well.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    Environmental pollution, acid rain.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    I think I would word it a little stronger than "Patina".
    Something like "Evidence of corrosion..."

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snowbird (this means I'm retired and migrate between locations), FL/MI
    Posts
    4,086

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    An overly zealous or non-too-careful encapsulated long-acting residual pest control applicator, or a wall or roof washer; who didn't immediately flush the area while still wet and a condensor in a semi-protected location.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    294

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    If I was a betting man I would go with the misuse of a coil cleaning product. Some of the chemical cleaners for condenser coils are acidic and are to be diluted before being applied. Some service people however may skip that step and spray it on full strength, and maybe even let it sit for a while before rinsing just for good measure. Would be easy enough to get some overspray onto the copper tubing resulting in the discoloration that you see in the photo.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Northeastern Illinois area
    Posts
    11

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    Really tall dog...

    I would call for professional evaluation and servicing prior to closing.

    Bob Burke
    Northeastern Illinois Area
    www.pro-techt.net

  8. #8
    Binford Tools's Avatar
    Binford Tools Guest

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    Yard chemicals or the coils were cleaned and not washed well.
    x2 on the fertilizer. Those pipes can sweat too.

    I might make a note, but not as big of an issue as the coils them self. What do they look like?


    FWIW, I used some copper pipe for a garden project. I mixed up some fertilizer and water, and then coated the copper pipe to make it turn green.


  9. #9
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    Look directly up over the unit, You will see an overhang of the roof. No gutter, or clogged gutter would be probable. Unit also runs in winter being a heat pump, so it sees some harsh conditions.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Pantina-like corrosion on condenser coil

    What did the coil fins look like. You would think the chemical would eat off the coating on the fins.
    David Bell, you forgot to mention if a heat pump is under a eave a gutter is required. Water dumping into the unit will freeze up like a ice cube even with heater coil. Can't find my picture of a ice cube heat pump I saw awhile back.

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

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