Replies

1. 
   IMERC | Nov 03, 2009 07:10pm | #1

   maybe it isn't rust...

   maybe you have someof that chinese drywall... 

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   
   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

1. 
   gfretwell | Nov 03, 2009 07:30pm | #2

   Drywall outside?

1. 
   IMERC | Nov 03, 2009 07:39pm | #3

   the coil sat inside for awhile and then was moved outside.. 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

2. 
   DanH | Nov 03, 2009 08:34pm | #4

   Most AC condenser coils are made from aluminum (a few, I suppose, from copper). The coils themselves should not "rust" (though they will oxidize and corrode). Generally the immediate supports will be of the same material (to avoid galvanic damage), but obviously the condenser housing is typically steel.

   Any decent AC condenser should last over 20 years exposed to "normal" conditions, and 30 years is not unlikely. If you've got them corroding through in 9 years then something else is at work. The lifetime of the housing depends a bit more on the quality of the unit, but even if badly rusted structural integrity should not be impaired for 20-30 years.

   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter
3. 
   edwardh1 | Nov 03, 2009 08:46pm | #5

   In the 90s Carrier had a whole bunch of coils fail usually at 6 to 9 years or so. Many of my neighbors had that problem, course the HVAc reps then sold them a whole new unit. No help from Carrier

4. 
   frammer52 | Nov 03, 2009 10:22pm | #6

   It's the alt in the air in Florida.

   When I lived there I remember the number of radiator shops, never had seen so many.  Moved back to NY, lucky to have one in a town.  Got to be that salt air!!

1. 
   gfretwell | Nov 04, 2009 01:16am | #7

   I had a condo on the beach and I agree, salt will kill the case, but the condenser coil itself usually lasts 15-20 years.
   We had several on the roof that were still blowing cool air inside and the compressor was just hanging from the copper, laying in the hot mop pad. The case under it had pretty much rusted away. The condenser fan was banging and making a racket that got us up there for a look.