- Actuators
- Adapters
- Air Blowers
- Air Conditioners
- Air Curtains
- Air Purifiers
- Anemometers
- Axial fans
- Ball Valves
- Belimo
- Blowers
- Brackets
- Brass
- Brazing Rods
- Capacitors
- Carrier Parts
- Clamp Meters
- Cleaning Products
- Coatings
- Compressors
- Condensate Pumps
- Connectors
- Contactors
- Copper Capillary
- Copper Coils
- Copper Straight Tubes
- Copper Strainers
What does moisture do inside a HVAC system?
What does moisture do inside a HVAC system?
Moisture inside an HVAC system acts as a destructive contaminant that triggers a chain reaction of mechanical failures, chemical breakdown, and system inefficiencies. Because modern systems use highly sensitive refrigerants and hygroscopic synthetic oils, even a few drops of water can permanently ruin a compressor.
The Breakdown Process: What Moisture Does
- Creates Acid and Sludge: Water reacts with synthetic lubricants (like POE oil) in a process called hydrolysis. This reaction breaks down the oil into highly corrosive organic acids and thick, sticky sludge.
- Corrodes Components: The newly formed acid eats away at internal steel, copper, and aluminum parts. This chemical corrosion generates fine metallic debris that circulates through the system.
- Causes Compressor Burnout: Acid aggressively attacks the copper windings of the compressor motor. It strips away the protective insulation layer, leading to electrical shorts and a catastrophic compressor burnout.
- Freezes and Blocks Flow: Refrigeration systems operate below the freezing point of water at the expansion valve or capillary tube. Moisture in the refrigerant stream instantly turns to ice at this restriction point, completely blocking the flow of refrigerant and halting all cooling.
- Plates Copper on Bearings: Dissolved copper from corroded lines settles onto hot compressor bearings and valves. This copper plating alters precision tolerances, increases friction, and causes mechanical binding or total compressor failure.
Prevention and Removal
Technicians use two primary tools to fight moisture:
- Deep Vacuum Evacuation: Pulling a vacuum down to 500 microns or lower during installation or repair boils off any liquid water at room temperature, pulling it out as vapor.
- Filter-Driers: Desiccant-filled canisters installed in the liquid line absorb trace amounts of moisture and trap physical debris before they reach sensitive components.
