Corrosion Problems in Home Appliances

There are some common areas of significant corrosion impact for major home appliances and comfort conditioning appliances. The corrosion types are internal corrosion from process water and external corrosion from wet conditions. 

The most important reason for corrosion in appliances is the water that is being handled by the equipment. This type of corrosion affects the internal components of appliances and limits life expectancy. In the case of home appliances, the appliances most susceptible to internal corrosion are refrigerators, water heaters, washers, dishwashers, and water softeners. The air conditioners, humidifiers, high-efficiency furnaces, dehumidifiers, and boilers are susceptible to internal corrosion. 

Internal corrosion in appliances is a problem because it limits useful life. This is a direct cost of corrosion. A unitary air conditioner has an average life of 13 years. One of the reasons for this limited life expectancy is that condensate in the air conditioner corrodes the internal metal components. 

External corrosion of appliances results in deterioration in the appearance of the surface of the appliance without affecting its capability in performance. However, the value of the corroded appliance will decrease because of the corroded appearance. In addition to corrosion of noncoated surfaces, corrosion can occur when painted or coated surfaces become chipped or nicked. Some of the wet environments around appliances are a furnace or a boiler in the humidity of a wet basement, an air conditioner in the yard or window being exposed to rain and moisture, and kitchen equipment and whose exteriors are often cleaned with water or wet towels. 

External corrosion of appliances results in the deterioration of their appearance and therefore affects their resale value. External corrosion of appliances generally does not limit the capability of an appliance to function properly. The reduction in the resale cost of a corroded appliance is the direct cost of corrosion. 

---