Cathodic protection is an electrochemical technique that suppresses corrosion by making the protected metal the cathode in an electrochemical cell. When a metal is cathodic, it receives electrons rather than losing them, and the electrochemical oxidation reactions that cause corrosion are significantly suppressed. CoilShield systems use either a sacrificial anode that corrodes instead of your coil, or an ICCP system that applies a small external current to achieve the same result. This technology has been the established standard for protecting ships, pipelines, and infrastructure for over 200 years.

CoilShield creates a protective electrical current through the coil when moisture is present on the surface. This current suppresses the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. Protection is most active when condensate is present, which is when corrosion risk is highest. The system is self-regulating and scales with the actual electrolyte level present. This targeted protection extends coil life by 10 or more years.

Sacrificial anode systems use a magnesium anode that corrodes instead of your coil. They are economical, passive, and require no power or electrical connections. The anode is replaced annually at your service visit. Ideal for residential and light commercial applications. ICCP systems use an external power supply and an inert titanium anode to create the protective current with precise, adjustable control. A reference electrode provides real-time feedback. ICCP is ideal for critical commercial and industrial facilities where conditions vary and precise verification of protection levels is required. The controller has an approximately 10-year service life.

Yes. Cathodic protection has protected metal infrastructure for over 200 years. It is the standard method for protecting ships, oil pipelines, water tanks, bridges, and buried fuel storage tanks. Under EPA regulations effective since 1988, it is legally required on all underground fuel storage tanks in the United States. CoilShield adapts this proven technology for HVAC coils.

Yes. CoilShield is compatible with all HVAC systems including residential, commercial, and industrial units. It works with aluminum coils, copper coils, and mixed-metal coils. The system installs on the suction line without requiring modifications to your existing equipment or refrigerant handling.

For residential and light commercial applications, the sacrificial anode system offers excellent protection at an economical price point. For critical commercial facilities, industrial applications, or properties in highly corrosive environments such as coastal areas or pool facilities, the ICCP device provides more precise control, real-time verification, and a longer controller service life. Contact us with your environment and system type and we will recommend the right system.

We recommend professional installation by a qualified HVAC technician for optimal results. Proper placement, correct electrical connections for ICCP systems, and system verification ensure the protection is effective. We provide detailed installation guides and can help you find qualified installers.

Yes. CoilShield can protect multiple HVAC units. Each unit typically requires its own protection system, though some ICCP systems can protect multiple coils depending on the configuration. For properties with multiple units, we offer volume pricing and can help design a protection strategy for your entire facility.

CoilShield is most effective installed before significant corrosion occurs. If your coil shows early signs of corrosion, installing CoilShield can slow or stop further electrochemical deterioration, potentially extending the coil's remaining life. For coils with advanced corrosion, replacement may be necessary, but installing CoilShield on the new coil prevents future failures.

Installation typically takes under 30 minutes for a sacrificial anode system and around 45 minutes to an hour for an ICCP device, depending on system accessibility and electrical requirements. The installation is non-invasive and does not require disassembling your air handler or handling refrigerant.

CoilShield installs on the suction line of your HVAC system. The suction line is accessible without disassembling the air handler, is in direct metallic contact with the coil, and is cold and wet during operation, making it the ideal installation point for cathodic protection.

No. Sacrificial anode systems work entirely through electrochemical principles with no external power. ICCP devices require a standard 120V electrical connection and should be installed by a qualified technician.

While CoilShield systems are designed for straightforward installation, we strongly recommend professional installation by a qualified HVAC technician. Professional installation ensures proper placement, correct electrical connections for ICCP systems, system verification, and warranty compliance.

Sacrificial anodes are replaced annually as they are consumed protecting the coil. The ICCP controller is designed for approximately 10 years of service. Both systems require minimal ongoing maintenance.

Sacrificial anode systems require visual inspection and anode replacement at each annual HVAC service visit. The anode is consumed over the year protecting the coil and needs to be swapped out at each visit. ICCP systems require periodic monitoring checks via the controller display. Neither system requires refrigerant handling or system disassembly for maintenance.

ICCP systems include indicator lights and monitoring capabilities that show system status. For sacrificial anode systems, the anode condition at annual inspection confirms the system is working: a consumed anode means it has been actively protecting the coil. Regular HVAC maintenance should include checking the CoilShield system as part of routine service.

No. CoilShield has no impact on your HVAC system's cooling or heating performance. It operates independently, providing only corrosion protection. The system does not interfere with refrigerant flow, air flow, or any other HVAC functions.

CoilShield typically extends coil life by 10 or more years. The exact extension depends on factors like water chemistry, operating conditions, and initial coil condition. In many cases, coils under cathodic protection outlast the rest of the HVAC system.

Yes. CoilShield is effective in all environments, but it is especially valuable where corrosion is accelerated: coastal properties, pool facilities, agricultural operations, and areas with aggressive water chemistry. CoilShield helps prevent coil failure. Manufacturer warranty terms remain with the OEM.

Manufacturer warranty terms are between you and the manufacturer. CoilShield does not replace or extend OEM warranty. Many manufacturers exclude challenging environments such as coastal, pool, agricultural, and corrosive. CoilShield is a corrosion-prevention product that can help extend coil life and reduce the likelihood of failure, so you may never need to make a claim. Check your warranty for exclusions.

Manufacturer warranty covers the replacement coil itself. It does not cover labor to diagnose the problem ($150 to $300), labor to remove and install the new coil ($400 to $1,200), refrigerant recovery and recharge ($200 to $600), emergency or after-hours service premiums, or modifications needed if the replacement coil dimensions differ. Total out-of-pocket cost even with full warranty coverage: $850 to $2,400. And during peak summer season you could wait one to three weeks for parts and scheduling while living without cooling.

A single avoided coil replacement pays for a CoilShield system many times over. The $850 to $2,400 in out-of-pocket costs you avoid, plus the value of not spending one to three weeks without air conditioning, makes the investment straightforward for almost any property.

No. CoilShield operates independently and does not affect cooling efficiency, heating performance, or energy consumption. By preventing coil corrosion that reduces heat transfer efficiency over time, it may actually help maintain system performance.

Sacrificial anode systems require annual anode replacement at approximately $50 per anode, typically handled during your existing HVAC service visit. ICCP systems have minimal ongoing costs, primarily periodic monitoring checks. Both systems are designed for low total cost of ownership over their service life.

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