CASE STUDY
Kroger
Proving the benefits of CoilSafe® protection in one of the harshest coastal environments.
On the rooftop of a Kroger grocery store—one of the world’s largest retail chains—two refrigeration condenser coils were installed just steps from the Gulf of Mexico on Galveston Island, Texas. This region experiences the highest salt air concentration in the U.S. (39 ppm), making it one of the most corrosive environments for HVAC/R equipment.

The Challenge
Coils exposed to harsh coastal air, industrial off-gassing, or urban smog often suffer rapid corrosion. In Galveston’s extreme conditions, this means:
- Shortened equipment lifespan
- Frequent replacements
- Increased energy consumption
Kroger needed a solution that could withstand this harsh environment and preserve their investment.
The Solution
Energy Performance Solutions, a trusted Coat Zone® dealer, treated one of the rooftop condenser coils with CoilSafe®, a proprietary, thin-film anti-corrosion coating designed to block corrosive intrusion and improve performance.
- Side-by-Side Trial: One unit was coated with CoilSafe®; the other was left untreated to observe the performance difference over time.
- Real-World Exposure: Both units endured over 26,000 hours of direct salt air exposure in a live operating environment.
The Impact
- Drastic Visual Difference After 3 Years: The untreated unit was severely corroded and near failure. The CoilSafe®-coated unit remained in near-new condition.
- Energy & Cost Savings: The protected coil continued operating efficiently, delivering energy savings and avoiding premature replacement.
- Proven Durability: This case proves the long-term protective power of CoilSafe® in the most corrosive environment in the country—even outperforming conditions seen in Florida and Hawaii.

Uncoated Coil
Without protection, this coil was quickly compromised by Galveston’s high-salinity coastal air—resulting in rust, decay, and reduced system performance.

Coated Coil
Protected with CoilSafe®, this coil has endured over 26,000 hours of salt air exposure with no visible corrosion—delivering lasting performance and lifecycle savings.