Refrigerant lines are the pipes that transport refrigerant through your air conditioning system. Most air conditioning systems have a low-pressure and a high-pressure refrigerant line. Of these two lines, you typically only need to insulate the former.
Do I need to insulate my AC cold line?
A typical residential AC unit has two copper lines that both exit the building exterior and run to the outside condenser unit. Only one of these copper pipes, the cold line, should be insulated.
How do I insulate my air conditioning system?
Identify the correct AC line to insulate. A typical residential AC unit has two copper lines that both exit the building exterior and run to the outside condenser unit. Only one of these copper pipes, the cold line, should be insulated. This is called the “suction” pipe and is typically the larger of the two pipes.
Do refrigerant lines need to be insulated?
Refrigerant lines are the pipes that transport refrigerant through your air conditioning system. Most air conditioning systems have a low-pressure and a high-pressure refrigerant line. Of these two lines, you typically only need to insulate the former. Insulating the high-pressure refrigerant will protect against condensation.
Why insulate the suction line of an air conditioner?
The other reason to insulate the suction line, is to prevent the refrigerant in the line from picking up additional heat. The warmer the refrigerant is, the harder the compressor and condenser have to work. Minimizing the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction line, helps the condensing unit work more effectively.
When should both liquid and vapor lines be insulated?
Liquid lines generally are insulated. They are warm to hot (110°F (43.3°C) for air-cooled). If liquid lines pass through a space that is warmer than the refrigerant (i.e. the roof of a building at roof level), or if they could be considered hot enough to pose a safety risk, then insulation should be added.
What happens if the suction line is not insulated?
If the return line is not insulated, the refrigerant returning from evaporator to the compressor will absorb some heat, more heat than it had at the outlet of the evaporator. This extra heat will also be present in the compressed refrigerant going to the condenser, downstream of the compressor.
Should AC condensate lines be insulated?
No. Building & mechanical codes do not require insulation on A/C condensate drains, based on a reading of the current U.S. Energy Code that I will excerpt here.
Are both AC lines supposed to be cold?
The Copper Pipe (Suction Line) should be sweating and cold to the touch during a hot day. If it is not cold, your compressor could be off (bad capacitor/ hard start kit) or low on Refrigerant.
Should AC copper line be insulated?
A typical residential AC unit has two copper lines that both exit the building exterior and run to the outside condenser unit. Only one of these copper pipes, the cold line, should be insulated. This is called the “suction” pipe and is typically the larger of the two pipes.
Why is only the suction line insulated?
Insulating the suction line is done to prevent condensate from developing and dripping off. This condensate drip can cause water damage to the material under it or cause a slip hazard for people walking below it.
How do you insulate air conditioner lines?
1:478:32HVAC: Refrigerant Line Insulation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that the compressor can cool down. So just kind of fit it over there like that and I strip theMoreSo that the compressor can cool down. So just kind of fit it over there like that and I strip the old insulation off already. So you get it to a comfortable length where you're happy with it.
How do you insulate an AC condensate pipe?
0:261:32how to Insulate the air conditioning condensate drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this will prevent the condensate from forming on the pipe due to the cold water flowing throughMoreSo this will prevent the condensate from forming on the pipe due to the cold water flowing through the pipe a condensate dripping down onto the floor and then destroying the ceiling.
How do you keep condensate lines from freezing?
Can you prevent HVAC condensate drain lines from freezing?Insulate drain with a weatherproof material.Use Ice Melt underneath the drain line exit point.Install heat tape around the exposed pipe.
What are the two copper line on an air conditioner?
Refrigerant lines are two copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to the indoor evaporator coil. The larger line typically carries a cool gas and is insulated. This is commonly referred to as the suction line, but it is also called the return line or vapor line.
Why is my high side AC line cold?
Sounds like the filter dryer is plugged its a restriction. check your brazed LL connections for "solder balls" inside the joint. then the high side line gets cold all the way to the filter dryer. after the filter dryer it gets luke warm .
Why is my AC line not sweating?
An air conditioner that doesn't cool a home properly could be plagued by a dirty filter, refrigerant or drainage problems or a thermostat malfunction. Limited or restricted air flow could be caused by a dirty filter or clogged or leaking ducts.
What is the copper line on an AC unit?
A typical residential AC unit has two copper lines that both exit the building exterior and run to the outside condenser unit. Only one of these copper pipes, the cold line, should be insulated. This is called the “suction” pipe and is typically the larger of the two pipes.
Why does insulation degrade?
Over time insulation on exterior HVAC lines can degrade from weathering, UV rays and poor installation causing a loss of effectiveness. When insulation loses its ability to insulate, energy is lost and the equipment must work harder to maintain the desired indoor comfort level.
Do you need to insulate copper pipe?
There is no need to insulate the smaller, warmer copper pipe, often called the liquid line, because not insulating this line allows it to shed heat which is exactly what you are trying to do with an AC system. Now measure the length and outer diameter of the copper pipe and the thickness of the old existing insulation.
Can you brush WB finish on insulation?
Two coats of WB Finish can easily be brushed on the insulation and will provide years of protection against damage due to UV radiation from the sun. Also, don’t forget to cover the line inside the house following the same method, in order to prevent pipe sweating.
Does Armaflex need a jacket?
However, while AP ArmaFlex doesn’t need a jacket to prevent moisture ingress, without any protection, the insulation will breakdown over time and will need regular maintenance.
