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.
What type of insulation is used for AC pipes?
Finding AC Pipe Insulation
There are several available options for insulation material: fiberglass, foam rubber, and polyethylene foam. The best of these is polyethylene foam. Installation is easy, as the foam is split down the length of the insulation and the edges are covered in a sticky adhesive.
Should I insulate the liquid line?
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.
How do I stop my AC pipes from sweating?
Wrapping your AC ductwork is an effective way to prevent condensation. Duct wrap has a foam insulation inner layer and a foil outer layer. Cleanly wrap it around the AC duct and fasten with duct tape near the joints.
Should AC return line be hot?
When the system is operating, the large insulated suction line should be cold to the touch and sweating at any point where there is no insulation. The smaller uninsulated liquid line should be warm to the touch after the system has been operating for 10 or 15 minutes.
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.
Why is only the suction line insulated?
Low-temperature systems generally require ¾- to 1-inch insulation. 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.
Does pipe insulation stop condensation?
How Much Insulation Does It Take to Prevent Condensation? We can prevent condensation from occurring by insulating the pipe with enough insulation to keep the air around the pipe from dropping below the dew point.
