Proper foam pipe insulation could prevent your AC line, specifically the suction line and liquid line, from sweating and dripping, a phenomenon known as condensation.
When there is too much temperature difference between the copper pipe of the AC unit and the external conditions, condensation is likely to occur, affecting both the suction pipe and the refrigerant line.
The AC energy is wasted if the refrigerant line is not properly insulated, leading to more effort by the AC unit to maintain the desired indoor comfort level. This inefficiency can be mitigated by ensuring the insulation accounts for the contraction and expansion of the pipes.
Proper AC refrigerant line insulation also helps to balance the temperature so it can prevent condensation.
How to Install Window AC Refrigerant Line Insulation Properly
If you are using window AC, installing Line Insulation is actually more efficient and way cheaper. Before you start installing your window AC, you should consider the size of your room and the design of your window.
Read also: How to Install Faced Insulation
It is for the sake of the energy efficiency of your AC. If you have already installed the AC, you should insulate the refrigerant line.
There are several different types of insulation tape to choose from, including PVC, PE, fiberglass or the one we recommend, a vapor proof foam. This kind of insulation should be used to cover the entire length of the bigger/larger diameter copper refrigerant line (suction) (usually black or gray sleeve).
Gaps and lack of insulation along the refrigeration lines should be avoided. You can still use duct tape to keep the refrigerant insulation in place, but don’t tighten it so much that it squashes the insulation.
Read also: Basement Ceiling Insulation Cover
Before beginning the insulation process, measuring the length of the refrigerant lines is crucial to ensure you have enough insulation material. Also, remember to turn off the AC before starting the installation to ensure safety. Proper insulation prevents condensation and contributes to the overall efficiency of your AC system.
What to Consider in the Insulation for AC Refrigerant Line
The first thing you need to pay attention to is to avoid any missing insulation and gaps along the refrigerant line. As we said before, the improper installation of refrigerant line insulation can cause condensation.
The refrigerant insulation must be properly placed and secured to eliminate condensation leaks into the structure.
Under certain operational conditions, one or both refrigeration lines could be frozen. If the condensation keeps happening, there may be leaks into your wall.
Secondly, you need to ensure the insulation is installed properly on the wall. Condensation, leaks, mold, rot, or bug problems can occur if the lines are also uninsulated in the wall. It depends on their location and the dew point values of the wall.
We’ve seen expensive building damage from lines that weren’t adequately insulated indoors: condensate drips damp gypsum board walls, resulting in a mold treatment project. Uninsulated high-pressure refrigerant lines can result in unpleasant heat transmission around the building regions, in addition to increasing system operating costs.
Read also: How to Install Faced Insulation
In conclusion, a proper installation of AC refrigerant line insulation is required. Insulation in AC systems must be able to prevent condensation. Thermal efficiency is dependent on moisture control. Thermal efficiency is lost when moisture penetrates the insulating material surrounding cold-water piping.
Adding a protective finish to the insulation is a good idea to preserve it from potential harm. Also, to prevent pipe sweating, remember to cover the line inside the house similarly.
