Did you know that over half of the energy used in our homes goes towards heating and cooling? It’s true, and it doesn’t matter how old your home is; you can always make improvements to save energy and cut down on your monthly bills.
There are many ways to reduce your energy usage, but none are as effective as installing an air conditioner line insulation. It’s a vital air conditioner maintenance project that saves you money on your utility bill and helps prevent extreme temperatures and moisture damage.
If you’ve never insulated your AC line before, then you should definitely check out this guide. This article will explain what AC line insulation is and why it’s worth the investment.
Which of My AC Lines Should Be Insulated
Insulating the Suction Line
The main reason to insulate the large refrigerant line of your air conditioner is to prevent the line from becoming too warm. This helps minimize the temperature of the refrigerant.
The condenser is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the refrigerant to the outside air via the fan. When the refrigerant is too warm, or you have cold pipes, it can result in the condenser and compressor running harder and longer than it needs to and can shorten the compressor’s life.
Insulating the Liquid line
Liquid line insulation usually depends on where metering takes place. Ideally, it should not be necessary to insulate this high-pressure line. However, your HVAC technician would be in the best position to decide that for you.
Types of Insulation For AC Refrigerant Line
When it comes to your air conditioner, several factors can affect the efficiency of your unit. One of these factors is the type of pipe insulation you are using. So, it is very important to choose the right kind of pipe insulation for your unit.
There are many types of AC refrigerant line insulation that you can choose from. Each type of insulation is made to deal with different temperatures and conditions.
For example, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to purchase pipe insulation that can withstand freezing temperatures. However, If you live in a hot environment, you may need pipe insulation to help resist higher temperatures.
No matter what material you decide on, It’s recommended that your AC lines be insulated with materials thick enough to fit your pipe size.
Here are the most common materials available
-
polyethylene foam pipe insulation
-
Fiberglass
-
Rubber Foam Insulation
Do AC Refrigerant lines Really Need Insulation?
Ideally, the low-pressure line of your air conditioning unit that carries refrigerant from the evaporator coil needs insulation. The pipes carry refrigerant throughout the system, which is necessary to keep the compressor running smoothly. Without proper insulation, the lines will become very hot and may even melt.
Here are other benefits of insulating your AC line.
Improve Air Quality
Air quality is a massive problem in most cities around the United States. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution causes up to 3 million deaths yearly worldwide.
It’s no wonder that so many people suffer from asthma, allergies, and other respiratory diseases. But, while we can’t control the weather outside, we can control what comes into our homes. Alongside air purification services, insulating your AC lines can also help keep the air inside your home clean and fresh.
It’s very common for air conditioners to leak water into the attic space. This causes mold and mildew growth, leading to serious health issues. You can prevent this by insulating your air conditioning lines and leading to better air quality.
An AC line insulation is designed to keep the cold air flowing smoothly throughout your home. It does this by preventing heat transfer between the hot and cold sides of the AC unit.
This prevents warm air from escaping into the living space, preventing cold air from leaking into the room. So, your house keeps clean air throughout the winter and cooler months.
Insulation is a simple yet powerful tool that can help keep your AC running smoothly. When properly installed, it can protect against heat loss and moisture buildup, which can cause severe problems for your air conditioner.
Save on Energy Bills
Insulation is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you save up to 30% on your energy bills. Whether you’re looking to heat or cool your home, you can easily install an insulation system to improve the efficiency of your AC unit.
You may think that adding insulation to your attic won’t do much good because most heat comes from outside. But when you insulate your air conditioning system lines, you’re essentially trapping heat inside your home. This means you’ll spend less time running your air conditioner, saving you money on your electricity bill.
Prevents Damage to the Air Conditioner
When you don’t have any insulation, heat builds up quickly in the pipes. This can cause your AC lines to crack and break, resulting in major repairs.
In addition, if the pipe gets too hot, it could start melting. It could release dangerous chemicals into the air if this happens, causing severe health problems.
If you want to avoid these problems, you should consider installing AC line insulation. It’ll ensure that your air conditioner runs all summer smoothly and prevent damage from occurring to the compressor and other parts of the unit.
You can install a DIY air conditioning line insulation kit yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Either way, it’s an inexpensive upgrade that makes a massive difference to your home’s comfort.
If you decide to install an AC line insulation using DIY methods, ensure you follow this guideline
-
Use only high-quality insulation products.
-
Make sure to use the right size of insulation.
-
Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.
-
Always work under proper ventilation.
-
Keep the area free of debris.
-
If there are cracks or holes in the insulation, contact a professional to repair them immediately.
Hire an HVAC Professional to Insulate Your AC Lines
The cost of insulation for your AC line in Spokane, WA is relatively low compared to the benefits you will receive. Contact Hurliman Heating If you have any questions about AC installation in Spokane, WA. We can help you save money on your energy bills by using the best insulation materials and on your general HVAC system’s performance.
