Inuslation on suction line

[Brian C. Hoagland]

For those of you guys that are really into A/C I want to know how it is significant (worth noting as a defect) if two feet of insulation is damaged or even missing from the soil to the condensing unit on the suction line with respect to the functionality of the system.

[David A. Andersen]

None.

The first primary purpose for insulating is to prevent moisture condensation. Due to the location of the damage, this condensation affects nothing.

There is a slight loss in efficiency if the suction line is located over a long distance in a very hot location. Condensation is an indication of an efficiency loss of about 970 BTUs per pound of water it produces.

[Gary T. Heller]

The insulation is there for a purpose. If it is missing or damaged it should be reported.

[David A. Andersen]

Originally Posted by gheller

The insulation is there for a purpose. If it is missing or damaged it should be reported.

Can you expound on the "reason"?

Reporting (in licensed states) is required when an issue is a significant defect or a safety concern.
I see neither.

If you would like to quote the insulation requirements at the outdoor condenser IAW ASHRAE or other published standard that would help.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by gheller

The insulation is there for a purpose. If it is missing or damaged it should be reported.

Ditto

[staylor5]

All line sets come with an insulated suction line. It must serve a purpose. I don't understand why anyone would quote code.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by dandersen

For someone to pay $75 for and HVAC contractor to come out and put on 20 inches of insulation on the exterior of the house is ridiculous in my opinion because that insulation (or the lack of) will cause no adverse effect to anything.

David,

I call out all missing or deteriorated insulation on A/C condenser pressure lines.

It doesn't require a HVAC contractor to install this insulation tube. Any DYI'er can install this split insulation tubing in 5-10 minutes. I change mine every two or three years.

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Originally Posted by dvalley

David,

I call out all missing or deteriorated insulation on A/C condenser pressure lines.

It doesn't require a HVAC contractor to install this insulation tube. Any DYI'er can install this split insulation tubing in 5-10 minutes. I change mine every two or three years.

Same here. I always call it out.

[gkay]

Originally Posted by bhoagland

For those of you guys that are really into A/C I want to know how it is significant (worth noting as a defect) if two feet of insulation is damaged or even missing from the soil to the condensing unit on the suction line with respect to the functionality of the system.

Two feet of missing insulation on the exterior is insignificant.

[Bruce M. Graham]

This is more a mositure issue for me when the insulation is missing inside, outside not so much of an issue at all.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by bgraham

This is more a mositure issue for me when the insulation is missing inside, outside not so much of an issue at all.

No, just inefficient.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Someone post some installation instructions and we will see.

[gkay]

Originally Posted by dvalley

No, just inefficient.

The manufactureres don't insulate the last two feet from the suction service valve to the compressor so I idon't think efficiency is a major concern.

[Christopher Currins]

"The refrigerant temperature inside the suction line is generally cooler than surrounding air. Therefore it is always good practice to insulate the entire suction line to prevent loss of capacity due to heat gain.

Also any heat gained by the suction line puts an additional load on the system that reduces cooling capacity and also may result in improper motor cooling with some compressor designs." page 35

Here is a nice 89 page air conditioning clinic from Trane.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15509472/0...ning-Clinicpdf

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by gkay

The manufactureres don't insulate the last two feet from the suction service valve to the compressor so I idon't think efficiency is a major concern.

You're wrong!