DEFECT: No Insulation on Air Conditioner Suction Line
A common defect found by our home inspectors in Phoenix is either missing or deteriorated insulation on the air conditioner suction line. Below is more information regarding this problem.
On a split system air conditioner or heat pump the freon line-set runs externally to connect the separate air handler and exterior compressor unit and transport the coolant between the two components. This line-set consists of two copper lines:
- Pressure Line – The smaller diameter pipe is the pressure line that carries liquid freon between the two units, this line gets very hot when operating due to the freon being put under pressure. This line should not be insulated.
- Suction Line – The larger diameter pipe is the suction line that carries freon as a gas between the two units, this line gets very cold when operating due to the freon being expanded into a gas. This line should be insulated for the entire length to help prevent the freon from heating up due to the exterior temperature. If this line is exposed to the sun or heat, the cooling system will loose efficiency.
If the insulation on your air conditioners suction line is deteriorated or missing, it is an easy job to replace. You can purchase pipe wrap insulation at any home center, simply wrap it around the larger of the two pipes and secure it using an outdoor rated tape.
This information was provided courtesy of Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC. Reproduction in any form is not permitted without consent. Copyright 2008-2010 Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC.
The Phoenix Home Inspectors at Southwest Premier Home Inspection performs hundreds of Home Inspections in Phoenix annually. To find out more visit our Phoenix Home Inspection website www.swpHomeInspect.com
