Air conditioning Pipe insulation (how much, installing, gas, vent)

[phoenix_new]

I live in Phoenix AZ, and you can imagine, how much AC is important here... I observed some of the insulation is missing from the Pipe going from AC into the house. please see attached pictures. I will like to know how important this thing is and how to fix this ? Thanks

[K'ledgeBldr]

Keep it simple-
Yes, it's important
Just add a new piece, you can get the foam insulation at the big boxes.

[phoenix_new]

Are there any instructions for installing this insulation ? Do i have to turn off the AC from the main ?

[harry chickpea]

peh - I guess you could call it important, but I wouldn't make a special trip to a big-box for the $2 worth of tubing.

The outside unit contains the compressor and a coil. The (used and cool) gas refrigerant comes out in the bigger pipe, goes into the compressor, where it turns into a hot compressed gas. After it is compressed it is on the high pressure side and immediately goes into the big coil that has a fan pulling air through it. The air (even though it can be 100 degrees or more) is cool enough to condense the heated refrigerant gas into a (hot) liquid. That hot liquid then returns to the house, where it enters a metering expansion valve and the cooling coil.

So why is there insulation on those lines outside? Primarily to prevent the cold gas line from getting coated with water, which then drips off and deteriorates any surrounding wood, or adds to corrosion of metal parts. The second reason is for protection of the lines from damage. It is only the third reason that most people think of - the slightly cooler gasses slightly reduce head pressure on the compressor.

The insulation is slit down one side and simply slipped over the piping. Tape wrapping is optional, but a good idea. There is no need to power down the unit.

[rational1]

I bought split foam insulation and an adhesive aluminum tape. Wrapping with tape keeps the insulation in place.

You do not need to turn off the AC (assuming the fan blades are well protected).

[mmyk72]

Get the rubber type - 5-6 bucks or so for a long section (4 or 6 ft, I think), not the cheap 1-2 dollar foam type.

[QIS]

It looks like it is disintegrating for both units; replace it for sure!