Avoid This VERY Common AC Issue To Save Hundreds and Enjoy Colder Air!

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In this video, we will discuss a VERY common AC issue that gets ignored WAY too much! I will also show you how to address it by installing new insulation on the AC lines. And I will also be installing the Airex Titan Outlet which will not only make this install look great but it will also seal everything up and keep our AC line insulation from going bad again!
🧰 Products In The Video 🧰
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🎥 Related Air Conditioner Videos 🎥
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27 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 1,5 тыс.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Be honest, have you ever checked your AC line insulation? Most Haven't. This could be costing you a lot of money and not letting your unit blow as cold as possible!

@Navy_Snipe 3 месяца назад

I live in an Arizona desert. I've had my 2 mini splits for 2 years this month. The sun UV radiation is brutal here. The outer tape is crumbling away. You won't realize how dry and brittle the tape and insulation can get if it's in the sunlight most the time. The next 2 months will be around 100 deg. Every day. I run at least one unit all day. We're off-grid so our electricity is free.

@Daveyk021 3 месяца назад

Well, you got me to looking. I went out to look at my shop's split system. They encased all the refrigerant and return lines and electric lines in conduit and a box sealed to the foundation. I think the pro's did a good job.

@vixterrawks4171 3 месяца назад

I clean and check mine twice a year and have replaced with the proper insulation. I also have a professional winterize and summerize each year. Good video most people never check.

@mr.snicker-doodles7081 3 месяца назад

Dang, this is so helpful! Thank you...

@Samlol23_drrich 3 месяца назад

When I moved into my house about 12 years ago I bought very thick Armaflex (maybe 1") and insulated the suction line outside of my house (inside lineset already done). Even did between the compressor and coil. Hopefully worthwhile. Who knows though.

@CarreraTrackOntheFloor 9 дней назад

E-FLEX GUARD Black Line Set Cover is what my contractor used for the UV protection now required by code.

@roseannagross5094 2 месяца назад

Over many years I have seen many AC installed. I have never seen all this protection that you had put on which to me makes sense. I am 76 years old and when we have a new AC installed, never do they put their protection on and yes, we’ve always had leaks, so thank you very much for showing this on your RU-vid. It makes sense everything you did. It makes sense and every time they come to check my AC they find something wrong or right around wires or something. The coils from the inside of the house to the outside. I believe they do this on purpose because they want your AC to rot.

@randysullivan7867 3 месяца назад

I use a jumbo pool noodle, split it and zip tie it. Once it’s in place, I coat it with elastomeric roof coating and seam tape. After it dries, I paint it house color. I do the same with exposed plumbing (Arizona). It lasts the life of the AC unit, with a fresh coat of paint when the house gets painted.

@doc-t-8648 3 месяца назад

you, sir are a gentleman and a scholar

@Riku_DarkWielder 3 месяца назад

That sir sounds just Janky enough to be genius. I'll be putting that to use.

@TheRealArmor 3 месяца назад

I fucking KNEW I'd find something way smarter and less expensive than the shit this guy is shoveling. Thanks homie, you're a real one.

@Tracy-mom 3 месяца назад

Newbie here, what kind of seam tape?

@randysullivan7867 3 месяца назад

@@Tracy-mom it’s a fabric that’s used with the elastomeric roof coating. Seam tape probably wasn’t the right descriptor. It is a polyester fabric that reinforces the elastomeric coating. If you search for Henry 296, it will show the product. Henry is just one manufacturer.

@marsflee3815 2 месяца назад

I've checked my line before and I found it to be in terrible shape. I had no idea it was supposed to be changed, or replaced with newer insulation. You live and learn. Thanks for the video.

@sodman1987 Месяц назад

Makes no difference. Hvac technician of 15+ years

@Threedog1963 Месяц назад

I replace mine every 15 to 20 years, you know, when the unit gives up the ghost and needs to be replaced.

@CarreraTrackOntheFloor 9 дней назад

The black sleeve is required for UV protection in many counties in the Northern Virginia area.

@patrickcotter5629 9 дней назад

That is correct. County inspectors will fail an inspection if the outside new lines don't have the UV protection shroud. Required in Prince William, Loudoun and Arlington counties, and will be required in Fairfax as well in the future.

@chrislettenmaier6822 2 месяца назад

I have been in the plumbing and mechanical industry for over 40yrs. The large line for air conditioning is the suction line the small line is the high pressure line. The reason the large line is condensing is because how the Freon works. The suction line does not bring cold to the exchanger coil in the home. It’s returning what they call hot gas to the compressor in the condenser. The high pressure line is returning liquid Freon to the exchanger cold when the liquid hits the coil there is a metering valve that only allows a very small amount of liquid thru it. As it sprays into the coil the liquid turns to gas at this moment when it goes to gas it gets cold because it’s absorbing the heat. Until it changes back to liquid in the condenser coil it is cold. The reason the line is insulated is to prevent damage from condensation and try to control the amount of heat it is absorbing nothing more. This is why both lines should be insulated on heat pump systems because they work in reverse when producing heat.

@Underpantsniper 2 месяца назад

So is this worth the hassle and price?

@steveb9487 2 месяца назад

RIght! Keep both lines insulated, but use a basic, good insulator, not a $300 product that will never repay the investment.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 месяца назад

@steveb9487 I basically said that. When did I say the outlet is required? I numerous times said it wasn’t.

@JavierGonzalez-ot3uy 2 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIYcorrect I understood that doing the insulation foam was sufficient and most stop there but you chose to go the extra mile never you said it was required nor did feel it was implied.. btw! Where is the link for the uv resistant bag cover?

@JavierGonzalez-ot3uy 2 месяца назад

@bikerbobcat 2 месяца назад

I'm an HVAC tech and this is one of those things I write up for customers as a deficiency and then tell them how to fix it themselves so I don't have to charge them way more for it. Unless they don't want to, and some don't, I'm happy to help.

@chadportenga7858 2 месяца назад

Thanks for being an honest repair guy. Too many people out there would be happy to charge an arm & a leg for a simple fix.

@HowToHomeDIY Месяц назад

@sodman1987 wrong

@wheelerdealer2105 3 месяца назад

UV resistant pipe insulation is available with the cover bonded in place. I used a roof jack for a cover that looks ok for the outlet.

@ourjourneytohope 3 месяца назад

Wow! 😮I checked my line after watching this and it was in identical condition as your example. Fixing it tomorrow.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Really glad to hear you liked it! I think it is more prevalent than people think! Thanks for taking the time to leave that feedback!

@johnnybstuddd4482 2 месяца назад

Mine is in same condition. Would a pool noodle work? I'll probably go to Home Depot to find the correct insulation

@sodman1987 Месяц назад

And you'll notice it make 0 difference on cooling or your bill....understanding the science and how acs work help...

@tuesboomer1623 3 месяца назад

In addition to the ridiculous and insulting price, it baffles me that the color of the wrap is black. I would think it is much smarter to have a reflective light gray rather than a heat absorbing black.

@MrJHSW 3 месяца назад

$70 is ridiculous for a poly 4' hose wrap. You can get a 3" white UV resistant duct tape for $15. LOL

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

@MrJHSW that certainly is an option. But to compare the two as though they are equals I think is a little unfair.

@Art_Martial 3 месяца назад

@HowToHomeDIY how about wrapping the black insulation with some reflective tape ?

@randalmiller7952 3 месяца назад

Agreed. As a final step I wrapped my (long) line set in metal tape. The shiny metal tape used for ducting. It has held up perfectly, much to my surprise. It’s been about 14 years now.

@avip2u 3 месяца назад

I used the thickest soft foam pipe insulation I could conveniently find, and manually spiral-wrapped it with "foil" tape. Besides being reflective, it blocks UV damage of the underlying foam.

@jpcreativeimagery Месяц назад

LOL, that plastic retrofit outlet is freakin almost $300!!! You kidding me? It's just plastic with a rubber gasket, hard pass.

@thefpvlife7785 16 часов назад

Far easier & cheaper to simply replace the the rubber cover every few years.

@kristennowicki9473 3 месяца назад

In Florida, many installers use a UV protection white paint over the black insulated cover instead of another black cover

@marilynking6535 24 дня назад

I am a widow woman, I watch your channel alot, big help to a old widow, that lives in very rural, not many choices hiring folks, they take advantage of old widow woman, sadly to say ❤

@HowToHomeDIY 24 дня назад

I am very sorry to hear about people trying to take advantage of you. Unfortunately it is not as uncommon as it should be. I am so glad to hear you are finding value in the channel. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this feedback!

@marilynking6535 24 дня назад

@@HowToHomeDIY Thank you , putting the lessons, teaching out there, for widow woman like me, that had a wonderful husband, that God called home, HE always took care of so much on our farm, Jack of trades he was, rarely hired anyone, HE didn't have time to teach me before he cross the veil, have even learn to use his big stihl chain saw, I know he is saying NO NO NO in heaven, but I want to able to take care of myself alone , I live very rural, way off the main road. Days I don't see a soul , YES your channel has helped me alot , a light switch, & more Thanks again for time, Teaching Amen ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@deniswauchope3788 2 месяца назад

After watching this video, and noting that the outside temp here in Texas is presently 106F, I went & checked the insulation on my outdoor A/C unit. It was falling apart, most of the pipe was bare! Now I've got the tubing & tape on order, and it'll be here soon. Thanks so much for this very informative video!

@michaelking42 3 месяца назад

I've replaced the insulation on a few units I've had over the years. Easy job, but did not know about this outlet. Great job, great explanation, thank you for the information.

@oregonfelder1 2 месяца назад

This came into my recommended list right on time. I literally just noticed my line insulation was in worse condition than yours and was trying to figure out how I was going to fix it this weekend. Thanks for sharing this quick video.

@pughconsulting 3 месяца назад

I used the same foam rubber split insulation and the same uv tape. I differed and wrapped the entire foam with the uv tape and called it good. Did the same method for my backflow preventer. The uv tape lasts about 3-4 years before it begins to deteriorate, whereas the foam by itself only lasts a year or so. I'm in Florida so it gets cooked everyday. Whether it is a benefit, don't care. It looks nice. The two times a year I get s freeze, my backflow pipes are good. Most of my neighbors put a plastic covered rock over theirs.

@Rottingboards 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the video. I just ran outside in the dark. Yep my insulation needs replacing. Thanks.

@Salty_Knuckles 3 месяца назад

Me too!

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Really glad to hear you liked it! I think it is more prevalent than people think! Thanks for taking the time to leave that feedback!

@INTERNA9 3 месяца назад

Me too...

@tilleryinnovations592 Месяц назад

Lol just checked mine. I'm in 100 year old house that only has central air upstairs. That freon line runs all the way up the side of my house to the attic which holds the air handler. Ugh, thus should be fun.

@Rottingboards Месяц назад

@@tilleryinnovations592 Sounds like it will make more of a difference if it runs all the way down your house! Good luck with your fix.

@crunchycrispybacon 3 месяца назад

That’s the line that goes back to the compressor. The refrigerant in it has already been evaporated and absorbed heat from the evaporator. That foam is only purpose is to keep condensation from forming and making a mess.

@xHICKORYx 2 месяца назад

It can still absorb more heat. Preventing this makes your unit more efficient.

@lonyoung15 2 месяца назад

XHickoryx you're right. It's thermodynamics. One can think of the cold line as an extension of the evaporator coils, as it contains the refrigerant that has just left the evaporator coils. If the line is not insulated, the remaining cold in that line ends up in the attic or outdoors as it travels back to the outside unit. Thereby, you're cooling the outdoors. Adding insulation reduces this.

@schaefer692002 2 месяца назад

No, it’s more heat gain going back to the compressor that changes the pressures. It also cools the compressor. So if you don’t care about premature compressor replacement then do nothing. His price is ridiculous. Just go to a local HVAC store and get new and take the few minutes to replace it. There’s a reason it is on there in the first place. If you have a heat pump, the liquid line ( the smaller one) should be insulated also.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 месяца назад

@schaefer692002 I agree with you on most of it. But I don’t have a price. I said numerous times in the video that the Titan Outlet was not necessary for the repair.

@macoppoc7560 3 месяца назад

That conductor you taped to the insulation. You know, critters just love chewing on insulation. I had a rodent chew the insulation outside, shorting and ruining the 24 VDC Transformer in the attic. It was a Holiday Weekend! I called my AC Tech, he said, " Man, I'm sitting in the backyard drinking a beer, I'd hate to have to come over and charge you the Holiday Rate. I mentioned I had a VOM, he perked up and said, "We can fix this." We did. I ran to Home Depot, bought a transformer and he walked me through it. Since then, I always have encapsulated that conductor in automotive wire loom sheathing. I mailed my AC Tech a check for a service call just to say "Thanks!"

@carlmccoy662 3 месяца назад

I put my thermostat wire in small white pex tubing. It is inexpensive at the orange box

@joeylawn36111 3 месяца назад

Classy act on your part to $end him some $'s.... 👍😎

@mreega4812 3 месяца назад

Wtf is vom?

@michaelking42 3 месяца назад

@@mreega4812 Very Ominous Moment. Nah I dunno.

@joeylawn36111 3 месяца назад

@@mreega4812 VOM Stands for Volt Ohm Meter - Used by technicians to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits to troubleshoot them.

@ternwatcher22 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the video! I've been meaning to replace my insulation for longer than I'll admit, and this was a great reminder. I clicked the appropriate link in the description and got my order placed.

@stevenmckee9756 3 месяца назад

How is it that your recommendations come at the right time?! I checked our line to see the status of the insulation. Of course, it was in poor condition. I went ahead and replaced it with the rubber insulation and used the tape that you referred to, and added silicone sealant around the connection to the interior. Timing is everything, especially with this heat wave in the Midwest. Thanks again for the great tips. I always look forward to your videos.

@RobertDeFreitas-q5r 3 месяца назад

hvac service tech for almost 30 years. this does not help efficiency whatsoever. it just looks nicer. youd benefit much more from making sure your coils are clean. refrigerant charge is correct. filter clean. all the insulation does is prevent the suction line from sweating inside the house.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

No that’s not all it does. It absolutely can affect efficiency. But you are right that cleaning the coils, changing the filter, and making sure the unit is charged correctly helps a lot!

@neilmurphy4301 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIYyea I’m sure a RU-vidr knows more than a 30 year tech…

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

@neilmurphy4301 as someone that spent a lot of time in construction I learned just because someone has a lot of years it does not always equate to knowledge. I have numerous stories I could share. Also, it’s RU-vid, in another video he may be a 30 year plumber. Not saying that’s the case but I stand by what I said about the lines. Feel free to research it. Plenty of documentation on what I’m saying.

@bobboscarato1313 3 месяца назад

@@neilmurphy4301 Some U tubers are also techs!

@waltahlgrim5508 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY The insulation is on the large pipe returning from the home the temp of this pipe is irrelevant to system operation. The only thing it could do is cool the motor winding insider the compressor but it has zero effect on the high temp pressure vapor leaving the compressor. The insulation is useful inside the wall cavities of the home in that it keep the pipe dry preventing mold and water damage.

@crazylouie68 2 месяца назад

Good deal. I never saw this type of line protection, and have never been recommended to me by any a/c company during seasonal services

@warrenlanham9088 3 месяца назад

Miami fl hvac tech with 20 years experience here. As far as the fitting that goes on The wall goes ive seen similar products before. They can be a nice way to make an ugly looking hole in the exterior wall look better and provide additional rain and insect resistance. However, the black sheeting to cover the refrigerant lines seems like an unnecessary (and ugly) gimmick. The standard (by code) is to just coat the insulation ( I also coat the brown thermostat line cuz ive seen them degrade to the point where the bare copper wires are exposed) with a weather/ UV barrier paint. The paint is white so if anything it might help keep the lines from heating up in the sun.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Appreciate that feedback Warren!

@Esther_star4 Месяц назад

Would you share the name brand of the paint you use?

@bigd3104 2 месяца назад

There is a newer style of pipe insulation, similar to the standard Armaflex you used in this video, called K-Flex Titan. It has a coated UV resistant exterior, is tear resistant and can also be painted. Just thought I'd mention it in case anyone would be interested in it.

@Voyager23B 3 месяца назад

Great video and great information! The current price for the Airex Titan and line protector is $295.00. That’s expensive for this material! IMHO, it really should be around $100.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Totally understand. Just wanted to show something I thought was interesting to add to the video. Appreciate the feedback!

@buffalomitch7088 3 месяца назад

I was thinking it'd be $50-60 - not an eye-popping $295! I think I can jerry-rig something that works for a fraction of the cost.

@zaneblane8160 2 месяца назад

He gets it free..thanks but no thanks during this inflation

@ryanschirmer7871 Месяц назад

I forgot to mention in my last comment. Everything he did as far as picking the right products for the job and installing them was 100% on point. You guys with your pool noodles, rock on! It works and gets the job done! However for a professional and most effective solution, this is a good video to follow.

@MKrebs-kl7ud 3 месяца назад

Very helpful - all the maintenance and upkeep of homeownership, this one is easy yet important to energy efficiency. Thanks for the tips.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it! I think it is more prevalent than people think! Thanks for taking the time to leave that feedback!

@Tropical_hillbilly 21 день назад

Your video is awesome I’m not a real mister fix it guy but I try and I used your video to reference myself on how I did it once before I changed the capacitor in less than 30 minutes . Saved big money. Appreciate the knowledge

@Fred2-123 3 месяца назад

$300 for that Atlas Titan Outlet cover!!?? That's crazy expensive. Way too expensive.

@cancel.lgbtq.6892 3 месяца назад

There is another kit that cost $150.

@tuneupcomputing 3 месяца назад

No guesses as to why you don't see these too often. I'd pay $65 for this molded piece of plastic, thats' about my limit.

@daviddeane3163 3 месяца назад

Yeah, that's a big NO for me as well. $300 is just way too much.

@TotallyNuss 3 месяца назад

It’s insane.

@BlueSpruce2 3 месяца назад

That's the most ridiculous piece of kit I have ever seen. I'm sure someone makes a escutcheon/flange similar to what you see around your shower head wall penetration that comes in two pieces. If not let's start a company to make some!

@moxnix 3 месяца назад

I replace my old lineset insulation with thicker pipe insulation that I've had for many years. I also warped the pipe insulation with thin copper metal to protect it from the sun. I've had that roll of thin copper for over 22+ years and just found a good use good for it.

@Dbb27 2 месяца назад

Lmao. We all have so much ‘maybe some day I will use it’ stuff in our garages it’s good to hear that eventually it has a purpose!

@davidb7180 3 месяца назад

This $300 cover box and UV wrap is severe overkill. The new armaflex on the big (vapor) line and for about $5 a plastic dryer vent termination cover is really all that's needed.

@brent57 3 месяца назад

and the video claims you'll save "hundreds". More like spend hundreds and turn an old installation into an eyesore. I bet the savings from that insulation doesn't even move the needle on the power bill.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

@brent57 guy, I said the outlet was optional. The main purpose is the insulation repair which is $10-$20. Yes, it definitely can save hundreds especially over the long term in power consumption and keeping the compressor from failing early due to having to with harder. But you do you.

@brent57 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY I'd be interested to see any case studies or documents to show the savings or reduced wear and tear you claim. Even your failing insulation provided some original intended benefits. Sorry you're constantly defending your position in the comments. But showing proof such as using a amp meter before/after would go a long way.

@nibblit 3 месяца назад

I appreciate the full disclosure and transparency in your explanations. Because this video wasn't a hard sell, I'm more inclined to purchase this product. Trustworthiness was conveyed throughout this presentation. Thank you!

@moe47988 Месяц назад

the description of the item on amazon says that it improves air quality and reduces allergens 😂

@masterlee4370 3 месяца назад

My house is only 2 years old so I should be in good shape at the moment. But with that being said I love these videos that bring insight to what we should be doing for the longevity of our units. It also gives me cause to inspect it as I do live in the south and it has been hotter than normal the last couple of years. You may not need to go to the extreme if the cost is more than expected but this video shows precautions one can take that are not that expensive but still very effective. Great Job!

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Oh yeah, you should be good for another few years or so probably. I also live in the South and you are right, it has been especially hot! Does this year not seem even more hot than normal?! And we aren't getting much rain. Really glad to hear you found value in this. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

@GabeG74 2 месяца назад

Especially here in the South (Houston) in the summer, anything black, WILL absorb heat in the sun...once I replaced my rubber foam insulation, I additionally wrapped it with a bubble foil reflective insulation and sealed it with aluminum tape, I noticed the difference.....once fall/winter comes with cooler weather, planning on continuing the insulation method in the attic to the main unit since I know that rubber pipe insulation hasn't been replaced since the build of the house

@Scottlee-if1gn 3 месяца назад

I really appreciate the work you put into your videos.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Thank you so much Scott! I really do appreciate that. I am glad you have found value in the videos on the channel. Really means a lot. Thanks again for taking the time to leave this feedback! Hope to see ya around!

@Petesworkshop2225 3 месяца назад

Ÿa, good work!

@KE5ZZO 3 месяца назад

To finish off the insulation I always wrap the insulation with aluminum roof flashing so protect it and low voltage line from wx and dogs

@freecycling6687 3 месяца назад

This is a great video with a great suggestion. I'm going to go out and check the insulation on my AC unit right after this! One question I have though - I don't really see the point of that big "gasket cover" on the house wall. It seems that just covering the insulated pipe with that light-blocking material, and zip-tying it at each end and maybe a couple spots in the middle would do the trick.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

It would. The outlet just helps seal up where it enters the house and looks a lot nicer. At least in my opinion.

@johnknightiii1351 3 месяца назад

Would love to see a budget option for this fix, maybe fix a family memebers old lineset showing us budget options. Greay video

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Thanks! Glad you liked it. The budget option is just replacing the insulation and tape. The Titan outlet is completely optional.

@larryengland489 3 месяца назад

Changed mine out last year when it wasn't cooling like it used too.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Nice! Did you notice a difference?

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

Made a huge difference.

@ourjourneytohope 3 месяца назад

I fixed mine today. Quick, easy, inexpensive. I did before and after pictures but don’t know how to post.

@ranger178 3 месяца назад

the line that is cold is coming back from house and will just run into the compressor and be heated up super-hot I put 2 layers of pipe insulation over it anyway but i covered outside with aluminum foil tape then taped the hot line to outside with more aluminum foil tape since that is the line going into house to cool house the aluminum foil draws the heat out of the hot line and dissipates it into air and around outside of cool return line insulation so hot line is quite cool going back into house. you can just paint the aluminum foil tape to any color you want mine is 25 years old and as good as new air conditioner runs great.

@LoveGrowsAdam Месяц назад

Looks great but a couple tips, 1 silicone is not printable so that will be a issue if you want to paint in the future. 2 don't caulk the bottom so that if and when the top caulking fails there is a way for water to fall out.

@Dontbeweakvato 3 месяца назад

The primary point of suction line insulation is because it passes through unconditioned spaces that can rot and damage like wood going through a hole in the side of a house. Heat gain through a 24 inch of cold suction line is meaningless compared to the thousands of btus of heat infiltration from badly insulated attic and wall spaces, and heat thru window glass, and door cracks, and using an oven in the evening to cook dinner.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

It’s more than two feet and when you live in a hot climate like I do, it makes a difference.

@Dontbeweakvato 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY I have installed more air conditioning systems this week than you. They are on average less than 3 ft. The manufacturers state the suction line needs insulation mainly to protect condition spaces from condensation damage. How to charge an orifice expansion device system is evaporator coil vapor temperature - suction line temperature at suction valve which is outside at the unit. Out in the desert there are different specifications because of the extreme heat but that is the exception to the entire United States.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

@Dontbeweakvato oh good a measuring contest. Don’t know what else to tell you. The insulation is definitely for more than the condensation.

@DarrenBoxhall 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY got some stats to back up your claims?

@frmerrin2 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY Not really.

@matthiasgrutzner9768 3 месяца назад

I don't know why this is randomly shown to me, but I totally needed it - thanks!

@KE5ZZO 3 месяца назад

Just share 2 tips i use on home diy. Since not seen these videos yet. 1 texture drywall. Just dip old paint brush in mud to dab texture on your patches 2 10x10 dog kennel. Get some 40x48 plastic pallets you can fit two rows of 3 in there. Use 2 to 3 if dog in there. Gives them 1/2 kennel out of mud. If wife took over kennel got potted plants garden use all 6. Instead of walking on mud …. Pallets block the light so no weeds will gone thru u wind up with 10 X 8 floor. Just decide if u want 3 eight inch gaps or a. Foot gap on the ends

@MichaelsHomeCooking 3 месяца назад

Thank you very much for this video, I'm fixing mine tomorrow.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

You are very welcome! Hope it went well!

@MichaelsHomeCooking 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY -- It went fine and the old pipe insulation was half rotted away and crumbly. Thanks again, but I bought mine from Home Depot because I work there.

@mdg2500 3 месяца назад

Thank you!! Just replaced mine today.

@z95m 3 месяца назад

There's a much cheaper option I've used for years to protect the insulation. Take 4-inch corrugated drain pipe, split it from end to end and slip it over the insulated pipe.

@bobboscarato1313 3 месяца назад

If the insulation is already bad, you must replace it first then add your solution!

@BlueSpruce2 3 месяца назад

I actually considered this but the smallest corrugated drain pipe I could find at the big box store was 4 inches in diameter which in my opinion is too large for this application not to mention difficult to seal at the wall penetration and could potentially allow snow and water accumulation inside it.

@braniganblue3460 3 месяца назад

Send us a link to your video where you show us all how to do it better. We'll be waiting.

@frmerrin2 3 месяца назад

@@braniganblue3460 Can't figure out how to do it for yourself?

@TitaniumTurbine 3 месяца назад

@@braniganblue3460 ⁠Since when do helpful comments require an accompanying video? Everyone has their own way of doing things (especially for efficiency), you’d be best to recognize that early in life. Also, where did they claim their solution is better? STANing for a home improvement channel is a whole new level of bizarre.

@MrChrisRP 3 месяца назад

I didn't like how the cover fit over the line, because the line wasn't perfectly straight out as the box enclosure expects. However, when you put the UV over it as planned, it all came together well and I like it. More power to ya.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Appreciate the honest feedback Chris!

@gsbass1037 3 месяца назад

When I saw the video a hour ago, just sure my line was insulated. It was not, the whole line sweating. Ran to my local home depot bought some insulation for 8 bucks and double insulated. Thanks

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Really glad to hear you liked it! I think it is more prevalent than people think! Glad you got yours taken care of! Thanks for taking the time to leave that feedback!

@engineclinic 3 месяца назад

If there wasn't any insulation at all on it and you just insulated the whole thing you may want to have a tech come out and check your super heat to make sure you don't damage your vapor pump. It could ruin it and it isn't cheap to replace.

@daleb5967 3 месяца назад

Now i keep getting youtube recomendations videos of peoples hvac next to houses with no basements😮. ........yikes!......theres alotta tornadoes out there! Be careful! 😊

@martinparmer 3 месяца назад

I've often wondered if it would help the ac efficiency to build a simple shade structure over it to keep the sun off the whole thing. It would have to be open on the sides to provide maximum air availability and it would need to be built to look nice. I would love to hear yall's thoughts.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Yes, shade will absolutely help the efficiency if the unit is in direct sunlight.

@djdsailor 3 месяца назад

Shade does help but you have to ensure there is enough room for air to circulate around the coils to remove the heat. The AC unit’s installation instructions should have how much clearance above a unit is needed to avoid compromising air flow.

@dabunnisher29 3 месяца назад

I friggin love your channel!!!!!

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

I agree! Honestly one of the best channels I’ve seen.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 месяца назад

Thank you very much! I am really glad to hear you are liking and finding value in it. Thank you very much for the kind words and taking the time to leave this feedback!

@DoEverythingDerek 3 месяца назад

You can get pipe insulation and wrap in uv line set tape for about $20-30

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

True.

@JamesBrown-js3lm 3 месяца назад

A pool noodle is cheap if you just have to cover it. I use the insulation you have to protect pipes from freezing.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Interesting!

@shouldibehere 3 месяца назад

I use pool noodles too and they don’t seem to be affected by the sun.

@Jameslwilson89 Месяц назад

Looks like I need to remove some screws and dump a bucket of water on it. Thanks for the easy tutorial.

@petem6503 2 месяца назад

If you just paint that black insulation sleeve with house paint, it will not degrade from UV exposure.

@sky173 3 месяца назад

A pool floaty tube works great also.

@gregorydepol2655 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the informative video. I am going to do this today. My AC is not cooling well and the pipe looked exactly the same crumbling insulation falling apart. An AC guy only said there is only a 14 degree gain in cooling but did not explain why. Wanted to put in everything new for about $18k. Hope this will help. I also have handler in attic which also needs insulation replaced. Heat gets to 140 -150 F there.

@SmitHVAC. 2 месяца назад

This will not help

@brent57 3 месяца назад

That outlet retrofit cover looks terrible. Probably will just trap water inside it. Looked better without it and I don't think it was necessary

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Well that’s your opinion. Don’t buy it lol

@HardRockMaster7577 3 месяца назад

I think that Phil Hartman approved of that installation!!

@EnvyTheRealest Месяц назад

I looked out my window a few days i noticed the line insulation was not installed properly when the AC guys serviced the unit about 2 months ago. Now i know why my unit was not as cold i it was. I gonna have that fixed myself. I also noticed the bigger unit downstairs they installed almost dont have any

@RipliWitani 3 месяца назад

For all the people doubting this. I run businesses. Not just a 30 year tech. Contractors are notorious for doing the bare minimum. I've been running geonthermal while everyone else pays in the Texas heat LOL That being said, any insulation is a pro and never a con. I have installed many heat pumps, mini splits, and central air, residential and commercial. Go to a restaurant and look at their hvac system, o wonder why everything is insulated lol

@capitalism420 3 месяца назад

I've seen many commercial sites where the insulation has deteriorated to the point of bare copper showing. Restaurants are probably the worst example you could have used.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

@capitalism420 perfectly example of why talking to you about it is pointless. The guy shared his credentials and experience and you try to discredit him 😂 you keep paying those higher electric bills bud.

@capitalism420 3 месяца назад

@HowToHomeDIY credentials are fine, but no one yet has provided a set of before and after numbers.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

It wouldn’t make any difference to give you numbers.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

@@capitalism420oh here you are again. Confirmed. You have no clue what you’re talking about 😂 and the how to come guy is right. Pretty clear no matter what you would be shown you would stick with your ignorant take.

@SkilledLabor 3 месяца назад

I would say it’s more an eye sore the old deteriorating armaflex rather than a cost issue. Sleeving a few feet on the exterior, won’t make a difference in the electric bill.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Yes it will.

@stangaston9033 3 месяца назад

Wow nice job!

@t-fuelernienotoriousmisfit7449 2 месяца назад

I wouldn't have installed the last UV protective sleeve, why? It is covering up the condensation line and it's best to leave it uncovered exposed so it can bring down the temperature and cool off💪🙋‍♂️💫

@bruceglisson1720 3 месяца назад

Ok all you genius HVAC techs, everyone one of you are wrong. This guy is absolutely correct, that insulation is important and is there for a reason. I am an HVAC tech and the reason that insulation is on the suction line is to maintain superheat so the vapor in that line does not condense back to a liquid before it gets to the compressor. HVAC compressors don’t like liquid and could eventually degrade the performance of the compressor. So for the guy that said he was a 30 year tech, you’re fired. HVAC tech my ass. Tell truth, you are an installer not a tech.

@Arcella1981 3 месяца назад

I am pretty sure that he is talking about the $300 atlas titan outlet cover and the rubber sleeve, not the actual foam insulation

@1776vtgmb 3 месяца назад

Heating a vapor does not condense it back into a liquid. Compressing it and then cooling it does. Are you licensed?

@oldtimefarmboy617 3 месяца назад

@@1776vtgmb If you have a heat pump, you would be using that unit in the winter to bring heat back into the house. Freezing cold air could POSSIBLY cause the refrigerant in the vapor line to condense before reaching the condenser.

@1776vtgmb 3 месяца назад

@@oldtimefarmboy617 Where did you see heat pump? This is a/c.

@ODucks55 3 месяца назад

@@1776vtgmbHe does say “heat pump” & if you look closely 2:50 you can see the third gauge hose hook up between the suction & discharge lines.😊

@MyongGong 3 месяца назад

Great idea, I hate the way the outlet of my ac stuff looks. I did find cheaper but not as cool looking linset box for about $18 on Amazon but will need to cut in half to make it work. I really dont care if it saves but does improve aesthetics

@gregorysims8793 3 месяца назад

Good video, but what about the AC lines that run inside the house until it gets to the unit?

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

They should also definitely be insulated. Remember, the insulation serves numerous purposes. Insulation, protection, keeping them from forming condensation and therefore corrosion.

@lawrencebird1846 3 месяца назад

It absolutely matters. It also protects the copper from the elements. You don't want anything touching those lines. Heat, cold, weeds, weedwackers. Anything! Protect the lines and wires and you'll save yourself unnecessary costs. I have three heat pumps and I inspect the lines a handful of times a year.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

Exactly!

@jeffreygoss8109 3 месяца назад

Well, the high pressure line is bare. So it is not to protect the copper.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

@@jeffreygoss8109 the high pressure is warm so condensation doesn’t occur constantly. Less concern for corrosion.

@davidresar8256 3 месяца назад

The only improvement I'd make would be a reflective heat barrier. Otherwise, great video!

@chrisjacobsen1659 3 месяца назад

At first I didn't like the idea of insulated the "hot" return but it's probably well separated from the cold to not cross transfer so it's probably ok.

@donaldgordon3092 3 месяца назад

Why would anyone waste the time and money if it makes no difference? ( to those who say it makes no difference.) Much like the gasket on a refrigerator door, it may not make a big difference, but maintaining the thermal efficiency keeping cold things cold and hot things hot would make sense. In the automotive industry they are not insulated but also efficiency is not as important, the engine is already turning.

@SHOW01000 3 месяца назад

The insulation prevents condensation from forming inside the house where water dripping is a problem. Line sets come with insulation wrapped around that suction line right out of the box. The effect on system efficiency would be marginally better if there was no insulation and the lines are going through conditioned space, and marginally worse if going through unconditioned space. The main reason though isn't efficiency, just preventing issues from the condensation. TL;DR: The lines are insulated by default when you buy them to prevent condensation inside the building, nobody goes out of their way during installation to insulate new lines.

@fdog2304 3 месяца назад

I've actually replaced the foam stuff a couple times, but it just keeps "melting away" (seems like). So having just started the video, I'm hoping it will show me something new I can do, as it's time again. (I see from the comments that some additional foil tape may be in order, so I will give that a shot as well.)

@davidmeermans1579 22 дня назад

I wrapped my A/C line insulation with aluminum foil tape. Still solid after 20 years.

@oldskule2091 3 месяца назад

Excellent content! Thank you for posting. I keep trying to remind myself I need to do this. Every time I see 7 year old contractor insulation disintegrated. This shoved me in to make the order.

@WhiskeyHunterVAT69 3 месяца назад

Great, now I have another project to get done this weekend. My new puppy chewed up about a foot of that insulation. LoL

@bobboscarato1313 3 месяца назад

I had installed a new system long ago and a German Shepherd pup chewed thru the insulation and put a hole into the refrigerant line. Had to charge owner a lot of money for the repairs and told him to build a barrier to keep pup away! Usually when they bite into LV wires the get a bad taste an become more aggresive!

@archlab007 2 месяца назад

How about just installing the unit on the North Face of the building &/or a shaded spot. Make sure that the foam insulation split is facing down so that moisture can escape.

@Ant-fq3yi 2 месяца назад

So from a HVAC guy the line your insulating is the suction line its being sucked out of the house into the condenser the small line high side is going into the house to cool it. When the super heated liquid hits the orifice or txv it turns into a gas and cools your evap then enters suction line and repeats. The only reason there is insulation on the suction line is so you dont have condensation everywhere. Cause its headed into the compressor to get compressed and super heated. If anything put some shade on your unit not a plant plants sap and clog coils dont box it in either air needs to circulate but shade will save you money.

@mike73ng 3 месяца назад

It looks nice but I doubt adding the extra cover adds any gain in efficiency.

@BillDerby-c2o 3 месяца назад

It doesn't. Very important in walls and attic. The DOE is breathing heavily on HVAC manufactures to improve efficiency. If this was in anyway critical they would insulate this line inside their unit. Take a look at the un-insulated line. Now if it's a very long run outside and you're in a very hot climate or your unit is on a roof wear water damage can occur, then it's best to wrap this up.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

The cover doesn’t really but the insulation absolutely does. He is correct in the video. You don’t want any added heat going to the returning gas on the suction line.

@BillDerby-c2o 3 месяца назад

@@johnpicard4909 As stated if so important why does the manufacture not do it? Granted if very long expose line it should insulated. But these short runs are not important.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

@@BillDerby-c2o it is an accumulation of uninsulated line. So if say we have approximately 4 foot of line outside and maybe for feet inside the unit which is probably a bit over but whatever. If the 4 feet outside the unit isn’t insulated then we have 8 foot of uninsulated line. If it is then obviously there is only 4 feet. There can be a pretty good difference in super heat by reducing the uninsulated portion but at least 50%. Also, the lines in the unit are usually not in direct sunlight and have constant airflow. And I personally don’t like the argument of if the manufacturer doesn’t do then why should I? There are SO many things manufacturers could do to make these units run better and longer but they don’t. Why? Well I’ve not really been able to ask the ones that make the decisions. But from what I have gathered is basically they are just trying to spend as little as possible to make the units run, stay competitive, and have as high a profit margin as possible. So with that in mind I come to the same question as you but from a different perspective of why would they spend the extra to insulate the lines?

@l31007 2 месяца назад

Wish you showed where it made a difference in improving the AC in the house. How many degrees colder or something measurable.

@waterboy12342232 Месяц назад

I re wrapped mine, used zip ties to keep it secure, and spray painted it white.

@keiththompson2289 3 месяца назад

I like it, but wow is it expensive!

@DankoStojanovic 3 месяца назад

$22 for the actual insulation and mor ethan$300 for uv protection It looks nice but you can just replace the insulation every 5 years. you'd be covered for the next 75 years for the same amount of money

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

@DankoStojanovic I said it wasn’t required. I showed an option should one choose it. I like the way it looks and helps protect the lineset.

@freonpeon472 22 дня назад

Insulating the suction line is necessary to reduce 'super heating' the cool low pressure gas returning to the compressor. Compressor & motor has no way to cool itself & relies on cool returning gas for cooling. I would NOT insulate the small high temperature high pressure liquid line because it prevents the hot liquid from loosing heat to the atmosphere. Allowing hot refrigerant pumped to indoor evaporator to loose heat energy by 'sub-cooling' improves efficiency. Did like seeing the thermostat wire covered and protected as bare wire is a pet peeve. I protect thermostat wires from UV, ozone & critter damage by running it inside liquid-tite.

@joeylawn36111 3 месяца назад

I'm not an AC tech - but this is what I guessed a long time ago. Had a customer (I had a lawn business) with an exposed line with _no_ insulation. I asked an AC tech about this - and he said it wasn't a problem 🙄 - so I assume he was just wrong....

@shangrilahomestead9930 3 месяца назад

You’re a wealth of awesome information! Thank you so very much!

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

The guys claiming to be AC techs and saying this won’t help are flat out wrong. First, that’s a blanket statement and the results will vary based on so many factors. If you think the Sun and temperature baking that suction line isn’t increasing the superheat then I don’t know what to tell you. That makes no sense at all. And the warmer that returning gas is on the suction line, the harder the compressor will have to work which will use more energy, decrease cooling efficiency, and possibly lead to premature failure of the compressor. I’ve seen the difference it can make numerous times in terms of energy consumption and change in temperature at the vents. I guarantee most of these people saying it doesn’t work to help have not actually tested it as they have never thought to. Take care of the customer’s unit, make it run more efficiently so they can save money in the short and long term. Hmm or is it that some don’t want to do that so they can sell a new unit more often? 🤔 I’ve seen it all.

@milwaukeephil2548 3 месяца назад

If you want to avoid liquid back to the compressor (superheat over saturation temp) and subcool the liquid refrigerant, I tape the suction and liquid line together, and then I insulate both. The minimal increase in superheat of the returning gas is more than offset by the subcooled liquid, increasing its latent heat removal during expansion.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

@@milwaukeephil2548 cool

@LegoBeto 3 месяца назад

Great video. I was just looking at my line earlier and it needs that update.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Really glad to hear you liked it! I think it is more prevalent than people think! Thanks for the feedback!

@eddiea3782 3 месяца назад

Thank you for this. Whoda thunk? I'm going to do this. If not for anything else but that it just looks so clean.

@Peelerusa 3 месяца назад

$500 in materials to do a cosmetic repair?? No thanks, the insulation can be replaced as needed.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Where in the world are you coming up with $500? I mean it’s not a cheap item but it does do more than look good.

@Peelerusa 3 месяца назад

@@HowToHomeDIY The Amazon links in THIS video taking me to the parts that are featured for the wall colkar and line set covering, amount to about $500.

@HowToHomeDIY 3 месяца назад

Something tells me you already have some of the stuff listed. We really going to count tools which are assets that have been used and can be used on future projects and repairs?

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

@@Peelerusa lol troll.

@fiercenet 2 месяца назад

that caulk job was rough.

@WayneTDowdy3 3 месяца назад

Thanks for producing this quality video that is easy to follow and worked well for me. ❤

@daleb5967 3 месяца назад

This video is like a little gift in my notifications box five times a day. Im bored and im down, and i look and like, hey, they'er arguing again.....sweet!!! Lets look see!......lol

@jasonhaynes2952 3 месяца назад

I want to know if you should also cover the lines that are on the INSIDE of the condensor unit. I never see them covered, so I'm pretty sure you don't, but I'm not sure why

@TheKingOfInappropriateComments 3 месяца назад

What you ended up with is how it should have been done from the start. Much better.

@johnpicard4909 3 месяца назад

Agreed!

@antoniiocaluso1071 Месяц назад

in SW FL, that insulation is coated with white elastomeric from the get-go. keeps the foam from fraying from UV. win:win :-)

@raterus 3 месяца назад

I wish when working with professionals they'd give us an honest "Good, better, best" approach where they let you decide what you want and what you want to skimp on.

@traviswood8346 3 месяца назад

So as an HVAC Technician of over 7 years, this is silly! Once the refrigerant gets to that point in the line set, then it will just be going back into the compressor in like 1 second, so this is unnecessary. Ugly? Absolutely! Necessary? Absolutely not!

@EnigmaticJack 2 месяца назад

Just a note, techs need to access those lines when they’re trying to calculate subcool or superheat so sealing the line set all the way to the service valves is counter productive. Also, the insulated pipe(suction line) is returning to the condenser, not going into the house. You’re not cooling the house, you’re simply removing heat.