DIY: A/C Insulation

[CoryM]

Originally Posted by teddy

Is this true? I can't see how insulating a line would actually affect the load of the compressor. It should simply be reducing the lost cooling in the pipes.

First time seeing this topic. My concern would be that you are removing some of the engineering that was so carefully put into the A/C system. By this I mean that the liquid coming out of the compressor needs to evaporate completely. Some of which is expected to be done in that line (not where you want it, but they probably allow for the loss). If it stays liquid the compressor tries to do the impossible and compress the incompressible (liquid). This would explain the extra load noticed when the a/c is on. Basically the compressor pistons are in mild hydraulic lock (and hating it). Compressor life will be reduced.

Probably less likely in ridiculously hot/arid places where the evaporator will deal with it. But in humid areas, or more sane temperatures, you may run into this.

Cheers.