Replacing External Insulation for HVAC Tubing - Help needed

I have had my current split-air LG HVAC system (2 compressors with 6 air heads total) installed for almost 4 years. As I live in the North-East, we have cold days (as low as 5 Fahrenheit) and hot days (100+ Fahrenheit). The compressors are installed on my flat roof, but on a raised bracket. As one can see by the photo attached, the insulation that covers the copper lines tubing is starting to fall apart, and in some cases completely disappear. How and what should I do to replace the insulation for the exposed copper pipes? What is the danger of leaving them just without insulation? All of the lines are raised slightly on a piece of wood throughout the roof itself. All input is much appreciated!

mystiky

in Heating and Cooling 10 years and 4 months ago

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landlord | 10 years and 4 months ago

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I have had the same exact problem. Besides the insulation deteriorating, I had constant problems with leaks as well. The split AC units were installed about 9 years ago and I was told that the gas needed is no longer used and expensive to get. In addition, the units were not nearly as energy efficient as the newer ones. Con-Ed offered $400 rebate on every new high efficiency split AC system installed, so I had 4 new units put in. I made sure they were properly insulated and housed in a pvc housing to protect in insulation from the elements. After con-ed rebate installation of the 4 units ran around 6k.

steam_man | 10 years and 4 months ago

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mystiky, Yes, Armaflex is what we use on many projects for both indoor and outdoor piping. However since our distributor introduced me to the PVC coated insulation (the white one you have in your photo) we have been using as much of that as possible. It tends to hold up better outdoors and when we pull through walls inside, it doesn’t rip. That being said, it is not easy to get replacement sections for the stuff that is ripped so my advice as a professional is to go with the old standard, the black Armaflex I linked. Make sure to buy some foam tape to seal the joints and any longitudinal cuts you make.

mystiky | 10 years and 4 months ago

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steam_man: Thanks for the reply with the link. Just one question: Are those Armaflex okay to use on the outside? Meaning: Will they work in rain, ice, snow and of course the opposite, 110F heat during the summer? Thanks again and happy holidays!

steam_man | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Use this. Your wallet and your AC system will thank you. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armaflex-1-in-x-6-ft-Rubber-Self-Seal-Pipe-Wrap-Insulation-HST11812/100569382

brucef | 10 years and 4 months ago

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I would recommend re-insulating, but also covering with a housing. Look under Plastiduct or similar. In a pinch you can cut 4-5″ PVC in half. You would want to get it up off the roofing material, I don’t care for that installation.

mystiky | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Hi Arkady, Thanks for the reply. Are you talking about putting it in this? I do use this on water pipes inside the house, but this project would be for the outside, of course. http://www.homedepot.com/p/MD-Building-Products-3-8-in-x-3-4-in-x-6-ft-Tube-Pipe-Insulation-Kit-50150/100665768 Thank you again.

Arkady | 10 years and 4 months ago

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strip off the remaining insulation & replace w/ more of that black tubing – it comes in several diameters so measure, & is easy to put on. Insulation helps maintainance & keeps operating costs down.