Insulating Your Air Conditioner for Maximum Efficiency and Cost Savings

Installing insulation for your air conditioner is an important step in ensuring maximum efficiency and cost savings.

Spray foam insulation

is a popular choice due to its versatility and ease of installation, as it has a high operating temperature and excellent moisture resistance. It is suitable for both hot and cold climates, and installing it on windows is a prerequisite for saving on heating costs during the winter. Fortunately, insulating your air conditioner from your window is less expensive and less time consuming than other methods. The maximum thermal performance or R-value of the insulation depends on a suitable installation.

Homeowners can install some types of insulation, such as blankets, boards, and materials that can be placed in place. Liquid foam insulation materials can be poured, but require professional installation.

Radiant Barriers

Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs by 5-10% when used in a hot, sunny climate. Reducing heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system.

However, in cold climates, it is often more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation.

Air Ducts

Air ducts can be very hot, above 66°C (150°F), so insulation may be justified for safety reasons or if heat loss from the exhaust gas pipe is considered harmful to space. Air duct installation is usually carried out by HVAC contractors, who manufacture the insulation in their workshops or on workplaces. Placing the insulation outside has the added advantage of containing the thermal mass of the blocks inside the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures. This material contains approximately 80% air by volume and has been commonly used in Europe since the late 1940s. Sealing and insulating the air will improve these results, allowing you to get a properly sized unit that will be more energy efficient and ultimately make your home more comfortable.

Installation

On the outer surfaces of the ducts, they can install the insulation by impaling it onto solder pins and securing it with quick clips or washers.

The outer insulation of the concrete block wall places the mass inside the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures.

Size Matters

However, if the room is larger but the air conditioner has a lower cooling capacity, it will work harder to cool the entire space. Blocks with a special fire-resistant coating are available in various widths for basement walls and other places where insulation is exposed.

Leak Prevention

To solve this condensate leak, a foam insulator was installed along the refrigerant pipes inside the unit, from its exit point from the surface of the interior wall of the building to its connection point to the point of connection to the cooling coil. The installation of most types of liquid foam insulation requires special equipment and certification, and should only be carried out by experienced installers.