condensation in attic

[stout1]

I would like to relocate the copper ac lines to my un-conditioned attic space, but someone mentioned that condensation might be a problem. Can it be done or is it not a good idea?

 

[sevenzeronova]

Make sure to use armor flex, 1/2" wall and tape or glue the ends together. It will be fine.

 

[stout1]

I assume when you say armor flex you're talking about insulation for the pipes. Is that correct?

 

[sevenzeronova]

Yes insulation for the refrigerant line. Only really need it on the suction line ( bigger one).

 

[James-W]

Just out of curiosity, why would you want to relocate the lines, especially thru an attic? I mean, my compressor is sitting outside on a concrete slab and the furnace is in the basement. I am making the assumption your situation is similar, but I could be completely wrong on that. Anyway, if I were to relocate my lines it would have to run about 3 times as far as it does now. I am not an HVAC guy but I would think there must be a limit as to how far you can run the lines. But that is also just a guess on my part.

 

[danielzig]

Refrigerant lines are run through attics all the time. Usually when the furnace/air handler is located in the attic. As a seven says, just insulate properly.

 

[James-W]

Refrigerant lines are run through attics all the time. Usually when the furnace/air handler is located in the attic. As a seven says, just insulate properly.

I understand that, but if that were the case then I would think the lines would already be running in the attic. How else would they get to the furnace/air-handler? Since the lines are not currently running in the attic I have to assume his setup is similar to mine.

 

[danielzig]

I understand that, but if that were the case then I would think the lines would already be running in the attic. How else would they get to the furnace/air-handler? Since the lines are not currently running in the attic I have to assume his setup is similar to mine.

I was referring to the OPs original question.

 

[James-W]

I was referring to the OPs original question.

Sorry if I misunderstood you. I am just curious as to why he wants to move the lines to the attic. I am assuming everything is working OK with his air-conditioning, he just wants the lines moved for some reason.

 

[Falcon67]

At our old house, the original install ran the lines under the house. They developed a leak in later times, the new lines were run in the attic. The AC unit was a vertical, installed in a hall closet. I've seen houses - new - with refer lines run in the slab. "For aesthetics" I was told. Horse hokey. Our current house has them penetrate the brick then run up into the attic. Nice - sure, until problems develop then you run new lines up the wall like normal.

 

[clear]

Yes insulation for the refrigerant line. Only really need it on the suction line ( bigger one).

This is correct. The main purpose of the insulation is to prevent condensation from forming.

 

[48RON54]

At our old house, the original install ran the lines under the house. They developed a leak in later times, the new lines were run in the attic. The AC unit was a vertical, installed in a hall closet. I've seen houses - new - with refer lines run in the slab. "For aesthetics" I was told. Horse hokey. Our current house has them penetrate the brick then run up into the attic. Nice - sure, until problems develop then you run new lines up the wall like normal.

My dad had this same exact problem.

 

[sevenzeronova]

This is correct. The main purpose of the insulation is to prevent condensation from forming.

Main purpose is for maintaining proper total super heat to compressor. Without it may absorb to much heat and slug liquid refrigerant into the compressor causing failure.

 

[danielzig]

Main purpose is for maintaining proper total super heat to compressor. Without it may absorb to much heat and slug liquid refrigerant into the compressor causing failure.

Without it, the refrigerant will absorb more heat. This causes higher superheat. End result would be the compressor getting too hot because it is not being cooled by the vapor.

It would be less likely to see liquid return to the compressor with an uninsulated line. Not more likely.

 

[sevenzeronova]

It will condense from vapor back to liquid state.

 

[clear]

Main purpose is for maintaining proper total super heat to compressor. Without it may absorb to much heat and slug liquid refrigerant into the compressor causing failure.

Do you think the customer would be more concerned about the extra heat picked up on the low-pressure side or the condensation damage to their ceiling?

 

[danielzig]

It will condense from vapor back to liquid state.

How?

 

[Rockhead261]

It will condense from vapor back to liquid state.

[emoji38]

Clueless.

OP, insulate the suction line like others have said. You'll be fine.

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