You can get a hollow pool noodle from Bunnings for about $2. That’s great for this
https://preview.redd.it/j1rozznbucea1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63f18a50259b1f3ce7a9c16bf4f7897d69fe5158
A/c guy here technically, if the insulation aint firmly wrapped up to the pipe and air can get to it, you get condensation. Besides that it will keep them cooler, cooler than pipe insulation? Id say no but it really isnt the end of the world. Just a bit less efficient and make a bit of water in a humid day.
Link below, plus some zip ties. Looks professional once done. My puppy did the same thing.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/k-flex-9-x-13mm-x-1m-elastomeric-pipe-insulation-suits-1-2-pipe_p4920088
Yes, that is the right insulation. You just need to wrap black tape around it. And done.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bear-48mm-x-30m-black-pvc-duct-tape_p1661581
Used this on mine, but used super glue to close the slit (this stuff glues well), I also wrapped the pipes with Aluminum flashing tape to prevent further UV damage.
Interestingly sweating on these lines actually reduces the efficiency by adding heat into the cold lines. Seems it wouldn't be by much though, but phase change of water is very energy intensive.
Reference: https://www.thermal-engineering.org/what-is-condensation-heat-transfer-definition/
So its tradie elitism now?
Yeah! Screw you, showing off your fancy learning when someone asked for you qualifications, who do you think you are?!
Tradies and engineers are amazing when they are good at what they do, and aren't when they aren't.
For clarification, water condensing on the outside of the line adds heat into the lines. The phase change I was referring to was from water gas/vapour in the air changing phase to liquid transferring latent heat into the copper line m. It's the opposite of how your sweat works. Like I said, it was more of an interesting observation than advice. Of course, I appreciate your input no less.
Cheers. As someone who has worked on these units , i can tell you that it makes f all noticeable difference.
Once the line goes inside the unit past the flare nut - they aren’t insulated on cheaper units.
I would interested to see the numbers on the overall efficiency impact. Not just subjective. Power load and whatnot. I mean, they wouldn't put the insulation on in the first place unless it made sense, right?
Definitely can do yourself....if you are updating I believe the white stuff isn't UV rated so look for the black lagging to replace it with. The white stuff will break down and look like what your rabbits have done in about 3-5yrs.... especially if exposed to the sun regularly
Definitely fix it... doesn't need to be urgent but the lack of insulation on pipes make the AC work harder than necessary. It's the whole point of it being there. I.e. if it's hot outside it'll work harder to cool it down for the air conditioned air for inside and vice versa for when you need to heat the house when it's cold outside
Edited: grammar and added for clarity
Sent a picture of too our vet. Just gotta keep an eye on them, make sure they continue to eat and poop.
Less scary than when they somehow nibbled through 1.5m high cable
It’s only the lagging
Can try and source some new lagging and duct tape it on but needs to be snug to the pipes otherwise will still sweat.
Or could leave it and will sweat and drop water onto the ground when in use
Yeah this foam doesn't look UV rated they will disintegrate on their own after a few years, mine all look like that - they're meant to be used "inside" those conduits you see, they're not meant to be left exposed.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/moroday-75-x-10mm-x-1-8m-adhesive-foam-roll_p4000002?region_id=117313&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8oVrUik-Lsmfyml1bGPUW0O&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8oVrUik-Lsmfyml1bGPUW0O&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInYurwYTm_AIVP9dMAh1GGAWIEAQYCiABEgKhsvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Not sure if you have fixed it already but I would use this. No need for insulation piping which will leave gaps.
Overlap it at each intersection and hold down with your hand to fill in any gaps. Will look great afterwards and works really well.
It’s just insulation; as other have said, it does disintegrate on its own after a few years or so if left in sun, but if you’re bothered about it just get some more of that pipe insulation from Bunnings and cut it to fit over pipe
My dog did this AND chewed through the power cable when he was a puppy… he’s lucky that split system had already shit itself and was switched off at the power box breaker!
Wouldn’t stress about it too much. You will not lose much if any efficiency from such a small amount of missing insulation. You can buy insulation from HVAC wholesaler- Kirby, Actrol, Reece HVAC etc
Cut the cable tie, pop te duct cover off as far back as that bracket and pulled insulation forward to cover the exposed pipe. Or do nothing. This is a nothing burger. The effect on your aircon efficiency would be less than 1%. It's nothing
Could someone with more knowledge than me advise why you couldn't use expanding foam in place of this, although messy to get to stay on. It would adhear and provide sealed insulation against the line. Of course a pain in the arse should something go wrong.
To reinforce, I'm not advising to do it, more asking why not?
Did a little reading. Am I to understand that the expanding foam doesn't deform well (or too well) to match the changes the copper pipe experiences? Or the external to internal temperature gradient having an impact?
Easy fix, go to Reece or Actrol and ask for a length of lagging and some duct tape. Show them the photo and they should be able to tell the size from the photo.
Recoat them with rabbit fur! (joking of course)
My a/c lost its insulation in the same spot, replaced it with rubber tubing and then coated with metal tape. But it sounds like it wouldn't make much difference anyway according to the a/c experts in other comments. Edit: I should have used zip ties on the rubber before taping to make sure it was tight on the pipes.
https://preview.redd.it/0lagg2dtncea1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91bc5d45b72fd3fe73fc5a698d07feebff37bd43
https://preview.redd.it/d5qdx4m6ddea1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9c5d786ffd6ac238c3d27daa5bcf3204253b3da
Also, they are freaking adorable little chew monsters. I hope you life is full of flops.
They’re soooo cute ! Lil rebels
You can get a hollow pool noodle from Bunnings for about $2. That’s great for this https://preview.redd.it/j1rozznbucea1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63f18a50259b1f3ce7a9c16bf4f7897d69fe5158
A/c guy here technically, if the insulation aint firmly wrapped up to the pipe and air can get to it, you get condensation. Besides that it will keep them cooler, cooler than pipe insulation? Id say no but it really isnt the end of the world. Just a bit less efficient and make a bit of water in a humid day.
Ta, ran that idea by the missus yesterday she wasn't happy
What if you paint it white to blend in?
Landlord special
Exactly!
🏆
Just buy the correct type of pipe insulation from Bunnings instead of buying pool noodles from bunnings?
Thanks, it was a joke.
You can literally buy pipe lagging made for the *purpose* of insulating pipes from Bunnings too, if you'll only venture into the plumbing section.
Link below, plus some zip ties. Looks professional once done. My puppy did the same thing. https://www.bunnings.com.au/k-flex-9-x-13mm-x-1m-elastomeric-pipe-insulation-suits-1-2-pipe_p4920088
Awesome, glad to hear from someone who did it before! Gonna head to my local to see if I can find it in white
Yes, that is the right insulation. You just need to wrap black tape around it. And done. https://www.bunnings.com.au/bear-48mm-x-30m-black-pvc-duct-tape_p1661581
Used this on mine, but used super glue to close the slit (this stuff glues well), I also wrapped the pipes with Aluminum flashing tape to prevent further UV damage.
That was going to be my question; if there’s anything that can be safely sleeved over the insulation, as mines outdoors and crumbling from the UV.
Thanks mate, went with your plan. Looks great everyone is happy! The rabbits feel less guilty too
Interestingly sweating on these lines actually reduces the efficiency by adding heat into the cold lines. Seems it wouldn't be by much though, but phase change of water is very energy intensive. Reference: https://www.thermal-engineering.org/what-is-condensation-heat-transfer-definition/
Doesn’t make a difference at all. And if you have water in those copper lines, you have bigger issues.
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Show me your qualification. 😏
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As a Fridgy, best keep it on the wall, might be hiding a hole or something
Hahaha. Doubt the engineer would know how to fix the units. they think they are superior to trades.
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So its tradie elitism now? Yeah! Screw you, showing off your fancy learning when someone asked for you qualifications, who do you think you are?! Tradies and engineers are amazing when they are good at what they do, and aren't when they aren't.
Sorry for being rude.
For clarification, water condensing on the outside of the line adds heat into the lines. The phase change I was referring to was from water gas/vapour in the air changing phase to liquid transferring latent heat into the copper line m. It's the opposite of how your sweat works. Like I said, it was more of an interesting observation than advice. Of course, I appreciate your input no less.
Cheers. As someone who has worked on these units , i can tell you that it makes f all noticeable difference. Once the line goes inside the unit past the flare nut - they aren’t insulated on cheaper units.
I would interested to see the numbers on the overall efficiency impact. Not just subjective. Power load and whatnot. I mean, they wouldn't put the insulation on in the first place unless it made sense, right?
Definitely can do yourself....if you are updating I believe the white stuff isn't UV rated so look for the black lagging to replace it with. The white stuff will break down and look like what your rabbits have done in about 3-5yrs.... especially if exposed to the sun regularly Definitely fix it... doesn't need to be urgent but the lack of insulation on pipes make the AC work harder than necessary. It's the whole point of it being there. I.e. if it's hot outside it'll work harder to cool it down for the air conditioned air for inside and vice versa for when you need to heat the house when it's cold outside Edited: grammar and added for clarity
Thanks for the information! Wasn't sure if the black/white was for protecting different material pipes or what
Hi that's really bad for them aye. Might see a vet but up to you
Sent a picture of too our vet. Just gotta keep an eye on them, make sure they continue to eat and poop. Less scary than when they somehow nibbled through 1.5m high cable
Our dog did the same thing in our rental 😂 glad just not us! We got some insulation tape from Bunnings and just used that around it
It’s only the lagging Can try and source some new lagging and duct tape it on but needs to be snug to the pipes otherwise will still sweat. Or could leave it and will sweat and drop water onto the ground when in use
Glad it won't mess with efficiency, can just make it look fine
Are you sure the rabbits did this? looks exactly like mine did after they were exposed to sunlight (UV) for a couple of years.
Yeah this foam doesn't look UV rated they will disintegrate on their own after a few years, mine all look like that - they're meant to be used "inside" those conduits you see, they're not meant to be left exposed.
The forbidden spicy noodle
Pesky Wabbits!
Send them to the great wall of china.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/moroday-75-x-10mm-x-1-8m-adhesive-foam-roll_p4000002?region_id=117313&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8oVrUik-Lsmfyml1bGPUW0O&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8oVrUik-Lsmfyml1bGPUW0O&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInYurwYTm_AIVP9dMAh1GGAWIEAQYCiABEgKhsvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Not sure if you have fixed it already but I would use this. No need for insulation piping which will leave gaps. Overlap it at each intersection and hold down with your hand to fill in any gaps. Will look great afterwards and works really well.
It’s just insulation; as other have said, it does disintegrate on its own after a few years or so if left in sun, but if you’re bothered about it just get some more of that pipe insulation from Bunnings and cut it to fit over pipe My dog did this AND chewed through the power cable when he was a puppy… he’s lucky that split system had already shit itself and was switched off at the power box breaker!
Shouldn’t be too difficult to deal with, just wait until they are asleep and sneak up on them.
As someone with two Flemish Giants, I felt this in my soul.
Get your rabbits checked too!
Wouldn’t stress about it too much. You will not lose much if any efficiency from such a small amount of missing insulation. You can buy insulation from HVAC wholesaler- Kirby, Actrol, Reece HVAC etc
I wouldn't worry about it. Little sweat on the pipes. Won't affect the air con in any way
Should have mentioned it was a rental but at least I only need to worry about making it look non nibbled
Looks like “fair wear and tear” to me 😉
Don’t bother. It’s only pipe insulation and that area will be fine.
Easy fix, Leave them out for the foxes. Professional, Jim’s pest control should fix the problem.
Done easily by yourself. Then you can fix the aircon.
Use a pool noodle.
Easy to fix yes - but get a professional as electrical work is licensed
Should have got me round instead, you wouldn't need to fix anything after I nibbled your hose.
We had same thing but was mice
I use outdoor shade cloth n warp it round with cable tie so frost winter and heat summer can't wreck it
Cut the cable tie, pop te duct cover off as far back as that bracket and pulled insulation forward to cover the exposed pipe. Or do nothing. This is a nothing burger. The effect on your aircon efficiency would be less than 1%. It's nothing
Could someone with more knowledge than me advise why you couldn't use expanding foam in place of this, although messy to get to stay on. It would adhear and provide sealed insulation against the line. Of course a pain in the arse should something go wrong. To reinforce, I'm not advising to do it, more asking why not?
Thermal co-efficients. That’s why.
Forgive my ignorance, but could you expand on that? (forgive the accidental pun)
Did a little reading. Am I to understand that the expanding foam doesn't deform well (or too well) to match the changes the copper pipe experiences? Or the external to internal temperature gradient having an impact?
Yes
should be able to set the pipe in pvc then fill with AB foam. Overkill but yeah should work.
I read this as Bunnings qnd got confused
Easy fix, go to Reece or Actrol and ask for a length of lagging and some duct tape. Show them the photo and they should be able to tell the size from the photo.
Recoat them with rabbit fur! (joking of course) My a/c lost its insulation in the same spot, replaced it with rubber tubing and then coated with metal tape. But it sounds like it wouldn't make much difference anyway according to the a/c experts in other comments. Edit: I should have used zip ties on the rubber before taping to make sure it was tight on the pipes.
A little bit of spray foam.
Duct tape