A/C efficiency

[bfiakas]

If you have any 1 inch ID grey pipe insulation (Home Depot).Put it on your suction line and use zip ties about every 4 in. or so and you should get 10 or more degs out of the vents.I did it and got 12 more degs. without icing up the evap.

 

[thecircuitbox]

Does the heat not melt the pipe insulation? Also did you take temps before and after several times even while driving to make sure? I find it hard to beleive I can make my A/C 10 degrees cooler.

 

[4x4junkie]

I put some poly foam pipe insulation on mine, engine heat hasn't bothered it at all.

I didn't see a 10 degree difference though, probably more around 2-3 degrees, if that.
Insulating the evaporator box and accumulator can provide some additional benefit.

 

[thecircuitbox]

What would be the best way to insulate the evap box and accumulator?

 

[4x4junkie]

I used some thermal insulating mat around it (gray/black felt stuff with a reflective barrier on one side, used for under the carpets, headliner, etc.). Staples can be used to hold it onto the box (Ford did it this way starting midway thru the '94 models).

 

[ronclark]

I was thinking about doing this, but what about corrosion of the lines and joins?

 

[thecircuitbox]

Is this that material you were talking about?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DEI-050130/?rtype=10

 

[4x4junkie]

That looks similar (foam instead of felt?)

Should work fine.

P.S., I fixed your link, you had a double-http// in there.

 

[Ranger SVO]

I was thinking about doing this, but what about corrosion of the lines and joins?

If your thinking about the condensation, it won't happen on an insulated line. The cold line (the low side) stays cold and is no longer effected by the hot air surrounding it.

Look at you home AC unit, the cold line is insulated. Mine is wrapped with 1-inch foam insulation and then taped with aluminum tape.

I did the same thing to my Yaris. First 1-inch foam insulation and then aluminum tape. I noticed a huge improvement at idle (stop lights) and low speed. Highway speed seems to be the same.

 

[ronclark]

If your thinking about the condensation, it won't happen on an insulated line. The cold line (the low side) stays cold and is no longer effected by the hot air surrounding it.

Look at you home AC unit, the cold line is insulated. Mine is wrapped with 1-inch foam insulation and then taped with aluminum tape.

I did the same thing to my Yaris. First 1-inch foam insulation and then aluminum tape. I noticed a huge improvement at idle (stop lights) and low speed. Highway speed seems to be the same.

Thanks for the info.
I was thinking of doing it to my wife's 2005 Grand Am, the orifice tube is right in front of the car at the condenser, then makes a long trip in front of the engine passed the exhaust into the evap.
Just looking at it makes me wounder inefficiency that is.

 

[thecircuitbox]

That looks similar (foam instead of felt?)

Should work fine.

P.S., I fixed your link, you had a double-http// in there.

Yeah it is a foam rather than felt I believe. When I redo the A/C this post will come in handy.