Problems With the Insulation Stripping of a Central Air Conditioner

Weather Stripping

• Weather stripping can refer either to the material used to block air movement and water ingress around openings or to the process of installing it. Different types of weather stripping are used for different applications; for instance, a compressible foam is commonly used in doorways that open and close, while an insulating tape is the norm for static applications such as sealing air conditioner ducts.

Problems With Insulation Stripping

• By far the most common problem with air conditioner duct insulation stripping is that it loses its resilience over time, becoming flat and thin. When this happens the only redress is to replace the stripping, which is both a cheap and easy-to-perform project. An additional benefit of plump, effective weather stripping is the reduction -- and often eradication -- of vibration noise from the central unit being transferred through the ducts to the surrounding structures.

Diagnosis

• If cooling costs seem to be inappropriately high, start your diagnosis of the cause by checking the setting of the thermostat against that of comparable structures. In a home, ask what the neighbors keep theirs set at; if their home is comfortable with a setting of 75 degrees, for instance, while yours is comfortable only when set at 68 degrees, it is fair to assume you have an insulation problem.

Rectification

• Check the seams in the ducts to ensure there are no leaks: Ducts can become deformed over time or through accidental contact, but by far the most common problem is that duct tape -- a very poor way of sealing ducts -- dries out and falls off. A simple visual check will reveal if this has happened. If there is a problem anywhere in the system it is probable that there will soon be problems at every joint; replace all the insulation stripping as one project.

  Further, check that the insulation in your loft is thick enough and has a good “R” rating. If you have old-style loose fill insulation, ensure that it is evenly distributed across the entire substrate. On the subject of lofts, it is important that this space be well-ventilated; although heat rises, if it is allowed to build up inside the void it will adversely effect the temperature of the entire building.

A Tips for Window Units

• The concertina flaps or wings typically provided with most window air conditioners are all but ineffective as insulators. They are made of thin accordion-style plastic that allows the exchange of heat from the outside to the inside with almost no resistance. Measure the area of the concertina flaps, then cut out matching panels of foam board insulation material sold at most home improvement warehouses and some department stores. Tape these panels over the flaps, making sure to exclude all drafts around the edges.