The low side , or suction line, will be the line connected to the compressor from the top or higher position. It will be cold to the touch and may be wrapped with insulation.
Where is the AC suction line?
The suction line connects the evaporator to the compressor , the discharge line connects the compressor to the condenser, and the liquid line connects the condenser to the expansion device. The expansion device is typically located at the end of the liquid line, at the inlet to the evaporator.
Which line is the suction line on an AC?
Refrigerant lines are two copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to the indoor evaporator coil. The larger line typically carries a cool gas and is insulated. This is commonly referred to as the suction line, but it is also called the return line or vapor line.
Is suction line Hot or cold?
When the system is operating, the large insulated suction line should be cold to the touch and sweating at any point where there is no insulation. The smaller uninsulated liquid line should be warm to the touch after the system has been operating for 10 or 15 minutes.
What is the discharge line in AC?
Discharge gas lines (often referred to as hot gas lines) allow refrigerant to flow from the discharge of the compressor to the inlet of the condenser . Undersizing discharge lines will reduce compressor capacity and increase compressor work.
Why is the suction line not cold?
The Copper Pipe (Suction Line) should be sweating and cold to the touch during a hot day. If it is not cold, your compressor could be off (bad capacitor/ hard start kit) or low on Refrigerant. ... Be Careful because this usually indicates a problem with the compressor or wiring.
Should AC suction line sweat?
A sweating suction line is perfectly normal . Excessive sweating might be caused by not insulated well enough or too cold due to poor air flow over the evaporator. Some types of systems might sweat a lot because of being overcharged but in that case, usually the whole compressor will be sweating.
Is AC low side liquid or gas?
The refrigerant, a chemical compound that changes easily from liquid to a gas. When the refrigerant is pushed into the compressor, it is a low pressure gas .
How do I change my AC line?
- Open the hood and locate the vehicle's A/C lines or hoses. ...
- Disconnect the negative battery cable using an open ended wrench. ...
- Recover any refrigerant (discharge A/C system) with an A/C machine.
- Remove damaged A/C lines or hoses. ...
- Install the new o-rings, A/C line, and hose.
- Reconnect negative battery cable.
Why is the suction line insulated?
Insulating the suction line is done to prevent condensate from developing and dripping off . This condensate drip can cause water damage to the material under it or cause a slip hazard for people walking below it.
What temperature is suction line?
The suction temperature should be above 35°F and below 65°F entering the compressor and the discharge line temperature should be below 220°F and above 150°F (typically) on a properly functioning package unit.
Do you insulate the suction or liquid line?
This is called the “suction” pipe and is typically the larger of the two pipes. There is no need to insulate the smaller, warmer copper pipe, often called the liquid line, because not insulating this line allows it to shed heat which is exactly what you are trying to do with an AC system.
Why is my AC liquid line hot?
AC liquid lines can become very hot if there is a problem with the condenser , such as it being dirty, or not working properly. Clean your condenser, and if the problem continues you may need to replace it or troubleshoot further. ... If your liquid line is very hot, instead of warm, then there could be a problem.
Why is suction line bigger?
The discharge pipe may be larger than the suction pipe. The purpose of the lines is to keep the losses to a minimum. This is done to make sure there is enough Net Positive Suction Head available to meet the requirements of the pump.
Where is the low pressure side of the air conditioning system?
The low side service valve is located in the line that runs from the compressor through the evaporator (firewall) and up to the condensor on the low pressure (suction) side of the system .
