Central air conditioning is a creature comfort; it will make your home much more livable for you and any guests you receive during the hottest days of the year. If you have decided (finally) to purchase a central air conditioner, and you are having an HVAC contractor perform the air conditioning installation, you may be surprised to learn that these systems need their own insulation. Here are the types of insulation you will need when you install a central air conditioner for the first time.

Insulating the Electrical Wires and Cables

You have a condenser outside that has several electrical wires and cables that travel to the inside of your home. The wires and cables which are left outside are exposed to the elements, which means that unless they are properly insulated, they can cause some serious harm and even deteriorate over time. Special insulation for these components usually comprise of plastic tubing to encase the wires and cables, as well as some waterproof electrical tape. Do not worry--your HVAC contractor will provide the insulatory parts as well as the service that places the wires and cables inside the tubing and/or wrapping the cables and wires with electrical tape.

Foam Wrapping and a Tarp for the Condenser

In the warmer months, you will have the condenser (the air conditioner box outside) exposed to the open air so that your central air system can effectively do its job. However, in winter, you want to insulate it against ice, snow and cold. Find some thick foam padding on a roll and a tarp and wrap the condenser in that. If you are not sure how to do this, ask your HVAC contractor to return in the fall and show you how this is done so that you can do it yourself in the years to come.

Pipe Insulation

There are some pipes in certain models of air conditioners that help filter water/condensation away from your air conditioner. Because these pipes travel into your basement or crawl space alongside your other plumbing, they should be insulated just like your other pipes. Ask your HVAC contractor, like those at Elite Heating, Cooling and Plumbing or a similar location, what you should use to prevent these new pipes from freezing. Usually it is the same kind of insulation a plumber uses to insulate the rest of your pipes in your home, but the contractor might have other ideas as to what is best for your air conditioner's pipes.