I was wondering if wrapping an air handler that is installed in a crawlspace with insulation would reduce or even eliminate the excessive amount of condensation that was forming on the unit?

Or would that be a bad idea?

The air handler looked like it was raining underneath.

Attached Images

DSC05590.JPG (34.9 KB, 46 views)

__________________
"I reject your reality and substitute my own!" - A. S.

Absolute Home Inspections, LLC

Are inspection referrals from past clients important to you? If so, click here to get even more referrals!

I would think that would create MORE condensation on the metal surfaces, or, at the very least, not allow it to dry, causing it to rust out.

__________________
Jerry Peck, Construction / Litigation Consultant
Construction Litigation Consultants, LLC ( www.ConstructionLitigationConsultants.com )
EastWestData (www.EastWestData.com )

It is basically a metal duct, treat it like one. I would check the interior duct liner (insulation) to see it it is has signs of water damage. Wet insulation inside can cause/allow condensation on the outside. If it is dry, reducing the R/H in the crawl or adding insulation would help keep condensation from forming. If you keep it dry, it does not have to dry out...

__________________
Jim Luttrall
Mr. Inspector.net, Inc.
Allen, Texas 75002

I was just wondering if it would do the same as wrapping duct boots to reduce the amount of condensation that wicks onto the sub-floor?

Or kinda like wrapping the refrigerant lines.

I don't know if it would help or not.

Just trying to think of something that might work.

__________________
"I reject your reality and substitute my own!" - A. S.

Absolute Home Inspections, LLC

Least you forget, air handlers, unlike ducts, are opened for servicing.

Wrapping a duct in insulation which is never intended to be disturbed is one thing, wrapping an air handler in insulation which is going to be repeatedly cut open and never sealed back up tight is a totally different animal.

IF the insulation inside the air handler is adequate (as designed) then you should not have all that condensation on the outside.

However, once an air handler overflows inside the unit, the insulation gets wet and become like all wet insulation - useless.

Likewise, once the insulation has been cut and taped and cut and tape and cut and taped, you know it will be leaking air around those cuts and tape.

Heck, ever seen one re-taped after the first cut? Not often.

__________________
Jerry Peck, Construction / Litigation Consultant
Construction Litigation Consultants, LLC ( www.ConstructionLitigationConsultants.com )
EastWestData (www.EastWestData.com )