Replies

1. 
   tenpenny | Jun 25, 2003 05:49pm | #1

   The compressor is NOT cooled by the suction gas.  Generally, it is cooled by the airflow over/around the cylinder head.  The blanket will shorten the life of hte compressor.

2. 
   MarkH128 | Jun 25, 2003 07:19pm | #2

   You could use the blanket to send smoke signals after the compressor burns.

1. 
   edwardh1 | Jun 25, 2003 08:44pm | #3

   good idee.

   they are however widely recommened on another hvac forum.

   but seems it would heat the comp.

   but then I guess some OE mfg sell them??

1. 
   MarkH128 | Jun 26, 2003 12:14am | #4

   Sorry, I thought you were talking about air compressors. HVAC compressors are another story. I would think a blanket would work on them, but I have no knowledge that it is a good idea. At least they are thermally protected if it doesn't work out. I don't think they are so much cooled directly, but are cooled by the suction side of the refrigerant.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Jun 26, 2003 06:43am | #5

   Hermatically sealed ac compressors are cooled by the oil that is carried through the refrigerant loop by the the gas. The gas itself also aids in cooling. If you are insulating for noise, insulate the cabinet unit, not the compressor.

   Dave

1. 
   edwardh1 | Jun 26, 2003 03:36pm | #6

   many companies sell sound blankets that velcro on

   and many techs say that the manufactureres themselves sell them

   but the fact that many compressor compartments are vented tells me heat would be a concern,

   but then again many people recommend them

2. 
   tenpenny | Jun 26, 2003 03:50pm | #7

   Oh, that kind of compressor.  That's a different beast.  Methought youse was talkin' bout a hair compressor.

1. 
   edwardh1 | Jun 26, 2003 10:56pm | #8

   I got this reply from one of the major scroll and recip compressor makers

   Our hermetic and scroll compressors are suction gas cooled. Putting a sound

   cover over the compressor will not overheat the motor or running gear

   assembly.

   One concern with sound covers is if they cover the compressor motor leads

   (the three wires that power the compressor). If the sound enclosure covers

   the wires, UL request that the system manufacturer conduct temperature test

   on the wires. This is why there are some covers that leave the terminal box

   exposed.

   My suggestion is to contact the system manufacturer to learn if a sound

   cover is an option.

3. 
   bobbomax | Dec 23, 2019 05:46pm | #9

   My experience with modern mini-splits is that the fans are noisier than the compressors. My neighbor hasn't complained and he's so picky that his original concern was that the airflow from the fan would interfere with his chimney.

   As far as older heat pumps or A/Cs, I personally wouldn't add anything that would interfere with any airflow unless it came from the OEM.