Rubber and plastic materials are a mature and frequently used type of insulation material in HVAC systems, especially in air conditioning water systems, refrigerant piping, and ventilation systems, where they play an irreplaceable role. Below, we will systematically explain their applications from three aspects: uses, performance mechanisms, and applicable scenarios.

I. Main Uses of Rubber and Plastic Materials in HVAC Systems

1️⃣ Chilled Water and Refrigerant Piping Insulation

In central air conditioning systems, chilled water pipes, cooling water pipes, and refrigerant piping operate at low temperatures for extended periods, making them highly susceptible to heat loss and surface condensation.

Rubber and plastic insulation materials are widely used to cover the outside of pipes to:

Reduce heat loss

Reduce system energy consumption

Prevent condensation and dripping from pipe surfaces

This is the most core and typical use of rubber and plastic in HVAC systems.

2️⃣ Fan Coil Unit and Equipment Connection Piping Insulation

In fan coil units and air conditioning terminal equipment connection pipe sections, the pipe diameter is small, there are many bends, and space is limited.

Rubber and plastic materials, due to their softness, flexibility, and ease of cutting, are ideal for:

Small-diameter pipe insulation

Complex joint covering

Continuous insulation of valves and flanges

3️⃣ Anti-condensation treatment for HVAC systems

Condensation on pipe surfaces is a common problem in HVAC systems, especially in humid environments or under high temperature and humidity conditions.

The closed-cell structure of rubber and plastic materials makes it difficult for water vapor to penetrate, effectively:

Blocking water vapor diffusion

Reducing the risk of condensation

Keeping the pipe surface dry

Therefore, they are widely used in basements, machine rooms, and commercial complexes.

4️⃣ Noise reduction assistance for air conditioning systems

Rubber and plastic materials have a certain degree of elasticity and vibration absorption capacity. After being used to cover pipes, they can:

Buffer equipment vibration

Reduce structural noise transmitted through pipes

Improve the equipment operating environment

Although rubber and plastic are not professional sound-absorbing materials, they have a certain auxiliary noise reduction effect in HVAC systems.

II. Performance Mechanism of Rubber and Plastics in HVAC Piping

✔ Low Thermal Conductivity

Rubber and plastic materials have low thermal conductivity, achieving stable insulation effects with relatively small thicknesses, making them suitable for piping systems in buildings with limited space.

✔ Closed-Cell Foam Structure

The uniform closed-cell structure reduces air convection, a key reason for their combined insulation and moisture-proof properties.

✔ Good Flexibility

Rubber and plastics maintain elasticity at both normal and low temperatures, resisting cracking and facilitating construction and long-term use.

✔ High Installation Efficiency

They can be prefabricated into pipe shells or sheets, requiring no complex equipment during construction, making them suitable for rapid installation in large-scale HVAC projects.

III. Typical Application Scenarios of Rubber and Plastics in HVAC Systems

Central Air Conditioning Systems in Commercial Complexes

Chillered Water Piping in Hotels and Office Buildings

Air Conditioning Systems in Hospitals and Data Centers

Air Conditioning and Cooling Piping in Industrial Plants

Pipelining Systems in Underground Spaces and Equipment Rooms

In these scenarios, rubber and plastic materials offer energy savings, condensation prevention, and ease of construction, making them a cost-effective insulation choice for HVAC projects.

In practical applications, rubber and plastic materials are mainly used in HVAC piping systems for three main purposes: pipe insulation, condensation prevention, and system energy saving.

Their low thermal conductivity, closed-cell moisture resistance, flexibility, and ease of installation make them ideal for the complex and variable piping environments in central air conditioning and HVAC projects.