Insulating chilled water pipes helps prevent condensation. True or False?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. It depends
• D. Not enough information

Answer: (B)

Condensation happens when a surface is cooler than the dew point of the surrounding humid air. Chilled water pipes are very cold, so without insulation their surfaces can drop below the dew point and moisture will condense on them. Insulating the pipes slows heat transfer from the warm room into the pipe, so the outer surface stays closer to room temperature and is less likely to fall below the dew point. That’s why insulating chilled water pipes is an effective way to prevent condensation. In real settings, if insulation is damaged or humidity is extremely high, condensation can still occur, but properly insulated pipes greatly reduce the risk.