Any benefit to insulating condensing furnance PVC cold air intake?

[ChicagoJim]

I'll be having a condensing furnace installed to replace the old beast in the house.

In outlying Chicago suburbs (where the winters are <32* and not uncommon for 30 days of < 0*), is there any benefit to having the 3" PVC intake insulated?

That is, will the PVC intake condensate from cold air as it runs through about 20 feet of condition air space (above the finished basement ceiling) before connecting to the furnace?

Thanks,
Jim

[ldmth44]

I would think this would not be a problem. I've never had to insulate the intake pipe to any condensing furnace that my company has installed. The colder the air, the less moisture, I believe.

[beenthere]

I would think this would not be a problem. I've never had to insulate the intake pipe to any condensing furnace that my company has installed. The colder the air, the less moisture, I believe.

He talking about condensation problems in the house, not in the pipe. Where if he has a humidifier. His humidity could be high enough to condense on a cold intake pipe.

There would be no harm in insulating it.

[wahoo]

I agree with beenthere, if the humidity is high enough and the intake pipe is cold enough, then you could theory wise get condensation on the intake pipe exterior. Can't hurt anyway. Never have had that problem though.

[fixitguy]

1. Some inspectors dont EXACTLY follow the installers manual.
Have see insulation required on BOTH VENT PIPES..
2. Dont want any water freezing inside.....