After replacing a chiller, tenants report water on interior pipes. This is most likely caused by?

After replacing a chiller, tenants report water on interior pipes. This is most likely caused by?

• A. The chilled water has a lower water temperature which creates condensation
• B. A leak in the piping
• C. Insufficient insulation on pipes
• D. High ambient humidity

Answer: (A)

Condensation shows up when humid indoor air comes into contact with a surface that’s colder than the air’s dew point. Replacing the chiller typically lowers the temperature of the circulating chilled water, which makes the exterior of those pipes colder. If the pipe surface is now below the dew point of the room air, water vapor in the air condenses on the pipe, appearing as moisture on interior pipes. This isn’t necessarily a leak; it’s moisture condensing due to the colder pipe temperature. Insulation can influence how much condensation you see, but the direct cause here is the colder pipe surface from the new chiller settings. High humidity can contribute, but without a sufficiently cold surface, condensation wouldn’t form.

Condensation shows up when humid indoor air comes into contact with a surface that’s colder than the air’s dew point. Replacing the chiller typically lowers the temperature of the circulating chilled water, which makes the exterior of those pipes colder. If the pipe surface is now below the dew point of the room air, water vapor in the air condenses on the pipe, appearing as moisture on interior pipes. This isn’t necessarily a leak; it’s moisture condensing due to the colder pipe temperature.

Insulation can influence how much condensation you see, but the direct cause here is the colder pipe surface from the new chiller settings. High humidity can contribute, but without a sufficiently cold surface, condensation wouldn’t form.