Pipe Insulation Especially Important in Winter

Abst： Modern pipe insulation is made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Recently, common types of pipe insulation include mineral wool, glass wool, rubber, rigid foam, and polyethylene.

Generally, Pipe Insulation is often misunderstood and overlooked by homeowners, but it really serves an important purpose in your plumbing system. Knowing how and where to use it and can help improve your energy efficiency while raising the value of your home.

In addition, asbestos was once a popular choice for insulation, but is no longer used because several studies and experiments have shown that it is harmful to human health. It has been linked to several severe diseases such as cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. If you live in an old house and suspect that the pipe insulation in your home is made of asbestos, you then must seek professional assistance immediately and have it replaced.

You know, in winter when the temperature is below the freezing point, water will easily freeze while it is in pipes. This can lead to burst pipes, which will result in expensive repairs and renovation, so good insulation is important to keeping the water flowing. Because insulation slows the transfer of heat from the pipes to the colder environment outside, keeping the liquid inside from freezing. Well, it is necessary to keep in mind that when installing insulation for situations like these, it is important to not leave any gaps that can expose the pipe to cold air.

In practice, insulation can greatly improve the efficiency of a water heater by reducing the amount of heat lost to the surrounding environment. Besides, if heat bleeds out from the pipes into the surrounding area, it will cause the overall temperature of the hot water to drop.

Usually, this is most noticeable in the cold, winter months, when temperatures around the water heater can drop significantly. By insulating the hot water pipes, you can increase the overall temperature of the water by 2%-4%, allowing you to lower your water heater settings. What’s more, since the water heats up quicker, you even don't have to run the faucets for so long.

In conclusion, good insulation stops energy loss, and is good for more than just pipes. By taking the time to insulate your pipes, you can save hundreds of dollars off of your annual energy bills, and improve the efficiency of your home.