Why is pipe insulation important?
Pipe insulation refers to the thermal and acoustic insulation applied to the pipework. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of different ways to increase your home's energy efficiency. However, it is one of the important aspects of your home’s infrastructure.
Proper pipe insulation improves the performance and life of your plumbing while also protecting it from extreme temperatures or weather conditions. It also helps to reduce your energy bills and keeps your home warmer. It can help to avoid issues or plumbing problems that can be expensive to tackle.
As the concern around raising utility bills and improving energy efficiency grows, insulating the pipes within your home or building has become increasingly important.
Pipe insulation
The key benefits of pipe insulation include:
Energy costs:
Pipe insulation significantly lowers heat loss around pipes while also acting as a moisture barrier. It leads to improved thermal performance and higher operating efficiencies, therefore, lower operating expenses. It also helps you save money by lowering your overall energy consumption.
Frozen pipes:
When your pipes are uninsulated, freezing temperatures can be a serious concern. When the mercury drops, water left in the pipes located outside or in unheated areas where the ambient temperature can drop below the freezing point may freeze and expand. It can cause tiny cracks that may break open or burst the pipe altogether. The cost of additional insulation is negligible when compared to the cost of repairing damages caused by a burst pipe.
Pipe insulation does not prevent standing water from freezing in pipes, but it does extend the time it takes for freezing to occur, thus lowering the chance of the water freezing in the pipes. It is, therefore crucial to insulate pipework, particularly in areas prone to sub-zero temperatures.
Condensation damage:
When uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes operate below ambient temperatures, water vapour may begin to condense on the pipe surface. Moisture is known to be the leading cause of many different types of corrosion, so preventing condensation on pipework is essential.
Condensation can also hasten pipe deterioration, erosion, leaks, cracks, and gaps. You can significantly reduce the risk of damage from burst pipes and corrosion by installing some extra insulation on the pipes.
Prevents burns and reduces heat loss:
If a person comes in contact with an extremely hot or cold pipe, that is left uninsulated, they will likely be injured. Ideally, hot water pipes should be insulated from the water heater to their final destination.
The heat lost between the water heater and the fixture reduces by insulating hot water pipes, which will raise the temperature of the water provided to the faucet, showerhead, or washing machine. When the temperature of the water delivered is higher, you can turn your water heater down by a few notches, thus reducing the temperature of your water heater by ten degrees. This way, you can reduce your energy costs by 3-5 per cent.
Acoustic insulation:
When pipes are in use, they might vibrate and even make banging noises. Pipe insulation can aid in the absorption of these high-pitched operational noises.
Conclusion:
Many pipe insulation materials provide excellent thermal insulation, fire protection and acoustic insulation while remaining cost-effective. Select the best pipe insulation for your home and increase the life of your plumbing whilst making your home more energy-efficient.
For top-grade pipe insulation, HVAC insulation and duct insulation products online at www.buyinsulationonline.co.uk today. We also offer general insulation products like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, Acoustic insulation and much more from market-leading brands at the lowest possible prices.
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