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Insulating hot water pipes is a simple task that can save money on energy bills.
To get started, measure the diameter and length of the exposed pipes, and purchase one-inch fibreglass insulation secured with aluminium foil tape or wire. If you have a gas water heater, make sure to use non-flammable insulation, and keep it at least 15cm away from the flue.
Clean the pipes before installing the insulation, and slip the insulation onto the pipes without knocking them. Add fasteners along the pipe every 30cm to prevent slipping.
If you have an electric heater, you can insulate the pipes all the way to the water heater and the output at tubs and sinks. Insulating hot water pipes can make a significant impact on energy efficiency, and can be purchased from most hardware stores or ordered online.
Is insulating your hot water pipes worth it?
Insulating your home is now standard practice to improve comfort and lower costs. But what having hot water pipe insulation? Even though it might appear unusual at first, this makes logic. In this post, we’ll discuss the advantages of insulating hot water pipes.
Why insulate your hot water pipes?
We use hot water on a daily basis. We require hot water constantly, whether we are taking a hot shower or cooking dinner. Bills will be more costly as a result. Hot water significantly accounts for 25% of residential energy use in Australia, which means a sizable amount of your expenditures are devoted to it.
This is where insulation blankets come into play. If your hot water pipes are not insulated you can lose two to five degrees of temperature that your water is heated with.
While this does not sound like much, it does add and help you save money. For example, every time you shower it takes longer to get hot without hot water pipe insulation. With insulation products, it will get hotter quicker, requiring less energy.
Today, some modern systems already feature internal insulation. However, heat still escapes through the tank’s walls.
Insulating your hot water pipes is crucial because it speeds up the heating process, reducing energy consumption and saving you money. In fact, insulating your hot water pipes can save around 5% on your annual hot water costs.
How to insulate your hot water pipes
Measuring your pipes is the first step. The diameter of the pipes should be the first thing you measure because this is where the foam sleeves you’ll subsequently utilise will be. You also need to know the length of the exposed pipes. To ensure that you do not forget, note these measurements.
The second step is to buy the insulation. You can go to most hardware stores or order hot water pipe insulation online. Usually, the best option is one-inch fibreglass secured with aluminium foil tape or wire.
Please note, if you have a gas hot water heater system you will need to get non-flammable insulation. Also, some insulation has ‘self-sealing’ seams but if they do not you will need to purchase a form of tape or tie to stop the sleeve from moving on the pipe.
Now that you have the materials you will need to quickly clean the pipes. You can simply wipe them down with a towel with some hot water. Before putting the insulation on, make sure the pipes are dry.
Ready for installation
Now that you are ready to install your pipe insulation, begin by carefully slipping the insulation material onto the pipes, taking care not to knock or damage them.
For those with a gas water heater, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance between the insulation and the flue. Ensure that the insulation remains at least 15 centimetres away from the flue to prevent any potential hazards. In the case of an electric water heater, you have more flexibility and can insulate the pipes all the way to the water heater itself, including the output pipes leading to tubs and sinks.
This straightforward yet effective task can significantly enhance the efficiency of your heating system, leading to noticeable energy savings on your energy bills. By insulating your hot water pipes, you reduce heat loss, ensuring that your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature. This not only conserves energy but also prolongs the life of your water heater by reducing wear and tear.
In conclusion, taking the time to insulate your hot water pipes is a wise investment in your home’s energy efficiency. So, make sure to insulate your hot water pipes and enjoy the long-term advantages of a more efficient and cost-effective heating solution.
