You may utilize pipe insulation to keep your plumbing from freezing in winter. Did you know that there are other uses for this versatile material? Besides commercial uses, there are residential uses, too. Here are some ways to take advantage of insulating your pipes.
The most common use, is to protect your plumbing from the cold. No one wants a basement full of water, due to broken pipes. Older homes are more prone to these types of problems. Newer homes are built to eliminate such problems with freezing.
Insulating pipes can save money on energy bills. You may have a hot water heater. The plumbing from the heater can benefit from insulation. This may help you get hot water, quicker. It may also keep the pipes warmer. All of this can reduce the energy required for heating water.
Does your home have heat from steam or hot water? Your floors may have heat pipes in them. The hot water comes from a boiler. Heat will radiate from the floor pipes. Insulation can be used for the pipes from the boiler. This can make the system more efficient. This means savings on heating costs.
Perhaps you have pipes in your basement that sweat in warm weather. Your air conditioning may have the evaporator above the furnace. The cooling lines run from the basement to the outside condenser unit. These lines are cold in summer. The temperature variance will cause condensation. Dripping water may present a safety or health hazard. This is true in finished and unfinished basements. Insulating the pipes can make a difference.
Plumbing insulation comes in several types of material. Many kinds are wrapping material. Some are available in sections. These are usually made of fiberglass. This is good for large areas of plumbing. You can also employ foam insulation. Are you in a very cold climate? Consider using heat tape, before you insulate your pipes. This will ensure protection in the coldest of weather.
You can use pipe insulation to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures. You can also install it to save money on your fuel bills. It will work well for hot water heaters and hot water heat systems. It will help keep your basement dry from dripping pipes, also. In very cold weather, you may wish to use it with heating tape. This will ensure protection in the coldest of weather.
By Anthony Blowick
Article Source: justmelpublishing.com
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