Heat loss through copper piping, hot water heating system?

Question

We have a boiler and hot water heating system. Our basement is very, very warm. My question is, will covering the copper piping with insulation allow more of the hot water into other areas of the home and lower our heating bills?

Answer 1

It sure will!!!
From experience you can use refrigeration insulation.. the foam type and cover it with aluminium foil (shiney side in) also if you want. The foam comes in a variety of sizes and can be split down the side to fit over the pipes. I was able to wrap al foil around mine after that and it made a big difference in the amount of water that had to pass through the tap before hot water started to come out..... My pipes are under the house from an outside waterheater.

I hope this helps....

Answer 2

Yes to at least the first part of the question.
Having the pipes insulated will reduce heat loss to other areas of the house where heat is not being requested.
However, the loss of heat through the pipes is not entirely wasted. It is keeping the basement warm. That heat in turn warms the floor above, and from there the remainder of the house.
It could be radiant heat from the furnace itself or another problem in your heating system which is causing the basement to be excessivey warm. Check the operation of the zone valves to the basement, see if those heaters are forced on full time.

Answer 3

Absolutely. The only caveat is that if the pipe diameter is less than a certain amount, then it is actually loses more heat insulated than uninsulated. This diameter is about 8mm or so.

More hot water and lower heating bills will result

Answer 4

Most definitely. Any thing you can do from an insulation standpoint is a plus. This will keep more heat in the system, reduce energy consumption, and reduce the heat collecting in your basement.