Do You Need To Insulate Hot Water Pipe In Attic

For domestic hot water many newer codes are requiring a hot water return on demand circulation along with 1 2 insulation on 1 2 piping.

Do you need to insulate hot water pipe in attic. Insulating hot water pipes in a cold climate is a no brainer. Covering the pipe with lengths of foam insulation with adhesive seams will provide protection from the cold and. The catch is that time period is limited. There is just one small issue with this that is frequency of use.

The process for insulating attic pipes is no different than insulating other pipes in your home. If you have a traditional tank water heater you re already paying to keep that hot water on standby. The intent of the pipe insulation requirements is to reduce temperature changes while fluids are being transported through piping associated with heating cooling or service hot water shw systems thereby saving energy and reducing operating costs. If your pipes are pex i wouldn t bother doing anything since pex has a built in r value.

It is important to insulate pex pipe in an attic particularly in cold weather areas. The best way to ensure a long lifespan for your piping is to insulate properly which in some cases means insulating with the professionals. Insulation from the experts. First the obvious insulating your hot water pipes will help keep your hot water hot.

Insulating your pipes reduces heat loss and keeps cold pipes from sweating in warm weather. Tape the end seams of each insulation length with insulating tape. But not all homeowners know about this easy efficiency booster or the reasons why you might want to insulate your cold water pipes as well. Yes it is good to insulate the lines as mentioned before if the cold water runs in unconditioned space or your condition space is kept at a higher humidity level.

Commercial water heater with insulation around pipes two hot spots are gaps if you do insulate a hot water line in a house then the heat of the water in that pipe will simply be retained longer. When insulating pipes in the attic there are some steps you need to follow. Insulating your pipes is never a bad move to make and with piping that s as versatile as pex piping you ll want to do everything you can to protect it. If they re copper it ll help a bit with keeping the water cold but the main benefit will be eliminating condensation that accumulates on those pipes and drips into your attic potentially causing water damage.

Some like it hot. But there is a lot to be said for insulating cold water pipes as well. Moisture laden air must be kept from contacting the pipe surface.