Adding insulation around your hot water pipes and system is an easy way to stop wasted heat escaping. We’ll wrap your hot water unit and insulate exposed hot water pipes to save you money on gas or electricity.
Insulating your hot water system is crucial for optimising energy efficiency and cost savings. By wrapping pipes, tanks, and heaters in insulating materials, heat is trapped within the system rather than escaping into the surrounds. This means less energy is required to get the water up to the desired temperature.
Insulation works by creating a barrier between the hot water system components and the outside air. Heat flows naturally from hot to cold areas, so insulation minimises this transfer of warmth. With less heat lost, the water stays hotter for longer without needing as much re-heating.
Going without insulation leads to substantial wasted energy as heat radiates out from your hot water system. You may find pipes become hot to touch a fair distance from the heater. Insulating water pipes halts this wayward heat dispersal so temperatures can be accurately controlled.
As well as efficiency perks, insulation protects components from temperature fluctuations that can damage equipment. It can also prevent hazards like exterior pipe sweating in humid weather. Overall, insulation optimises system functionality on multiple fronts.
Installing insulation greatly enhances the efficiency and performance of your hot water system. Insulating exposed pipes prevents conductive heat loss so water stays hotter for longer between the heater and outlets. Maintaining higher temperatures with less reheating slashes energy use.
Analysis shows gas-fired storage water heaters lose up to 75% of their standby heat through the tank surface. Insulating cuts this wasted energy by impeding heat transfer to the surroundings. Similarly, insulating electric resistance cylinders improves efficiency by minimising standby losses.
Aside from limiting standby losses, insulation results in superior performance by enabling precise temperature regulation. Preventing unwanted heat dispersal grants greater control and responsiveness when it comes to heating elements or burners switching on and off.
The higher water temperatures and accuracy achieved by insulation also translate to improved delivery performance. Insulated pipes reduce cooling during transportation so tap and shower flows reach the desired warmth without excessive wastage down the drain while temperatures stabilise.
Boosted efficiency lowers energy consumption and running costs, while enhanced performance provides confidence in your hot water system’s ability to meet demand. Properly installed insulation leads to substantial energy savings year-round while allowing your system to operate at its peak.
Insulating your hot water system directly lowers energy use and slashes running costs. Analysis shows gas storage heaters fitted with a water heater insulation blanket use around 10% less energy than an uninsulated system.
Likewise, insulating electric hot water systems reduces power consumption. Simply wrapping a 170 litre electric cylinder alone can save over 500 kWh annually - equivalent to around $150 off your energy bill.
With less heat escaping, insulation enables lowering your water heater’s thermostat temperature while still receiving adequately hot water. Each 10°F reduction can conserve up to 500 kWh per year without comfort compromise.
By maintaining higher temperatures and minimising heat-up cycles, insulation protects heaters from overworking so equipment lasts longer before needing replacement.
For homeowners, insulation delivers appreciable savings and enhances the effectiveness of your hot water system. The upfront expense is recouped over time through increased efficiency and potential rebates for installing insulation.
A key benefit of insulation is maintaining your hot water system at steady temperatures without excessive reheating. Insulated pipes and cylinders conserve heat so water stays hotter for longer before cooling.
This means heaters don’t need to fire up as often to restore heat lost through system components. Keeping water consistently warm reduces unit cycling that can cause damaging temperature spikes.
Insulation grants greater temperature stability and accuracy by acting as a thermal barrier. Properly insulated hot water pipes only heat when necessary to top up temperatures, not simply offset ambient cooling.
As well as energy savings, this prevention of temperature fluctuation protects equipment. Fewer extreme hot and cold cycles elongates the operating life of heaters, valves and electronics.
Ongoing insulation integrity should be confirmed during annual services to sustain efficiency. Check for damage, gaps or moisture compromise that may lower insulating properties over time.
Minor degradation can be rectified by patching fraying jackets or replacing removable blankets. However significant damage may warrant full reinsulation to assure optimal stability and performance.
There are several common insulation types used for hot water systems, each with unique properties to suit different needs:
Foam: Closed-cell foam pipe insulation comes as tubing slit along the side to wrap around pipes. The tubing has an adhesive strip to seal the slit. Foam offers excellent insulation, resists moisture and is easy to install.
Fibreglass: Fibreglass pipe wrap insulation comprises a plastic-film outer sleeve filled with fibreglass material. It insulates effectively though lacks durability and moisture resistance of foam.
Blankets: Removable insulated water heater blankets are commonly fibreglass or foam. They fully enclose tanks with a velcro-style closure flap and rim straps. Good for retrofitting existing heaters.
Vinyl Shells: Rigid vinyl insulation shells slip around the entire water heater then lock together. Vinyl offers superb insulation but full shells require water heater accessibility.
Insulating pipes transporting heated water with an exterior lagging jacket or wrap is termed pipe lagging. This is highly effective at reducing unwanted heat loss across the length of hot water delivery plumbing.
Studies show uninsulated pipework can lose 50-70% of the heat from water as it journeys between your water heater and taps. Thicker pipe insulation vastly cuts this wasted warmth and related energy costs.
It’s recommended to insulate at least the first 3 feet of pipework from your hot water system. This section endures the greatest temperature differential to ambient air, making it most prone to surface heat dissipation.
Insulating here retains more warmth immediately as the water exits the heater. This means delivered flows don’t cool as rapidly and heater switch-ons to restore set temperatures are less frequent. Lagging also improves delivery performance.
Pipe lagging is straightforward to self-install around new or existing plumbing using slit tubes or wraps of insulation secured with adhesive or clasps. High quality products provide a durable moisture barrier and reliable long-term thermal protection.
Lagging is highly affordable yet yields substantial efficiency perks through better heat retention and lowered standby losses. Upfront costs typically pay for themselves within a year through reduced heating and usage.
Tank jackets are insulated covers designed to wrap around hot water storage cylinders, adding an extra layer of insulation over built-in material.
While modern storage tanks feature foam insulation between inner and outer steel shells, older units lack sufficient insulation by current standards. Fitting an insulated tank jacket significantly improves energy efficiency.
Testing shows jackets can reduce standby heat losses by up to 25% for electric cylinders and 15% for gas storage systems. This equates to considerable annual savings - over 500 kWh for an electric heater.
Jackets are straightforward to install around existing tanks. Their thickness compensates for heat escape through the tank walls, while still allowing access to valves and connections.
For maximised savings, electric cylinders benefit from a 40-80mm thick jacket. Opt for at least 25mm thickness for gas water heaters. This extra insulation barrier retains more free heat and reduces heater operation time.
Tank jackets present an easy retrofit for deficient insulation in ageing systems. Their addition often delivers a swift return on investment through increased efficiency and lower heating expenses.
Insulating a domestic hot water system is a straightforward DIY task with the right preparation and materials. However for larger or complex systems, a professional installation is recommended.
Safety should be the number one priority. Ensure all electrical and gas supply is safely isolated before commencing work. Refer to local regulations regarding electrical and plumbing compliance requirements.
For simple insulating jobs, gather these materials:
Key steps include:
Plumbers undertake more advanced insulation projects by:
While requiring greater skills and equipment, professional installation assures correct safe application of insulation for reliable, efficient system performance.
When installing insulation around hot water systems, safety must be the top priority. Take these key precautions:
Exercising caution and diligence when insulating domestic or commercial hot water systems assures safety for occupants, workers and equipment.
Follow this step-by-step guide for properly installing insulation on your hot water system:
Following these key steps helps guarantee insulation is installed correctly for optimal efficiency and safety.
Aside from insulation, several other simple measures can dramatically cut your hot water system’s energy use:
Turn down your water heater’s thermostat in increments of 5-10°F. Install insulation first so you still get sufficiently hot water despite the lower temperature setting.
Set timers to only heat water during peak demand periods rather than constantly. Programmable controllers help optimise heating schedules.
Replace aged, inefficient systems with new energy-saving models to slash consumption. Modern technology and design reduces heat losses.
Situate systems close to outlets with short pipe runs to save water and heat. Protect outdoor units from weather exposure which can increase heat demand.
Simple adjustments like these, teamed with proper insulation, garner dramatic energy savings for minimal outlay.
Insulating hot water systems doesn’t just save energy, it also promotes water conservation. Preventing heat loss keeps water hotter for longer, so less gets wasted down the drain waiting for temperatures to stabilise.
Further water efficiencies can be achieved by:
Fitting tap aerators and showerhead flow restrictors limits water volumes without compromising performance. Simple DIY modifications saving up to 50% of water usage.
One dripping hot tap can waste over 500 litres per month. Promptly repairing leaks preserves water and reduces heating required for replacement flows.
Collecting condensed water from insulation yields perfectly clean hot fluid ideal for uses like cleaning. This technique reuses heat energy that would otherwise disperse.
Embracing insulation and modifications maximises sustainability. Such measures align with responsible water usage goals in Australia’s driest inhabited continent.
Relined pipes should be cleaned gently to avoid damaging the resin coating inside. Use low pressure jetting or just rinse the pipe out before doing any other cleaning.
Read MoreAdding insulation around your hot water pipes and system is an easy way to stop wasted heat escaping. We’ll wrap your hot water unit and insulate exposed hot water pipes to save you money on gas or electricity.
Read MorePipe relining involves inserting a lining tube inside damaged pipes to seal cracks and leaks. It’s a convenient, affordable way to repair plumbing without excavation that can last 50+ years. Ideal when renovating bathrooms or kitchens and needing to relocate fixtures.
Read MoreCastle Hill, 2154 NSW
We will call back as soon as possible.
