Should I Insulate Copper Pipes in Basement

[Deleted User]

Is it worth my time and money to insulate the copper pipes in my basement that go to/from my boiler?

Any specific brand of insualtion that is best to work with?

Thanks
Mike

hr

The heat loss from

the copper pipes may be keeping your basement somewhat warm? Is the basement insulated and heated? The colder the temperature in the basement, the greater the loss is to that space delta T (temperature difference) drives the rate, and amount of loss from that warm copper to the basement space.

Sometimes the loss from the heating lines keep areas of your water piping from freezing

If you chose to insulate, select an insulation rated for the temperature in the pipes. Typically a product like Armaflex would be used. Get some from a plumbing and heating supply outlet. Some of the home center stuff doesn't get along with heating temperatures so well.

I'd insulate the basement first, especially the rim joist area. This would be an excellent return for insulation dollars.

hot rod

hot rod

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R. Kalia_6

YOur basement is probably part of the building envelope. This means it will get some warmth one way or another. If you insulate the pipes, the basement will draw heat from the floor above it, via conduction (through the basement celing) and/or convection (air circulation). The basement will run a little cooler, but not enough to save any money that you'd notice. So insulation is not worthwhile.

On the other hand, if the basement is NOT part of the building envelope, e.g. if the ceiling is insulated, then without heat it can get cold enough to freeze the water pipes, so again, insulation is not worthwhile.

You'll find any number of web pages that say pipe insulation will reduce heat loss from the hot water pipes. This is true. Instead heat from upstairs will make its way downstairs, so the net cost will be the same.

As hot rod says, insulate the basement first. The basement floor and foundation walls are where most of the $$ are lost. Look at your house with an infrared camera sometime in winter: the part of the foundation you can see above ground will be glowing brightly.