Near boiler insulating

umscheidt

I’m trying to make my boiler more efficient before winter and extend the life as long as possible before buying a new one.

I’d like to insulate the pipes in the basement including the near boiler piping. A few quick questions on insulation:

1. How far away from the boiler should I begin to insulate? Can I start with the main right up against the boiler (outlined in green)?
2. I presume I should insulate fittings, correct? What’s the best way to do that ?
3. Is there a specific r value insulation that is recommended for an unfinished basement ? The insulation that is there is 1/2”. I want to put enough that it makes a difference but not so much that it’s cost prohibitive. Is 1 inch better ?
4. Is there any benefit to insulating the copper drip (outlined in blue) ? 
5. Once I insulate the pipes in the basement, what should I look for in terms of changes my system ( good and bad)?
6. Should I insulate the portion of the risers that are visible to me in the basement (pic 2)?

Thanks!

Jamie Hall

Yes, yes, 1 inch is adequate, half inch is OK but not as good. yes, hard to say what differences you will actually notice, or at least hard to quanify. Probably get steam to the radiators a bit faster -- but that's almost impossible to measure.

It's not a bad idea to insulate the risers.

As to covering fittings... hard to do. Just fiberglass and tape will do in a pinch! There are special fitting insulation pieces available, though.

EBEBRATT-Ed

1" fiberglass insulation is what you should use. Any pipe that has steam in it should be insulated. I would skip the condensate returns.

You can buy PVC fitting covers for elbows and tees. See the attached. You can buy insulation and fitting covers on line

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Lots of Youtube videos, some better than others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1X5QBudVO4