Steam Pipe Insulation in basement - will it cause another issue?
Comments
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It won't freeze, but it will freeze faster in case of loss of heating (but heat comes from the earth into your basement in that case, so it's not usually a concern unless the house is unheated for a long time). It might make a slightly noticeable difference in the comfort of some of your floors, depending. It will be noticeably cooler in the basement.
But for more information...where do you live??NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el1 -
The radiant heat from the pipes in the basement will undoubtedly create a warmer basement. Is the warmth wasted? Some folks have the washing machine in the basement and use the unfinished basement for other recreational uses, The warmer basement will also keep the first floor warmer.
If the basement is truly an unused space and the heat down there is wasted, then insulating those pipes will reduce the amount of gas used. But will that create an ultra cold basement? Possibly, But that can be measured on the coldest days of the winter. When you hear the forecast for those teens or single digit overnight temps, or even below zero... (we are talking Farenheight here) place a thermometer at the location of the pipes you are worried about and see what the temperature is.
It could be that leaving some uninsulated sections of steam main is all that is necessary.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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I have no idea how this second post happened
I guess my thumbs are too bigThe radiant heat form the pipes in the basement will undougtledy create a warmer basement. Is the warmth wasted heat? Some folks have the washing machine in the basement and use the unfinished basement for other recreational uses. The warmer basement will also keep the floor, on the first floor, warmer.
If the basement is truly an unused space and the heat down there is wasted, then insulating those pipes will reduce the amount of gas used. But will that create an ultra cold basement? Possibly, But that can be measured on this coldest days of the winter. When you heat the forecast for those teens or single digit overnight temps, or even below zero... (we are talking Fahrenheit here) place a thermometer at the location of the pipes you are worried about and see what the temperature is.
It could be that leaving some uninsulated sections of steam main is all that is necessary.
"NEVER MIND"
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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My house is 130+ years old. The basement is fairly well sealed up but by no means like a much newer home. When we moved in the steam pipes had no insulation and the basement would be in the 80's. After installing 1/2" insulation it stays around 60. If it super cold out the boiler is going to be turning on more often and the giant chunk of cast iron will still heat the basement.
I also heated exclusively with our wood stove on the main floor one winter when money was tight. Even when it was -10 outside for an extended time the basement never got below 40.
I'd go with 1" insulation. Seal up your basement as good as you can and you should be fine.3 -
It will make the basement a little cooler -- but unless you are up in the Northwest Territories somewhere, it's unlikely to freeze or even get much below your average year round temperature. What it will do is save some fuel -- and get heat to your radiators upstairs faster.Br. Jamie, osb
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England3 -
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Do you even have winter there now?
NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el2 -
South central PA here 120+ year old house. All pipes insulated, my basement is a workshop that I use regularly. Be feel alone, it’s never cold down there, I can usually work in a T-shirt in the winter. Unless we get steady 15 or less for several days, then a sweatshirt may be needed. And that doesn’t happen very often.
You'll be fine.1 -
Go Birds.tomp1987 said:All great answers - much appreciated guys. And I'm in the Southeast Pennsylvania area.
The IGGLES are the best... Pulled it out in overtime!
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
2 -
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