wet return insulation ?

Tony_8

I'm replacing some buried wet return when I change out a steamer this week. Is it more efficient to insulate it so it stays hotter, or is it overkill ?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Most insist that insulation under a constantly heated slab over dry earth results in reduced fuel consumption (but I'm not quite sure why

In that vein, with an underground pipe that is NOT at constant temperature it certainly implies that less heat would be lost to the earth when the condensate is flowing.

How much less? No earthly idea. Overkill? I guess it depends on the cost of the insulation...Ecoflex would probably take forever to achieve payback...

Tony_8

it won't be buried

when I'm done, it'll be above the floor. Assuming it'll save fuel to not reheat condensate as far, but wondering if it's worthwhile. I'll probably just use self-seal foam.

scrook_2

wet return insulation

How warn's the space it is in? Do you need/want/prefer it to be warmer? Cooler? Don't care? Uninsulated it will warm the space more, insulated, less. Depend on what you need/want. Mechanical protection of the insulation may also be an issue.

Tony_8

I think

The HO doesn't care if it's warmer or not. I'm on a constant quest to reduce fuel costs for my customers. I go a little farther than my competition in this respect and found it pays with a high rate of referrals. Let them keep up with me This return is only 20 ft so I'll just do it.