Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.
If our community has helped you, please consider making a contribution to support this website. Thanks!

Return Insulation

Options
dlipter
dlipter Member Posts: 61
in Strictly Steam
My return is 1 1/2" OD copper pipe. The old insulation has crumbled. Is it important to insulate the return?

Would polyethylene pipe wrap be suitable?

It is rated to 180 deg F.

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,487
    Much more important that the steam line are all insulated.

    Be careful with the return line insulation it could contain asbestos depending on it's age

    If you reinsulate the returns I would use 1" fiberglass pipe insulation.
  • dlipter
    dlipter Member Posts: 61
    Why fiberglass?
  • Boiler Talk
    Boiler Talk Member Posts: 144
    Well, if you have a steam system fiberglass is the only stuff that will last. Foam will degrade. 1 inch fiberglass will save energy more than 1/2 inch fiberglass too. 1 inch probably is optimum for the cost.
    1Matthias

Categories