Pump insulation

Wellness · March 25

I noticed that the new Grundfos ALPHA 15-58F Smart ECM High Efficiency pumps don't have the same insulating jackets like the discontinued ALPHA2 15-55F Cast Iron Circulators. I'm sure this is a cost saving move. But I'm wondering if you pros out there think there was any energy saving benefit with the insulating jackets in the first place (assuming the pipes in the rest of the system are also insulated) or even whether it caused overheating of old pump.

Intplm. · March 25

A lot of times the insulation was tossed aside either when first installed or at a later date.

pecmsg · March 25

In chilled water systems it's to prevent condensation and hazards. HW systems I see no return on investment.

EdTheHeaterMan · March 25

pecmsg

Mar 25, 2025

In chilled water systems it's to prevent condensation and hazards. HW systems I see no return on investment.

Allways looking for a fast buck! LOL

pecmsg · March 25

EdTheHeaterMan

Mar 25, 2025

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1849818#Comment_1849818
Allways looking for a fast buck! LOL

I can’t let you have it all

hot_rod · March 25

The clamshell type that enclose everything but the powerhead are what you want for chilled water.

If all the piping on a hot water system were insulated, it would be nice to valve the pump bodies insulated also.

Whenever I get a Euro pump, it comes with a complete insulation, maybe it is an energy standard requirement in some other markets?

plumbj · March 25

Yeah, the jackets helped a bit with heat loss, but if your pipes are already insulated, the difference was pretty small. Overheating wasn’t really an issue since the pumps were built to handle it. Looks like they just ditched them to cut costs and simplify the design.

mattmia2 · March 25

I thought you could order with or without.

jumper · March 25

pecmsg

Mar 25, 2025

In chilled water systems it's to prevent condensation and hazards. HW systems I see no return on investment.

Agree about HHW. With CW what about condensation under insulation? Belt plus suspenders folk paint (borosilicate); wrap; insulate; wrap again. Or install fan.

pecmsg · March 25

jumper

Mar 25, 2025

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1849818#Comment_1849818
Agree about HHW. With CW what about condensation under insulation? Belt plus suspenders folk paint (borosilicate); wrap; insulate; wrap again. Or install fan.

you need a vapor barrier on the outside. Fiberglass gets sealed with mastic