Why Insulate Hot Water Pipes?

Now that the weather is getting cooler, it’s time to start thinking about our furnaces, hot water heaters and hot water pipes. If you’re one of those homeowners who like to maximize energy savings, you may be wondering, “Will it help if I insulate my hot water pipes? Will it save money?”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing you to lower your water temperature setting. You also won’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.”

Should You Insulate Your Pipes?

You can insulate your own hot water pipes – it’s a rather simple DIY project, but not everybody has the time, energy or desire to do it on their own. Should you do it yourself or hire a professional plumber? It’s individual. No matter how you decide to insulate your pipes – it’s definitely worth it. A great time to do it is during new construction on a home, but if you bought an older home, it’s never too late to insulate the pipes.

The Department of Energy says that in the following special cases, it’s definitely wise to insulate pipes:

• The fuel for heating pipes is very expensive;
• The pipes travel a long distance;
• The pipes are exposed to very low temperatures; and
• The household uses a lot of water.

While every home can benefit by insulating their pipes, in the above examples, insulation can definitely save the household money and energy. If any of the above cases apply to you; for example, you have a large home or a big household, the cost savings may make it worth hiring a professional do the job for you.

To learn more about insulating your pipes, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. If you’d like to schedule a service call with a professional Cedar Park plumber, contact Excalibur Plumbing today!