Insulating hot pipes is key to preventing heat loss and optimizing your system's efficiency. Standard insulation options include:
- Glass wool or fiberglass pipe insulation: Lightweight materials that provide high-temperature protection but may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
- Mineral wool insulation: Ideal for extremely hot pipes due to its high-temperature resistance, best used away from living areas.
- Flexible elastomeric foams or rubber pipe insulation: Offers some heat loss prevention, not as heat-resistant as fiberglass.
- Polyethylene: Commonly used cold insulator that also guards against heat loss in hot pipes, lightweight and water-resistant for home plumbing.