HVAC

Choose the Proper Pipe Insulation

When specifying piping insulation, look at both the maximum temperature it will be exposed to and the minimum temperature. For example, the piping serving the fan coils in a building was insulated with a high R-value material, based on the maximum temperature it would be exposed to. The contractor, however, failed to take into consideration that the piping would also carry chilled water. Consequently, the insulating material had no vapor barrier. During the air conditioning season, moisture condensed within the insulation, destroying not only its insulating properties but also the pipe it was supposed to protect.