@johnmo not entirely sure I agree. Heat loss is still heat loss, regardless of whether the pipes are inside a heated environment or not. Insulating the pipes ensures that the heat is used more effectively where it’s needed, especially in a low and slow single zone system. Why would I want to heat my plant room? The goal should be to maximise efficiency, and pipe insulation is one way to help with that.

Of course, different situations might warrant different approaches, so I appreciate the perspective and will check out what Heat Geek has to say on the matter too.

Posted by: @editor

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@johnmo not entirely sure I agree. Heat loss is still heat loss, regardless of whether the pipes are inside a heated environment or not. Insulating the pipes ensures that the heat is used more effectively where it’s needed, especially in a low and slow single zone system. Why would I want to heat my plant room? The goal should be to maximise efficiency, and pipe insulation is one way to help with that.
Of course, different situations might warrant different approaches, so I appreciate the perspective and will check out what Heat Geek has to say on the matter too.

@jamespa I bought a pair of these for my anti freeze valves.
-- Attachment is not available --
https://www.bes.co.uk/primary-pro-insulation-for-28mm-anti-freeze-valve-26215/?srsltid=AfmBOoorh-4WIzAjeoCU76_wv1E1cCJNuh4sRi8EoTD1OWIHmSIGqPbN

Any recommendations on reasonably priced exterior insulation or alternate methods to insulate - e.g. boxing in the exterior pipes and using something else to insulate other than foam? I have about 20m of pipe and am seeing prices of £17 per meter so a £350 cost. My installers used standard grey foam interior pipe insulation on the outside pipes, I didn't know enough to challenge them and it's quickly degraded.

@rod 28mm Primary Pro is just under £10 per metre (ex vat) at BES, Rod

Many thanks - that is a saving, but still seems pretty high! Has anyone found inexpensive solutions to exterior insulation where there is the ability to cheaply box-in the pipework over whatever is insulating them?

@rod Well as long as you are boxing the pipes in, I suppose a closed cell expanding foam might work well. Dont use an open cell one though, I tried that in my early heat pump years and when I came to remove it, the whole thing was full of water 😲

Weekend upgrade, Primary Pro done properly, unlike my installer’s attempt. Less heating the street hopefully 😉

Hi - fyi - there's a dead image link in the 'Optimal Insulation Efficiency' section. (hopefully tagging @editor)

Game time!

Here’s the trunking that hides our wiring, heat pump flow & return pipes. What do you reckon is waiting under the cover?

• Professionally lagged to perfection?
• A few rough edges but nothing major?
• Full-blown shocker?

Place your bets before I lift the lid… 👀

@editor I'll go with shocker 😁

@editor In light of the previous postings on the matter, I think Shocking is the nearest but may lack true strength to describe the magnitude of the real situation! Toodles.