Insulation Works
Building owners who want to improve energy efficiency often focus on equipment upgrades. Some examples are replacing fluorescent lighting with equivalent LED products, or replacing window air conditioners with ductless mini-splits. However, the building envelope is also important, and it must be be designed to minimize summer heat gain and winter heat loss. Insulation can greatly improve the thermal performance of a building. There are many types of insulation, using a wide range of materials and installation methods. Some insulation types are embedded in the building envelope, making them more suitable for new constructions, while others have a superficial installation that adapts to existing buildings. reasons to insulate: 1. Controls Surface Temperature for Personnel Protection Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation systems reduce the surface temperature of piping and equipment to a safer level, reducing the risk of burns and worker downtime due to injury. 2. Controls and Stabilizes Process Temperatures By reducing heat loss or gain, fiberglass and mineral wool insulation help maintain process temperature to your pre-determined value. Insulation that’s specified to proper thickness can limit heat loss in a dynamic system or limit temperature drop over time in a static system. 3. Prevents Condensation and Subsequent Corrosion on Cold Surfaces Specifying sufficient insulation thickness with the right vapor retarder is the most effective means of controlling condensation and limiting corrosion on cold piping, ducts, chillers, and roof drains. Sufficient thickness is needed to keep the outer most surface temperature above the dew point temperature of the ambient air. 4. Increases Fire Protection Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation are inherently noncombustible. 5. Controls Noise and Vibrations Pipe insulation materials can be used to encase piping mechanisms that cause noises or vibrations, forming a sound and vibration barrier between the piping and external areas
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