Would you add extra insulation to this hot water tank?

[Scarletpimpofnel]

This hot water tank feels warm at the very top which in winter wouldn't be a matter but in the current stifling heat it doesn't help. I know the pipework needs reinsulating but is there any real value adding to the manufacturers standard insulation? Cheers

[fido]

I'd add another 45-degree (or 60-degrees) cut for the small verticle section of pipe!

[B'stard Child]

Probably won't achieve much but doing a much better job of pipe insulation might be a more useful thing to do



What are you trying to achieve - reduce water temp loss or cut down on heat released into the house in summer months

[Scarletpimpofnel]

B'stard Child said:

Probably won't achieve much but doing a much better job of pipe insulation might be a more useful thing to do



What are you trying to achieve - reduce water temp loss or cut down on heat released into the house in summer months

Both!

That looks tidy! I know I need to redo all the pipe insulation. I was wondering if the tank itself would benefit from any extra or if they are 99.9% efficient out of the factory?

[B'stard Child]

Scarletpimpofnel said:

Both!

That looks tidy! I know I need to redo all the pipe insulation. I was wondering if the tank itself would benefit from any extra or if they are 99.9% efficient out of the factory?

Thanks - Trying to do exactly the same reduce standing losses, save energy and reduce upstairs temps

Biggest impact is reducing tank temp as a result standing losses are lower and the tank and pipework are lower temp radiator

If I heat my tank to 60 it losses 1 deg per hour, heat to 52 it’s 0.6 deg per hour, 46 it’s 0.3 deg per hour

All three target temps provide enough hot water for 2 people having 2 showers each a day plus any other general hot water usage

[MDT]

B'stard Child said:

Thanks - Trying to do exactly the same reduce standing losses, save energy and reduce upstairs temps

Biggest impact is reducing tank temp as a result standing losses are lower and the tank and pipework are lower temp radiator

If I heat my tank to 60 it losses 1 deg per hour, heat to 52 it s 0.6 deg per hour, 46 it s 0.3 deg per hour

All three target temps provide enough hot water for 2 people having 2 showers each a day plus any other general hot water usage

But remember, to prevent legionella it is recommended to keep the water stored above 60C.

I am no expert but I do class legionella as worse than a slightly warmer airing cupboard.

[caziques]

MDT said:

B'stard Child said:

Thanks - Trying to do exactly the same reduce standing losses, save energy and reduce upstairs temps

Biggest impact is reducing tank temp as a result standing losses are lower and the tank and pipework are lower temp radiator

If I heat my tank to 60 it losses 1 deg per hour, heat to 52 it s 0.6 deg per hour, 46 it s 0.3 deg per hour

All three target temps provide enough hot water for 2 people having 2 showers each a day plus any other general hot water usage

But remember, to prevent legionella it is recommended to keep the water stored above 60C.

I am no expert but I do class legionella as worse than a slightly warmer airing cupboard.

Had my hot water set at 48 for the last 15 years, not died yet. Much more likely to win the lottery or be struck by lightening than succumb to legionnaires from a domestic hot water cylinder.

[OutInTheShed]

Having a combi not a cylinder, we have a small radiator in the bottom of our linen cupboard.
It's insulated with sheets and towels and godnosewot.

Costs buttons to run, not much heat gets out.

[B'stard Child]

MDT said:

But remember, to prevent legionella it is recommended to keep the water stored above 60C.

I am no expert but I do class legionella as worse than a slightly warmer airing cupboard.

Time to educate yourself then because storing hot water at temps below 60 deg can be perfectly safe