Improving Heat Loop on the old (Superstor) Indirect DHW Tank Output and FG pipe insulation!

[Don2222]

Hello

Well, not sure if this will help, but I thought the heat loop could be improved. I sure do not want to waste hot water when I am NOT using it. So if no heat convects out the top of the tank, then I will save money on oil.
Still have the DHW expansion tank on the cold line. That keeps the hot water in the tank also!!

So today I got a chance to add two Heat traps to the verticals in the heat loop.

I had one in the horizontal but that was not the best idea. Leaving it in is not an issue.

So now I have 3 heat traps and the verticals are now 17 inches instead of 12 inches. The horizontal is still 12 inches.

So will this save me money? The heat nipples cost me $4.95 at Home Depot.

See pics below!!
Click to enlarge!

 

[Morgan]

It's saving you money but no more money using three than if you had just used one in my opinion. I would insulate my hot water lines with 1 inch thick fiberglass/mineral wool insulation for even more savings.

 

[Don2222]

It's saving you money but no more money using three than if you had just used one in my opinion. I would insulate my hot water lines with 1 inch thick fiberglass/mineral wool insulation for even more savings.

I agree that 3 may be two many, but as I said before I had only one in the horizontal which was not working out!

Since they come in a pack of 2 for $4.95 it was easier to put both in the verticals. Wow, I just checked, it made a huge difference! I have a thermometer on the hot side reading 100 Degree F water out of the tank and the other side of the loop is now cool to the touch!! It was not like that before

Also, Yes you are so right about the Fiberglass pipe insulation. I had 2 issues. First I wanted to get this loop fixed up better and 2nd I bought the Home Depot FG Pipe insulation which I found was R2 1/2" thick wall and very pricey but did not know any better!!

Now I found that the local Heating Supply Wholesaler (F.W. Webb) has the real good R4 1" thick fiberglass pipe insulation cheaper and the nice white tape for the joints!! So that will be my weekend project and should save more oil!!

Thanks
See pic below!
Click to enlarge.

 

[Don2222]

Hello

That 1" Fiberglass Insulation is much better than the Home Depot 1/2". If I put my hand around the 1/2" FG it felt warm!! The 1" does not feel warm atol

see pic

 

[Don2222]

Hello

Ok, only one more problem with that heat trap

It works great when there is NO Hot Water being draw into the Bath or Kitchen!! Yes!

However When Hot wate IS being drawn the Heat Loop acts like a radiator and dissipates the heat!! Oh NO

So the heat trap must be heavily insulated with 1 Inch FiberGlass Pipe Insulation to be all it can be in the new economy

See pic below!