industry-news
Local Efficiency Insulation Rebates
May 11, 2021
How to Tell if Your Pipe and Mechanical Insulation is Too Old
Think about your cell phone.
You use it for almost everything in your daily life, and you get to know it extremely well. People love their phones, and the thought of switching to a new one—and having to learn the ropes all over again—is daunting to many people.
But cell phones don’t last forever. These days, they become obsolete fairly quickly. The time eventually comes when you have to upgrade your cell phone to a newer model, one with more capabilities and better features.
As with cell phones—and with any technology for that matter—your facility’s mechanical insulation system eventually needs to be upgraded. New innovations and standards continue to emerge in the insulation industry, and, before long, your current system simply may not cut it.
Whether your pipe and mechanical insulation systems have deteriorated over time, or the outdated technology simply is not providing the energy efficiency your facility needs, here are 3 ways to tell if your mechanical insulation system is too old.
1. The system is over 20 years old
On average, the life expectancy for an insulation system is 20 years, according to ASHRAE standards. Of course, a well-maintained insulation system will last longer than one that has been neglected. Failing to repair damage or inspect your insulation regularly will cause it to deteriorate more quickly. But, even with perfectly maintained insulation, at 20 years you’re probably reaching the maximum that your system will last while still providing ROI.
Beyond the question of upkeep is the fact that insulation technology is far ahead of where it was 20 years ago—and it will continue to move forward over the next 20 years. Facility ;decision-makers need to consider whether their old mechanical insulation system is still providing ROI compared to the newer technologies available.
2. The repair costs outweigh the benefits
When efficient repairs can no longer be made to your mechanical insulation system, chances are it is too old. It should be obvious when the costs of maintaining your insulation outweigh the energy-saving benefits.
3. The system no longer meets your facility’s needs
If your mechanical equipment, piping system, or entire facility has gone through a significant upgrade, then there’s a good chance your mechanical insulation system is no longer adequate. In this instance, we recommend getting an insulation energy audit — a professional report that shows how much (if any) energy your system is losing due to missing or damaged mechanical insulation, and provides details on the money and energy you can save by upgrading your system.
During the walkthrough portion of the audit, the insulation contractor can also visually inspect your system to determine whether it is acceptable in light of the facility upgrades.
Outdated insulation systems that have exceeded their viability are much more likely to fail, and when an insulation system fails, the consequences can be costly. Mechanical insulation system failure can cause loss of energy, corrosion, mold growth, unsafe conditions, and system downtime—none of which most facilities can afford.
