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Author Topic: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?  (Read 6829 times)

juddspaintballs

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #15 on: December 30, 2013, 04:57:03 PM »

I insulated my main lines (1-1/4") and 3/4" lines going to my coil in the ductwork, but didn't insulate any other line I have running through the basement.  They keep my basement warm without overheating the first floor.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2013, 05:00:17 PM by juddspaintballs »
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Sprinter

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #16 on: December 30, 2013, 07:17:24 PM »

It's always a good idea to insulate the lines, this helps too  keep zones operating the way they were intended. But on the other hand pex doesn't radiate anywhere near as much as copper does, pex pipe in itself is an insulator. It is always good when a run can have multi purpose or heating more than one space...
Long runs are a good idea to control where the btu's go....
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ecc_33

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #17 on: December 31, 2013, 03:08:26 PM »

I have a open basement and my furance/ pex is right in the middle of it. I have 1" logster that I took the wrap off of to run the indoor stuff or most of it. None of it is insulated and you can't tell its giving off any heat standing by it. No hot spots in my basement.
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tulenutn2o

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #18 on: January 01, 2014, 08:15:39 PM »

I did not insulate anywhere where I was going to heat anyway.
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hoardac

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #19 on: January 02, 2014, 04:11:10 PM »

For short runs insulation probably won't save any wood, but it will keep you from saying "darn that's hot" should you accidentally touch the bare piping.
Yes I got a temporary big red tattoo one day then I insulated the ones I can touch. Said about the same thing when it happened.
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DaveWertz

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #20 on: January 03, 2014, 06:10:16 AM »

Most of mine are 3 wrap that come in basement. I put foam wrap around the exposed pex. I also went threw and put foam wrap around all my copper heating lines. I also went threw and stuffed insulation in the basement around the outside where the baseboards are located. I felt some draft so I figured by wrapping the pipe and stuffing with insulation it would help get more heat where I wanted it. Seems to have helped. Its -6 this morning in PA my house temp set at 73 or 74 and its 70 in the house. Thank god I found a new blower last night! Would suck today if I didnt!
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Speed

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #21 on: January 03, 2014, 11:40:58 AM »

I didn't insulate in the basement. Sure I might lose a degree or two before the hx, but losing heat in the house really isn't heat loss is it? Plus it warms the kitchen floor above it, gives the dog a warm spot, too, lol! I can see the points of those that did in small rooms, that would get pretty warm. I think I would do the same in that scenario.
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Speed

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #22 on: January 03, 2014, 11:43:38 AM »

Almost forgot, bare lines are great hand warmers when coming in from the cold! And I also hang wet gloves on them to dry.
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automan77

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Re: Opinions on insulating exposed pex in a basement?
« Reply #23 on: January 03, 2014, 04:57:31 PM »

I'm glad mine are not insulated it keeps my basement warm and the floors nice a warm.
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