I have hot water gas heat in a 1920's house. Most of the original cast iron pipes in the basement are exposed and some of them are absolutely huge (5" diameter). My understanding is that the original system used gravity rather than electric pumps to circulate water through the house so the extra volume was required.
As my heating bill continues to climb (it's getting cold in New England), I'm wondering if it is worth a long term investment to address what I expect is a real waste of energy. I figure I am paying a ton of cash to heat much more water than I need to since it just sits in the pipe. I also expect that motors in the system are working extra hard to move the high volume of water.
What I want to know is how to determine the best "ROI" for one of the following:
Option 1: Replace the large pipes where possible (do not rip open walls, etc.)
Option 2: Insulate the exposed pipes (none are insulated).
Option 3: A little of both?
Option 4: Do nothing. The extra energy required is nominal.
Anyone ever dealt with this situation and determined the best course of action? If I do anything, I do not really want to wait 20 years for the pay-back on my investment.
Thanks,
JT
As my heating bill continues to climb (it's getting cold in New England), I'm wondering if it is worth a long term investment to address what I expect is a real waste of energy. I figure I am paying a ton of cash to heat much more water than I need to since it just sits in the pipe. I also expect that motors in the system are working extra hard to move the high volume of water.
What I want to know is how to determine the best "ROI" for one of the following:
Option 1: Replace the large pipes where possible (do not rip open walls, etc.)
Option 2: Insulate the exposed pipes (none are insulated).
Option 3: A little of both?
Option 4: Do nothing. The extra energy required is nominal.
Anyone ever dealt with this situation and determined the best course of action? If I do anything, I do not really want to wait 20 years for the pay-back on my investment.
Thanks,
JT