Insulating the calorifier

[alt]

One gripe I have with the boat is that the calorifier/hot water tank isin't insulated, bare steel.

Before replacing it, i'm thinking of trying to insulate it a bit in the hope it will help.

I don't want to use expanding foam as it's messy.

I'm at the advantage in so that it's square, so I could use sheet insulation and cut it to size.

Any recommendations? Would Kingspan do the job?

 

[lambohill]

Very good insulating product, and it is what is factory applied to modern domestic calorifiers, however I would check with Kingspan about temperature safety / surface temperature of your unit, likely fine, but this stuff burns at a very scary rate!

 

[alt]

Very good insulating product, and it is what is factory applied to modern domestic calorifiers, however I would check with Kingspan about temperature safety / surface temperature of your unit, likely fine, but this stuff burns at a very scary rate!

Thanks for the tip, will check how hot the unit gets next time I get hot water

 

[lambohill]

I had a quick look;
http://www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/Products/Therma/Therma-Duct-Insulation/Overview.aspx

This is the warm air duct install using foil tape etc, and when I think about it your unit will not exceed 100c, and hivac ducts design is close to this, but a quick call or email to kingspan would be the correct thing to do for a safe night's sleep

 

[MarieK]

Are you sure it needs to be insulated? If its anything like mine there is an insulating layer already built into it with a metal outer casing.

 

[alt]

Are you sure it needs to be insulated? If its anything like mine there is an insulating layer already built into it with a metal outer casing.

This would make sense. In that case my calorifier is simply too small (I think it's only 15l) - I would love a 40l one, but that'd have to go into the 2015 projects

 

[Trundlebug]

You'll know if it's insulated from how fast the water goes cold.

With well insulated calorifiers on our boat, hot water lasts 36 hours before it goes below usable shaving / washing up temperature.

 

[Pinnacle]

I would have thought you young hardy types would have preferred a cold shower.............