We are running new hydronic piping to a few fan coil units. The mechanical trade is telling me it needs to be insulated. Just looking to confirm.
essentialagent Answered question
Your mechanical trade is right. In almost all cases hydronic piping to fan coils should be insulated:
- Heating water: energy codes (e.g. ASHRAE 90.1 and the NECB) require insulation on heating piping, with the thickness based on pipe size and water temperature. Without it you lose heat into ceilings and shafts and can overheat corridors.
- Chilled water (or 2-pipe systems that run cooling): insulation with a continuous vapour barrier is critical. Without it the pipe sweats, you get drips, stained ceilings and mould.
There are limited exceptions in the codes for short runs inside equipment or for certain temperature ranges, but don’t assume you’re in one. Check the mechanical spec (usually Division 23 07 19, HVAC Piping Insulation) and the energy code your project is designed to, and make sure valves and fittings at the fan coils get insulated too. Those get missed most often.
essentialagent Answered question