Freezing temperatures can be hard on our mechanical systems. Without the proper insulation, the components can be subject to damage and reduce the efficiency of the entire system, if not stop it from functioning altogether. Burst pipes, condensation, and breaks from tensile stress are just a few failures caused directly by our signature Albertan winters. Luckily, proper winterization of your mechanical insulation will protect your facility from the harsh cold and keep your processes running as smoothly as before.
Know What’s Protecting Your Assets
A building that is not properly equipped with mechanical insulation will have increased emissions and operating costs compared to one that does. To put it into perspective, a mere 3 inches of pipe insulation on a 380°F steam pipe will reduce heat loss by up to 95%. Apply this to a full facility and it’s clear to see that the savings will outweigh the supposed hassle of having an insulation system properly installed. The only way to take advantage of these benefits is to have a professional come in for both the inspection and installation. A can-do attitude and a do-it-yourself approach won’t offer the same results.
Target Damaged Insulation
If you already have a comprehensive insulation system in place, autumn is the perfect opportunity to check for any regular wear and tear or damage from the summer months. Even relatively small areas of damage can cause massive heat losses in boiler rooms or pipe chases. Insulation repairs are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to pipe or other equipment repairs.
Review Recently Renovated Areas
Renovations or mechanical maintenance can unknowingly affect your insulation. It may have been damaged by workers in the area, or have been removed entirely. Because of this, mechanical insulation work should happen after any other maintenance or renovations. This will ensure that any recently uncovered areas will be recovered and up to par for the oncoming season.
Inspect, Survey, Repair
Visual checks by your own staff will only reveal a fraction of what’s going on with your mechanical insulation. That’s why you need an insulation professional to inspect and repair your system. You can also ask them to perform a mechanical insulation survey. This estimates the energy saved against the cost of insulation repair. As a savvy business owner, this will give you the numbers you need to make an informed decision on the state of your insulation and energy usage.
If you’re looking for a full-service commercial and industrial mechanical insulation contractor in the Calgary area, our team of experts can help! Contact us today for a quote.
