Posts by Mark Sylvester

Looking for a solution for hydronic pump insulation? Let’s start with hydronic pumps. Hydronic heating and cooling systems circulate water through a building’s piping systems to deliver heating and cooling for occupant comfort. These systems are basically composed of an energy source, such as a boiler, water heater, or chiller, and electronically-powered pumps that move…

Mold resistant insulation is an important consideration to prevent the dangers of mold. Molds belong to the fungi kingdom, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plants and other organic materials. Molds generate tiny spores to reproduce, and these spores are ever-present in both indoor and outdoor air currents. When mold…

Wondering why to use plumbing insulation? Plumbing piping systems, commonly known as domestic hot and cold water service systems, convey water to fixtures and equipment for various purposes in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.  The most common concerns with plumbing systems that should be addressed during the design stage include heat loss, condensation control, freeze…

Two applicable fire safety standards for HVAC systems in the built environment are NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global organization established in 1896, primarily known for code and standard development, that is dedicated to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and other…

What is HVAC pipe insulation? The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that residential and commercial buildings in the United States account for 39% of total energy consumption (2019). Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to deliver thermal comfort and healthy ventilation (indoor air quality – IAQ) to building occupants. The EIA…

Currently, confusion exists in the U.S. mechanical insulation industry (closed cell elastomeric foam pipe, duct, and equipment insulation to be specific) about the differences between well-known fire behavior safety standards such as ASTM E84 25/50, UL 723, and NFPA 255. Ever since the destructive building fires throughout the United States dating back to the early…