Is Pipe Insulation Worth It?
Insulating your pipes could save you on your next energy bill
Highlights
Home Value Rating: 1/5
Pipe insulation doesn’t add much resale value, but a pro can help ensure it looks its best.
Water heating represents approximately 18% of your home’s energy consumption.
You can save between $12 and $24 annually by insulating your pipes.
Pipe insulation can help winterize pipes come wintertime while saving you anywhere from $12 to $24 a year on your energy bill. The ROI of pipe insulation depends on many factors, such as market demand, materials, labor, and insulation thickness. If you're wondering if pipe insulation is worth it, we've broken down the value of pipe insulation and factors that could impact whether you should get started on this project.
Factors That Influence Pipe Insulation Value
Several factors influence the value of pipe insulation, including the location, energy efficiency, insulation thickness, type of insulation, and whether you hire a professional installer.
Location
Regional climates can affect how much pipe insulation can increase the value of your home. If you live in a climate that rarely freezes, pipe insulation may not be in high demand or even something prospective buyers consider when deciding on a home. Homes with insulated pipes in colder climates have a better chance of appealing to buyers and may have a higher selling price.
Energy Efficiency
According to the Department of Energy, the U.S.'s average electricity bill for heating water ranges from $400 to $600 per year. Since pipe insulation saves between 3% and 4%, you’ll save anywhere from $12 to $24 annually on average. Energy bills vary by time of year, location, type of water heater, household demand, and more. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings by different energy bills.
| Yearly Energy Bill | Average Savings (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 100 | $3–$4 |
| 200 | $6–$8 |
| 300 | $9–$12 |
| 400 | $12–$16 |
| 500 | $15–$20 |
| 600 | $18–$24 |
| 700 | $21–$28 |
| 800 | $24–$32 |
Pipe Insulation Thickness
Thicker insulation materials offer higher R-values, which in turn increase their efficacy and energy savings. Also worth considering, larger pipe sizes need a higher R-value to deliver the same savings as smaller pipe sizes. Though you may spend more up front for thicker insulation, the amount you’ll save over time can negate these costs.
Pipe Insulation Type
The type of insulation you choose can mean the difference between saving $12 or $24 annually. Closed-cell polyethylene foam has the highest R-value, making it the most energy-efficient material for insulating pipes and one of the best pipe insulation materials to prevent freezing.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing pipe insulation is an easy project for avid DIYers. In fact, you might find that hiring a professional to install the insulation eats up any notable savings you could see. For instance, since you’ll save $12 to $24 annually on energy savings, the project pays for itself between nine and 42 years if you have a pro install it. If you DIY pipe insulation, it could pay for itself in just one to eight years.
At the same time, there’s nothing like having high-quality workmanship when investing in your home. We recommend getting a quote from a plumber near you before tackling any plumbing project just to be on the safe side.
A poor installation can lead to a lower ROI—or even none at all if you don’t know how to navigate moisture problems and other potential preexisting plumbing issues that should be addressed in a plumbing inspection before insulating pipes. Typical plumbing inspection costs range from $100 and $500.
How to Estimate the Added Value of Pipe Insulation
Just how much you’ll from insulating pipes depends on the quality of the installation, your average water bill, and the temperature you lower your water heater to after installing the insulation. Other factors could influence the ROI of your project, too. With this in mind, there are several steps you can take to estimate how much value pipe insulation adds to your home:
Compare property values. Research recent home sales with similar features in your neighborhood to see if there are any trends involving increased values for homes with insulation.
Consider market demand. If properties in your area don’t prioritize pipe insulation, it may not add noticeable value to your home. This is especially true if you live in a warmer climate. Colder climate zones may have a higher demand for protecting pipes from freezing temperatures that could cause burst frozen pipes.
Calculate the cost of a pipe insulation against returns. Tally up the cost of materials and labor, then compare the estimate to how much value you could see to determine the ROI.
Get appraised. A local property appraiser can assess your home's current value and estimate a potential increase in value for insulating pipes.
Cost to Install Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation materials cost between $0.20 and $2.10 per linear foot. Labor adds an extra $0.90 to $8 per linear foot for a total of $1.10 to $10.10 per linear foot. For a typical home plumbing system of 100 feet, this puts costs between $110 and $1,010. If any pipes are in poor condition, you may need to repair your pipes before insulating them. Pipe leak repairs cost an average of $500.
Is Pipe Insulation Worth It?
Pipe insulation can save on energy bills by anywhere from $12 to $24 per year, help lower your home’s carbon footprint, and extend the lifespan of your water heater by decreasing its usage. However, pipe insulation alone doesn’t typically offer a high ROI—especially if you hire a professional plumber to do the job, as it yields low savings compared to the cost of labor.
Installing the insulation yourself will save on hourly plumber costs, but high-quality materials and a professional installation offer better protection from cold temperatures, helping to prevent broken pipes. If you want to make the most out of this project, insulating other areas of your home may help you leverage the value of pipe insulation.
For example, Remodeling’s Cost vs Value study found that fiberglass attic insulation recoups 107.7% of the cost nationally, adding a resale value of $1,446 on average. It may be more beneficial to choose a more rewarding insulation project like insulating your attic if you’re looking for a high-reward investment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3% to 4% energy savings | May not pay for itself |
| Lower demand for water heater | Professional installation potentially negates savings |
| Lower carbon footprint | Doesn’t noticeably increase home value |
| Heats water faster | |
| Prevents temperature change damage | |
| Less condensation near the pipes |
How Angi Gets Its ROI Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners maximize the value of their investments, we gather ROI data from reputable sources, including industry reports, real estate studies, and interviews with market experts. We calculate the average resale value for projects by multiplying the ROI against the project’s average cost according to our cost data, which is sourced from thousands of real Angi customers.
Want to help us improve our data? Send us a recent project quote or home appraisal value to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each insulation type has its own R-value, so you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of your materials when deciding which one will give you the best value. Energy.gov recommends you choose a pipe wrap that’s at least one inch thick. The International Code Council (ICC) suggests choosing a pipe material with an R-value of at least 3.
Just how long insulation lasts depends on the type of insulation you use. Fiberglass can last between 80 and 100 years, but it's important to start checking fiberglass insulation around the 15-year mark. Spray foam also has a long life span of up to 80 years, while mineral wool can last up to 100 years. Although eco-friendly, cellulose only has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.