Below are several downloadable documents about Energy Saving Tips:

To make your Heat-Line heating cable system more energy efficient, consider the following:

• THERMOSTAT (or other control device)
• PIPE INSULATION (on all areas above ground or on entire pipe for new installations)

To better understand the importance of a thermostat and insulation, you must first appreciate the technology of the heating cable used in all Heat-Line systems;

Self-Regulating
All Heat-Line products employ self-regulating technology. The benefit of self-regulating technology is that unlike constant wattage, resistance wires or zone heaters there is no worry about under heating or overheating. More importantly self-regulating technology when properly installed is more energy efficient. Self-regulating heating cables automatically adjust their heat (energy) output at each point (microscopically) along their length. As the surrounding temperature (water or air) increases, Heat-Line products automatically decrease their heat (energy) output, and vice versa. Heat is safely and efficiently supplied more in the colder areas when/ as required. The overall result is cost-effective operation and long-term product reliability which reduces the need for costly maintenance.

Thermostats
With Heat-Line self-regulating heating cables, thermostats are not a requirement but simply an accessory to increase energy efficiency. Thermostats are optional because Heat-Line systems can never over heat. However, just because a thermostat is not a requirement does not mean one should be over looked.
It is important to understand that while self-regulating technology is very efficient; the heating cable can never completely turn off and as a result is always a consumer of energy when powered (turned on or plugged in directly).

A thermostat can be added to the system in order to duty cycle the product ON and OFF to maintain a certain pipe temperature. Heat-Line thermostats are pre-set to maintain the pipe at 50°F (10°C) as this setting keeps the heating cable operating in its most efficient state with a proper safety differential of 18°F or 10°C to the freezing point.

Thermostats can be efficiently used for any length of heating cable but it is highly recommended a thermostat is considered for any length greater than 80 feet.

Other Control Devices
Only Heat-Line systems can be used with other certified control devices such as timers and logic controllers to help with energy efficiency. For these applications consult Heat-Line for further information.

Pipe Insulation
One extremely important feature of self-regulating heating cables is the fact they can be thermally insulated without fear of overheating. The use of insulation immensely reduces the required amount of heat (energy) required to keep a pipe from freezing. A thermally insulated pipe is not as susceptible to freezing and erratic changes in the environments temperature. The insulation creates greater thermal consistency throughout the pipe and increases the efficiency of all Heat-Line products.

Remember how self-regulating heating cables work? The heating cable has the ability to vary its power output in response to temperature at every point along its circuit. As the temperature (water or air) gets colder, the heating cable automatically increase heat (energy) output in that area. As the water or air warms, the heat cable automatically reduces heat output. Now imagine insulation on your pipes. The insulation will help retain the heat inside the pipe so the heating cable will draw less energy to maintain that section of pipe from freezing. Would you put the best heat furnace in the world in your home and then not insulate the exterior walls? The answer is no. So why wouldn’t you insulate your pipes if you have the option?

Heat-Line offers closed cell polyethylene sleeves which are ¾" thick. This insulation works well as it insulates around the entire pipe and is quickly and easily installed. This insulation conserves energy and when used in conjunction with Heat-Line systems has been proven to keep water flowing in pipes above ground in temperatures below -40°C.

Combining a Thermostat with Insulation
Combining the use of a thermostat and pipe insulation with Heat-Line products is how you will truly begin to CONSERVE ENERGY!

When the thermostat sensor lead is located on the pipe under the insulation the thermostat will duty cycle the heating cable ON and OFF as required to maintain a certain pipe temperature.

The insulated pipe causes the system to come on periodically for short periods of time saving you up to as much as 80% in energy depending on application variables and amount and type of insulation used. The heating cable will remain off for extended periods of time because of the thermal insulation; this is how you conserve energy.

When installing a new heating cable or researching how to make your current Heat-Line system more efficient, it is important to consider both thermostats and pipe insulation.

If you have any questions on the use of thermostats or insulation with your particular application, contact Heat-Line direct for assistance. 1-800-584-4944