Does My Hot Water Cylinder Need Insulation?

[Gherkins]

Hello. I have an upstairs hot water cylinder. Copper pipes. The pipes themselves don't have any insulation, but my hot water cylinder has always had some kind of insulator on it.

The insulator has gone through ware and tare, and is now in need of a replacement. But do I need to replace it? Or can I leave it as the copper cylinder. I much prefer the aesthetics of the copper.

[Old_Geezer]

If you are happy wasting money then don't replace.

[Mamyalynne]

Is it on display?

I personally would get a jacket for it, they aren't expensive and will save you money.

[bhg481]

You don't need to replace the whole cylinder - you can buy jackets for a few pounds which are easy to fit. Without a jacket you will lose a lot of heat and increase your fuel bill.
Pipes in the airing cupboard are not usually insulated so that the cupboard gets heated. The heat from there also escapes into the loft and keeps the storage tank from freezing.

[Arrods]

We had a new HW cylinder fitted recently - with a sort of 'jacket' stuck to the outside. He said we didn't need to add another jacket. Thoughts?

[Gherkins]

After reading some answers, I've decided to get it a jacket. I didn't think about the possible economic loss from not insulating the hot water. It seems a silly question now. Thank you all.

[bhg481]

Arrods - we added a jacket to our already insulated tank. They only cost a few pounds, never wear out, so you will certainly get your money back.
On one occasion we went away for a long weekend, Thursday to Monday. When I had my morning shower on the Tuesday the water temperature was OK but didn't feel quite as hot as usual, then I realised I hadn't switched the water heating back on. Enough said.

[Arrods]

Thanks bhg - will do that.

[Gherkins]

Mine happened to 'wear out' but a new one has been ordered off of amazon.