"I just insulated my PSII 40"" reflux tower and 7.5 gallon boiler with reflectix and seems to do the trick on heat loss.

I run a gutted $20 walmart 1000 watt solid top hotplate with a 5hp Minarik dc motor controller and ammeter, once up to temperature it always took 6.5 amps now with the insulation it only takes 4.75 amps, 812w - 594w = 225 watts less per hour and saves me 20 cents in electrical costs on a spirit run. Though the bigger advantage over money is temperature stability.

My simple and effective way to get precise control over take-off rate was to first replace the included pvc ball valve with a brass gate valve and keep all piping the same. I use a 2 gallon plastic sink tub with the pump in my kitchen sink, the condenser return hose comes back in this as well but the tower discharge drains into the sink drain and letting the faucet dribble into the tub for make-up water. Note: I keep the tower discharge hose in the tub during the first hour of reflux then move it once ready to run.

Since the condenser water never gets warm and the constant dribble of fresh water it stays at a cool 70F (summer) throughout the whole run. I set my hotplate wattage just right so as to use as little tower cooling water that still gives me control, maybe a gallon an hour? Keeping the tower water at the same temperature gives me perfect take-off rates with no variations and almost an infinite control with the gate valve."