Tips for Insulating a Water Heater

Insulating your water heater can cut your energy usage which is not only good for the environment but also is good for your pocket book since it can save you a lot of money on your power bill. Adding insulation to your water heater helps to reduce heat loss, meaning that your water stays hotter and much less energy escapes into the air where it is wasted.

Newer models of water heaters don’t typically require insulation. If your water heater is older than 6-7 years old it is likely that it should be insulated. If you are not sure if your water heater needs insulating or not a good test is to touch it. If your water heater feels warm to the touch it would benefit from insulation. You need to be aware that after you have insulated your water heater you should not set the water temperature higher than 130 degrees since it can overheat the wires if it is set any hotter than that.

You can either buy a premade jacket or blanket for your water heater or you can make your own. The main difference between the two is the amount of work it will be for you to install. If you make your owner water heater blanket you obviously will have to spend more time than if you buy one already made.

If you choose to buy a premade jacket or blanket for your water heater you can expect to pay between $15.00-20.00 for it. However, the blanket will easily pay for itself and then some with energy savings over time. Premade water heater blankets or jackets can be purchased at home improvement stores or plumbing stores.

When you are shopping for a water heater jacket you will need to find one that will fit on your water heater and that has an insulating value of at least R-8. To install the premade water heater jacket or blanket simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you prefer, you can make your own jacket for your water heater using faced fiberglass insulation. You will first need to measure your water heater to find out how much insulation to buy. Faced fiberglass insulation can be purchased at just about any home improvement store.

After you have purchased your insulation cut it into strips that will fit around your water heater. Wrap each strip individually around the water heater and secure it with duct tape. You will need to cut slits in the insulation wherever necessary to accommodate the faucet and controls. If you are insulating a gas water heater you need to leave at least 2-3in. of area exposed around the flue collar and make sure not to put insulation near the burner access.

Once your water heater is completely wrapped you will need to secure all of the insulation with duct tape and seal around the edges of the insulation.

Insulating your water heater is a fairly quick and easy job. It is relatively inexpensive to do it and you will be able to recoup the cost of the project quickly in energy savings. Often times you will make back the cost of insulating your water heater within just a few months.