Is your water heater is located in a garage, basement or other space that isn’t air conditioned? Insulating your water heater tank with an insulation blanket is an easy way to save energy and lower your bill each month.
Energy.gov estimates that you can save up to 7%-16% annually.
If you have an older hot water tank, check to see if it has insulation with an R-value of at least 24. If you don’t know your water heater tank’s R-value, touch it carefully. A tank that is warm to the touch needs additional insulation.
Materials:
- Water Heater Blanket
- Scissors
- Duct Tape
Steps:
- Turn off the electric water heater at the
breaker panel. - Measure the height of the water heater and
cut the blanket to fit if necessary. - Leave the top of the water heater open.
- Wrap the blanket around the water heater
and temporarily tape it in place. Position
the blanket so that the ends do not come
together over the access panels on the side
of the tank. - Mark the areas, then cut holes where
controls are located. For electric water
heaters, there will be two panels on the
side of the tank. Mark the area where the
pressure relief valve and pipe are located.
This will be a pipe that protrudes from the
side of the water heater. - Adhere the blanket. Be careful to line
up the cut out areas and then tape it
permanently in place. - Turn the water heater back on
Safety Note: Don’t set the thermostat above 130ºF on the electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket – the wiring may overheat.
