Should I insulate my water heater?

Insulating your electric water heater, like insulating your walls or roof, is a simple and affordable approach to enhance energy efficiency and save money each month. The majority of specialists believe that heat loss in a gas water heater occurs via the flue. Therefore, a blanket accomplishes no purpose for these types of heaters.

Insulation blankets may be prohibited by municipal rules and utility company requirements. Often, the homeowner has good intentions but unknowingly creates hazards by: 1) covering safety warnings and operating instructions; 2) covering controls, access areas, shut off devices, temperature and pressure relief valves, etc.; or 3) blocking air passages required for combustion or draft resulting in unsafe operation. As a result, the water heater manufacturer disclaims all responsibility for issues caused by the usage of insulating blankets.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1) Turn off the water heater.

Turn off the breaker at the power panel for electric heaters.

2) Measure the height of the water heater and, if required, trim the blanket to suit.

3) Wrap the blanket over the water heater and tape it in place for now.

For ease of installation, position the blanket so that the ends do not come together over the access panels in the side of the tank. Certain tanks only have one access panel.

4) With a marker, highlight the locations where controls are to be taken away.

Electric water heaters feature two panels on the tank’s side. Mark the location of the pressure release valve and pipe as well. There will be a pipe that protrudes from the water heater’s side.

5) Install the blanket.

Carefully align the cut out parts before taping it in place firmly.

6) Turn the water heater back on.

While using an insulating jacket or blanket on an electric water heater, do not set the thermostat over 130oF since the wiring may overheat.

Related Questions

• Should I insulate my hot water heater pipes?

  Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing you to lower your water temperature setting. You’ll also save water by not having to wait as long for hot water when you switch on a faucet or showerhead.

• What is the best insulation for hot water tank?

  When it comes to electric water heaters, polythene or neoprene foam are the best materials for pipe insulation.

• What is the minimum insulation required for a water heater?

  All domestic hot water piping shall be insulated as specified in Section 609.11 of the California Plumbing Code, which requires pipe insulation thickness equal to or more than the diameter of the pipe, up to 2 inches. The insulation thickness must be at least 2 inches above the pipe diameter of 2 inches.

• How do you insulate a hot water heater?

  1. 1) Turn off the water heater.
  2. 2) Measure the height of the water heater and, if required, trim the blanket to suit.
  3. 3) Wrap the blanket over the water heater and tape it in place temporarily.
  4. 4) Using a marker, highlight the locations where the controls are so that you may clip them out. …
  5. 5) Install the blanket.