How to Insulate a Water Heater
This is an easy project that not only benefits the environment, but saves you money on your power bills. Having your water heater properly insulated results is less heat loss. So all the energy is spent on heating the water you will use, not wasted in the air. You can purchase an insulating blanket or follow these instructions to make your own.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Purchase faced fiberglass insulation. Make sure you measure your water heater in advance so you know how much to buy. Also, buy duct tape if you don't have any at home.
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2
Cut the fiberglass insulation inyo strips and wrap them horizontally around your water heater.
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3
Use duct tape to seal the fiberglass around your water heater where the pieces join together.
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4
Cut out holes for the controls and faucets where needed.
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5
Make a cap for the water heater (if it's electric) and tape it on top, leaving slits in the insulation for the hardware.
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6
Leave 2 inches of exposed area around the flue collar of a gas water heater. Keep the burner access free from insulation as well.
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7
Tape around any unsealed edges of the fiberglass to ensure your water heater is properly insulated.
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8
Set your thermostat between 120 and 130 degrees. Anything higher can overheat the wires. You want to insulate your water heater, not create a ticking time bomb.
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9
Consider placing a piece of rigid insulation underneath your water heater to save double on your power bill. Lots of heat escapes through the floor. This can be difficult since you have to move the water heater, so you may want to wait until its time to buy a new one.
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10
Enjoy the savings on your next power bill, especially if your water heater is located in an unheated room, garage or basement. Typical savings are four to nine percent.
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Comments
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Yikes. May want to consider not insulating the top of a gas water heater. Insulation material is incredibly flammable up to 6" of clearance (I've tested). Keep insulating materials at least 6" from the flue and 3" from the burners.
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Keep the jacket or blanket away from the drain at the bottom and the flue at the top. Make sure the airflow to the burner isn't obstructed. Leave the thermostat uncovered, and don't insulate the top of a gas water heater tank—the insulation is combustible and can interfere with the draft diverter.
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Yikes. May want to consider not insulating the top of a gas water heater. Insulation material is incredibly flammable up to 6" of clearance (I've tested). Keep insulating materials at least 6" from the flue and 3" from the burners.
