How to Add Insulation to a Hot Water Tank

One of the biggest energy expenditures in any home involves the heating of water. For this reason, it's crucial that your hot water tank have proper insulation. Thankfully, it's relatively easy and inexpensive to add insulation to a hot water tank, and the modest time investment could provide great savings on your energy bill throughout the years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Precut insulation jacket or blanket
• Heavy tape
• Scissors
• Tape measure

Add an Insulation Jacket to a Hot Water Tank

1. Measure the exact dimensions of your water heater. Unless you're a geometry whiz, you'll probably need a tape measure to gauge the water heater's circumference.
2. Visit a hardware store and browse the selection of precut water tank insulation jackets. A trained sales professional will be able to tell you the benefits and drawbacks of various brands. Regardless of specifications, precut insulation jackets are fairly inexpensive.
3. Read the instruction manual for your individual brand of precut insulation jacket.
4. Locate the top of the jacket, as that's the area through which piping will need access.
5. Slip the jacket into place. Turn it as necessary to make sure that the hot water tank's access panels are properly exposed by the fabric's cutaways.
6. Set the water tank's thermostat below 130 degrees F. Hotter water can affect the water tank's wiring system and lead to expensive overheating problems.
7. Check for more tips on insulating a hot water tank by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy's official website (see Resources below).

Place the Insulation Blanket

8. Measure the size of your water heater.
9. Cut a thick blanket into two pieces. Cut a smaller portion to fit over the top quarter of your water tank. Use the remaining portion of the blanket to insulate the body of the tank.
10. Cut slits into the top piece of the blanket. Line these slits up with the pipes protruding from the top of your water heater.
11. Push the top piece of the blanket into place. Fold the edges down, and use a heavy, industrial tape to secure them to the cylindrical body of the hot water tank.
12. Wrap the larger portion of the blanket around the water tank's body. Use the tape to secure it in place.
13. Cut crosses in the portion of the blanket that covers the tank's access panels. Fold the corners back, so that you'll always be able to reach the tank's controls.

Tips & Warnings

• When shopping for a professional insulation jacket, look for one with a rating of R-8 or greater.
• If you're unsure whether or not you should add insulation to a hot water tank, just give it a touch test. Any tank that's warm to the touch could use some more insulation.
• Install a bottom board beneath the hot water tank. This simple step will help insulate the bottom of your tank and keep heat from being lost through the floors.
• If your water tank is leaking, don't install a precut insulation jacket or blanket insulation system. The leaking water will be absorbed into the insulation, creating greater maintenance problems. Call a repairman to fix any leaks, and then install extra insulation.