How to Insulate your Hot Water Heater

Insulate your hot water heater and save money.

One way to save money on heating your hot water is to insulate the tank. The heat from the water slowly dissipates through the outside of the tank. Once the water temperature lowers, the heater kicks in to warm the water back up. Insulating your hot water heater reduces the heat loss and prevents the heater from turning on as often. Insulating blankets for water heater tanks are available at home improvement centers. Measure the circumference of your tank before purchasing a blanket to ensure you get the right size.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Duct tape

1. Measure from the side of the tank to the pipes and transfer the measurement to the insulation. Cut slits into the top piece of the insulation blanket. These slits will help you fit the top piece around the pipes on the top of the tank. The cuts do not need to be precise. Do not cover the top if you have a gas hot water heater.

2. Fit the top insulation on top of the tank and around the pipes. Tape the slits together with duct tape once the insulation is in place. Fold the excess of the insulation down over the sides of the tank and duct tape the excess to the sides.

3. Wrap the main blanket around the circumference of the tank. Rotate the blanket so that the two ends do not meet over access panels. If wrapping a gas hot water heater, squeeze the blanket between the gas pipe and the tank. Do not cover the burner, thermostat or air intake area. If necessary, raise the blanket up so that you clear the the top of the thermostat. Cut the excess off even with the top of the tank.

4. Secure the belts that come with the blanket around the tank. Place one belt 6 inches from the top and one belt 6 inches above the drain valve. Position the third belt in between the first two. Tighten the belts so that they are snug but not squeezing the blanket more than 20 percent of its thickness.

5. Press in on the blanket to feel for the corners of access panels. Cut an "X" into the blanket where you locate access panels with the utility knife. Fold the flaps of the "X" inward and tuck behind the insulation.

6. Cut a flap in the blanket over the pressure release valve, and fold the flap under the insulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the instructions on the package for specifics on the blanket you purchase.

References

• Energy Savers: Installing an Insulation Blanket on an Electric Storage Water Heater
• Realtor: How to Insulate Your Water Heater