How to Install a Hot Water Tank Insulation Blanket

The top of a water heater tank

The high cost of energy has caused homeowners to look for ways to save on their power bills. Major appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners and water heaters can be responsible for 15 percent to 30 percent of a household's energy costs, according to Get Energy Active. Much of the heat produced by a water heater is lost from the tank. Adding an insulating blanket to the tank can reduce heat loss and help your water heater operate more efficiently, saving you money in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Water heater blanket
• Measuring tape
• Permanent marker
• Dust mask
• Gloves
• Scissors
• Duct tape
• Utility knife

Instructions

Prepare the Area

1. Turn off the power source to the water heater by flipping the appropriate breaker switch to the "off" position. Turn the gas valve on the top of the water heater to the "off" position if you are installing a blanket on a gas water heater.

2. Check for exposed wiring around the water heater. Have a licensed electrician repair these wires if they are present.

3. Remove all objects from within a 3-foot area of the water heater. Clear an area nearby where you can completely stretch out the water heater blanket to be cut.

Measure and Cut

1. Measure the height of the water heater from the bottom to the top of the tank with a tape measure. Deduct 2 inches from this number. Measure this distance on the water heater blanket and mark it all the way across with a permanent marker.

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2. Put on gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from fiberglass particles. Roll your sleeves completely down so that you will not be scratched. Cut the blanket along the lines you marked.

3. Wrap the blanket around the water heater. Leave a 1 inch space at both the top and bottom of the tank. Secure loosely with a piece of duct tape

4. Use your hands to feel where the control panels are. Look for two panels if this is an electric water heater. Take your marker and outline the area, leaving a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch border around the outside edge of the control panels. Remove the blanket from the water heater tank and cut out these sections with a utility knife or pair of scissors.

Install

1. Wrap the blanket around the water heater with the cutout sections over the control panels and position it an inch from the top of the tank. Trim off any excess width with a pair of scissors.

2. Secure the water heater blanket to the tank with duct tape. Tape all the way down the side seams and use three or four 1-inch pieces along the top of the tank.

3. Turn the breaker for the water heater back to the "on" position. Turn the gas valve back on if this is a gas water heater. Discard any leftover pieces of fiberglass blanket in the trash.

References

• Moneypit: Installing A Water Heater Blanket
• Energy Savers: Insulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings
• Get Energy Active: 100 Ways to Improve Your Electricity Bill