How to Insulate an Electric Hot Water Heater
Covering your electric hot water heater with a heater blanket will save on energy costs. Insulating blanket kits come with the surround piece, a top piece and two belts to secure the surround portion. Different manufacturers have slightly different procedures to install their insulating blankets; however, they all generally attach in the same manner. Purchase some industrial tape for securing the top portion of the blanket. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Position the middle of the top piece of insulation on the top center of the electric hot water heater. Cut slits into the insulation with a utility knife to fit the insulation around pipes. It should lay flat on top of the water heater.
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2
Pull the sides of the top piece of insulation over the side of the water heater. Fasten the insulation to the water heater with industrial tape.
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3
Wrap the insulation blanket around the circumference of the water heater. Ask a friend to assist, because it is more manageable with two people. Position the blanket so that the ends do not meet over the access panels to the thermostat and heating elements. If necessary, cut a slit in the blanket to fit the blanket around the pressure relief valve.
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4
Ask your helper to hold the top ends of the insulation blanket together while you wrap the upper belt around the blanket. Position the belt 8 inches from the top of the water heater. Tighten the belt snugly to secure the blanket to the water heater.
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5
Position the lower belt 8 inches from the bottom of the water heater and secure the insulation to the heater with the second belt.
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6
Feel through the insulating blanket with your fingers for the four corners of the access panel on the water heater. Cut an "X" in between the corners through the insulation. Fold the triangular pieces of cut insulation under the edge to expose the access panel.
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7
Cut around the water heater drain valve and fold the insulation under the blanket.
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