Just like how you insulate the walls and roof of your house to trap warm air in, you should consider doing the same for your water heater. Insulating your water heater prevents warm air from radiating out, improving energy efficiency. Doing this will save you money and lower the amount of maintenance needed to keep your tank running.
How to Insulate Your Water Heater
The first thing you need to do is buy an insulating blanket kit. You can find these kits at most home improvement stores, or at your local Snellville or Lawrenceville plumbing company. You’ll also want to grab a tape measure, a marker, scissors, and strong tape.
1). Turn off the water heater.
Electric heaters can be turned off by flipping the breaker at the electric panel. Gas water heaters can be turned off by turning the gas valve to the “Pilot” position.
2). Take measurements.
When taking measurements of your water heater, make sure you leave the top open. You don’t want to have the blanket go up too high and block the vent at the top.
3). Wrap the blanket around the unit and temporarily tape it in place.
Position the blanket so that the ends do not come together over the access panel(s).
4). Mark the areas where the controls are.
Electric water heaters will typically have two control panels on the side. For gas tanks, you’ll need to mark an arch-shaped hole around the gas valves and burner. Make sure that the opening is 1 inch wider than the area. You’ll also want to mark the area where the pressure relief valve and pipes are. (This will be the pipe that sticks out of the side of the water heater.)
5). Cut out the marked areas.
Cut out the marked areas so that the blanket will still fit nice and snug.
6). Install the blanket.
Line up the cut out areas and permanently tape the blanket in place.
7). Turn the water heater back on.
Be advised that if you have an electronic water heater, do not set the thermostat above 130ºF as the wiring could overheat. If you experience any trouble while installing your insulation blanket, contact Arrowhead Plumbing to service all of your plumbing needs.