Should I Put A Blanket On My Water Heater?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Newer water heaters—those ten years old or newer—tend to be

well insulated

. If someone has an older electric water heater that’s still working then a blanket is probably a good idea. … Water heaters are always under pressure and tend not to give any warning before they leak copiously.

What is the R value of a water heater blanket?

The US Energy water heater blanket can reduce heat loss up to 40% and lower utility bills. It has an R-

Value rating of 8

, which meets the U.S. Department of Energy minimum recommendation. Its waterproof and class 1 fire rated, and made from non-fiberglass materials.

Do water heater insulation blankets work?

Research has shown that “

adding insulation to your water heater tank can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%

.” If someone sees those figures and doesn’t understand that “standby heat loss” is only a small part of the energy used by your water heater, that person might conclude that the blanket can save you up to 45 …

Are water heater blankets fireproof?

If fire resistance is of utmost importance, a

fiberglass or foil water heater

blanket is the way to go. Some fiberglass or foil products aren’t fire-rated, but that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe. Just be sure to keep the insulation clear of the burner by a few inches.

Does a water heater blanket save money?

The added wall of insulation that a water heater blanket

provides can reduce your hot water heater’s “standby heating losses” by 25 to 45 percent

, thus reducing your related costs by 4-9%. A water heater blanket costs between 10 and 30 dollars, and will pay for itself within about a year.

Why shouldn’t you lay a water heater on its side?

In certain situations, the hot water heater may need to be laid on its side. If the hot water heater is not properly moved while in a horizontal position,

the metal casing could become damaged or the glass lining could crack

.

Is it worth it to insulate a water heater?

If your water tank is new,

it is likely already insulated

. … If not, consider insulating your water tank, which could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs—and should pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available from around $20.

Why the heater is fitted at the bottom of the tank?

In most cases, for a small volume of hot water demand, the

electrical heater heats up the entire water inside the storage tank as thermostat

is located at the bottom, thereby after the consumption of the needed hot water, the rest of the energy in the remaining water is lost to the surroundings.

How do you insulate a water heater closet?

  1. GATHER YOUR MATERIALS. …
  2. TURN OFF THE HOT WATER HEATER. …
  3. WRAP THE BLANKET AROUND YOUR TANK. …
  4. CUT OUT SPACES AS NEEDED. …
  5. TAPE INSULATION IN PLACE AND TURN ON THE POWER. …
  6. LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE.

How can I protect my water heater from heat?


Insulation of all the Water Supply Pipes

As the water tank cover protects the water inside the tank from heat, in the same manner, proper insulation for your pipes will also help a lot to maintain the temperature of your water. The use of pipe sleeves made from the foam will help a lot.

When should I drain my water heater?

You can flush and drain the water heater at

least once a year

to remove the sediment that has built up over time. Even though it should be done once per year, licensed plumbers recommend you drain regularly and flush every six months.

How do I hide my hot water heater?

  1. Add a Closet. If you have the space, you can hire a contractor to install drywall and a door. …
  2. Create a Hot Water Cover or Cabinet. Creating a cabinet is a great option if you want something less permanent than a closet. …
  3. Hang Curtains. …
  4. Use a Room Divider or Screen.

Can a water heater be covered?

Perhaps the simplest way to hide your furnace and water heater is to

add a sliding curtain as a divider

. You will need to measure the wall height to determine proper curtain length, as well as the needed width. Be sure to give a few inches of clearance so the curtain doesn’t touch your heater.

Why are water tanks insulated?

Insulating a hot water tank

Pipe insulation consists of a foam tube that covers the exposed pipes between your hot water cylinder and boiler,

reducing the amount of heat lost

and, therefore, keeping your water hotter for longer.

How can I make my water heater more efficient?

  1. Turn Down Your Thermostat. …
  2. Invest in a Tankless Water Heater. …
  3. Make Sure You’re Using the Right-Sized Water Heater. …
  4. Keep an Eye on Your Tank’s Sediment. …
  5. Insulate Your Water Tank and Pipes. …
  6. Install in a Volt Timer. …
  7. Use Less Hot Water.

Is it OK to transport a water heater laying down?

Use plenty of help when moving the water heater. Transporting a hot water heater

can be done safely without damaging the tank

. It must be kept upright at all times to avoid damage to the internal liner. Damaging this liner will generally ruin the whole unit.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.