Save Money With Water Heater Insulation
Water heater insulation is one of the easiest ways to save money on your next electricity or gas bill. Household energy costs can be frustrating, and when the economy stresses the household budget, every penny matters. While heating and air conditioning are responsible for the greatest portion of a homeowner’s energy bill, the water heater is responsible for a sizeable portion of that cost, as well. 14 percent of the average annual energy cost in a home is attributed to water heater usage. The budget-minded homeowner, however, can take steps to lower this cost with simple strategies.
Insulation is a powerful tool in making a home more energy efficient, and is perfect for winterizing the water heater, as well. However, the insulation is useful throughout the year, and doesn’t need to be restricted to winter use. The outside of the water tank of the heater is a source of heat transfer, and while the tank may be cool to the touch, it does indeed allow transfer of heat from the inside of the tank. Limiting the loss of heat through the wall of the tank will reduce the costs incurred in maintaining the internal temperatures. This is beneficial in all seasons, regardless of weather conditions, as the environment in which the water heater is located will always maintain a lower temperature than exists inside the tank.
Water heater insulation is easily found in any local hardware department, and is relatively inexpensive to purchase. Insulation blankets designed for use with water heaters are available in different thicknesses, and it’s important to know how much space exists between the heater and any nearby walls or structures. Thicker insulation provides added protection against heat loss, but an insulating product must be able to fit in the area available. External lining on insulating blankets may be standard, or heat foil based, and while the foil lined product tends to be more costly, its performance is more efficient.
It’s important to know the height and circumference of the water heater before purchasing an insulation product, as sizing varies from one product to another. A simple method for obtaining the circumference is the use of a string, wrapped around the heater, and cut to size. Stretched out, the string is measured to determine how much material to cut. The cut blanket insulation is wrapped around the tank tightly, with the ends joined by an appropriate taping product. If tape isn’t provided with the insulation, duct tape or heat tape for pipes will work, as well. An additional section of insulation can be cut to cover the top of the heater to prevent further heat exchange from above. Additional insulation can be used to cover the pipes leading into and out of the water heater, and a layer of heat tape will hold the material in place, while adding to the heat retention.
Limiting heat loss will reduce heating costs. Additionally, the need to maintain a higher temperature in the tank is reduced by the use of water heater insulation, reducing the work for the water heater element. Recovery of hot water is faster, and lower internal temperatures achieve satisfactory results for household needs. Implementing family guidelines for hot water use can provide additional savings, which will lower the impact of water heating on household expenses.
Water heater costs can be limited through the simple installation of inexpensive insulating materials. This easy step can save significantly, both in the winter and throughout the year.
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