Whether or not insulating your water heater is worth the money and bother depends on the water heater that you have. Older water heaters will benefit more from water heater insulation because they don’t have the quality built-in insulation of newer models.
Should I insulate my water heater in Magnolia?
You should insulate your water heater if the storage tank has an R-value of less than 24. If you’re unsure of your water heater’s R-value, no problem—just touch it with your hand. If your water heater is fairly warm or even hot, adding insulation will be beneficial. If you have a newer water heater, it will have an R-value greater than 24 and has all the insulation that it needs.
How much energy and money will I save by insulating my water heater?
Insulating your water heater isn’t going to save you a fortune, but it will save you enough to be worthwhile. Standby heat losses can be reduced by 25%-45%, saving you 4%-9% on monthly water heating costs. Insulating your water heater will cost you around $20-$30, and you should have made up for that investment after the first year.
How do I make sure I have insulated my water heater correctly?
When you wrap your water heater tank in a pre-cut jacket or blanket, you’ll need to be sure to leave certain areas uncovered. Never cover up warning labels, vents on the tops of gas water heaters, control panels, bottom air inlets, or pressure relief valves.
If you have concerns about your water heater’s efficiency or age, now may be a good time to look into purchasing a new one, so that you don’t have to worry about it breaking down unexpectedly. New standards for water heaters are taking effect in April 2015, so be sure to contact Rooter-Man Plumbers for help making sure that you choose the best water heater for your home!
