Insulate Your Electric Water Heater Tank

Is your water heater is located in a garage, basement or other space that isn't air conditioned? Insulating your water heater tank with an insulation blanket is an easy way to save energy and lower your bill each month.

Energy.gov estimates that you can save up to 7%-16% annually.

If you have an older hot water tank, check to see if it has insulation with an R-value of at least 24. If you don't know your water heater tank's R-value, touch it carefully. A tank that is warm to the touch needs additional insulation.

Materials:

• Water Heater Blanket
• Scissors
• Duct Tape

Steps:

1. Turn off the electric water heater at the breaker panel.
2. Measure the height of the water heater and cut the blanket to fit if necessary.
3. Leave the top of the water heater open.
4. Wrap the blanket around the water heater and temporarily tape it in place. Position the blanket so that the ends do not come together over the access panels on the side of the tank.
5. Mark the areas, then cut holes where controls are located. For electric water heaters, there will be two panels on the side of the tank. Mark the area where the pressure relief valve and pipe are located. This will be a pipe that protrudes from the side of the water heater.
6. Adhere the blanket. Be careful to line up the cut out areas and then tape it permanently in place.
7. Turn the water heater back on