Insulation is an easy and effective way to save money on energy bills and reduce the effects of heat loss and heat gain. It’s most commonly used in our walls, our attic, our roof all to keep our homes comfortable and energy bills low, but what else could we insulate in order to save money?
Our plumbing!
Why Should I Insulate My Water Heater?
Let’s begin with the water heater. Standard water heaters are tanks ranging from 50 gallons to 80 gallons, filled with water that is consistently heated to temperatures between 120 degrees to 140 degrees. This metal tank does a great job of holding the water but not necessarily trapping the heat. By wrapping your water heater tank in an insulation blanket, you could reduce standby heat loss by 25-45 percent and save about 7 to 16 percent on water heating costs!
Let’s Get Started!
Insulation is relatively inexpensive, but you can also find specially made insulation jackets that perfectly fit your water heater tank. If you’re really looking to save, contact your utility company and inquire about discounts or rebates for water heater insulation products. Some companies will even install your insulation for you at no cost to you!
Next up, make sure your water tank isn’t leaking. Not only could the water damage the insulation, but a leaking tank is a sign that it’s time for a new water heater.
Finally, if you have a water heater that uses an electric fuel source, consider adding insulation to the bottom of the tank. This will prevent further heat loss and could even save you up to an additional 9 percent on energy costs.
Like always, if you encounter any obstacles along the road towards lowering your energy bills and reducing heat loss, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Nuckols Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!