Save Heat; Hot Water Heaters Need Blankets Too
Hot water heaters are an important part of the home. So important, that they contribute quite a bit to the bill every month. In order to reduce heating water expenditures, insulate it; make it more efficient. Though we are in a warm area, insulating the water heater still makes a significant difference. A step every home and business should take to lower the expenditure of energy in our community committed to conservation; insulate hot water heater Orange County brings us a step closer to environmental bliss.
Even if your water heater is in the garage not exposed to extreme conditions, it will still help to insulate. For example, if the water heater area drops to 60 degrees that is still an 80-degree difference between the tank and the air surrounding it. A blanket can trap heat and reducing the loss rate by 25-40%, meaning your bill will see a 5-10% drop in price. A percentage drop of this size is well worth the time for the easy blanket install process and money ($10-20) for insulation, especially since it saves you the same amount every month.
While placing installation, be sure not to put any around the top by the exhaust vent, never by any other exhaust vents, or over any air intakes at the bottom of the tank. To do it right, you probably want to solicit a little bit of help to situate the blanket. Most of them are rather awkward to handle on your own, simply because they have to cover a large amount of tank. For most, it should only take about a half an hour to finish covering the tank and main pipes.
Your list of materials: sharpy (or other writing utensil), sturdy tape, scissors, and an assistant. Using the sharpy, draw around the areas that will need to be cut. Remember that is any areas with controls, vents, the thermostat, or around the burner, (which is only on gas heaters).
The final step is insulating the pipes. Purchase pre-slit insulated pipe sleeves, and use the same sharpy/scissor/tape method. Be careful to keep the pipe far away from the flue at the top of the hot water heater or the pipe insulation could catch on fire. You should also double-check pipes for leaks, and make sure to fix them before insulating. Keep the insulation loose as it forms naturally, because when it is squished, it will loose some of its insulating value.
Your new and improved system will save you money, and keep your water hot and steamy as you like it. Remember to check up on your water heater now and then to ensure that the insulation is secure and safe.
