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For a typical New Jersey area home, approximately 13 percent of your utility bill is attributable to heating hot water. Some of this energy is lost through the walls of your hot water tank, especially if your tank is several years old or older. By insulating your hot water tank with a special blanket of its own, you can reduce this heat loss by as much as 40 percent.
Water heater insulation Use a specifically manufactured water-heater insulation kit, which is available from your local hardware store or your local plumbing experts. Kits for insulating your hot water tank will typically include A blanket made of fiberglass designed to wrap around the tank
A piece of insulation to cover the top of the tank Tape to hold everything in place These kits are available in a range of sizes and shapes. Measure the height and circumference of your heater before shopping for a kit.
Installation You will need the insulating kit, duct tape, gloves, and a utility knife. This is not a complicated process; accomplished in an hour or less. The kit must be trimmed (with the utility knife) to fit around pipes, drain valves, and heater controls. On gas-fueled water heaters, keep all insulation away from the air intake, burner area, and draft diverter.
Cautions and warnings Some water heater manufacturers prohibit using insulating blankets around their units. Check your owner’s manual for any restrictions. Unauthorized blanketing could void any manufacturer’s warranty. Carefully follow all instructions in the insulation kit. Improperly installed blankets may create a fire hazard.
Insulating your hot water tank is something you can probably accomplish yourself. However, to ensure proper fit and safe installation, call the specialists at Pipe Works Services. We’ve provided expert service to New Jersey homeowners since 1988. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, NJ, and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
