The second leading energy expense for homeowners is hot water use. So, understandably, if there are ways to increase or improve our hot water heater’s efficiency, we want to know how, right? Of course! So how do we increase our water heater’s efficiency? One of the most effective methods is insulating it.
How Do You Insulate a Water Heater?
You insulate your water heater by wrapping it with a water heater blanket. According to the Department of Energy, wrapping your water heater with an insulation blanket can cut standby heat losses as much as 45%. This equates to savings of up to 16% annually on your hot water bill.
Quick Tip: Before you go out and purchase a water heater blanket, make sure your water heater actually needs one. Many newer water heaters are already well insulated and don’t need extra insulation. To see if your water heater could use the extra insulation, touch the tank portion of your water heater. If it is warm to the touch, then it qualifies for extra insulation.
If your water heater needs insulation, follow the steps in the video below.
Is a Water Heater Blanket Worth It?
Considering the savings that can be earned by implementing a water heater blanket, we definitely think it’s worth the investment. Think about it. If you can save 7%-16% on your hot water bill every year, isn’t a $20-$30 blanket worth it? The blanket will likely be paid for within the first year of use.
Other Ways to Increase Water Heater Efficiency
If you want to increase the efficiency of your water heater even more, consider the options below.
- Turn down the temperature on your water heater by adjusting its thermostat. It’s estimated that every 10 degrees that the thermostat’s temperature is reduced, 3-5 percent of energy consumption is saved.
- Consider getting your water heater drained of sediment and replenished. Over time, sediment can build up in a water heater’s tank. This build up can hinder the water heating process and cause your water heater to work harder than needed. This results in extra energy being used which increases your energy bill. Interested? We offer water heater maintenance for both standard water heaters and tankless water heaters.
- Lastly, consider upgrading to a more efficient unit or purchasing a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters can be up to 20-30 percent more efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters and their lifespan is nearly double.
Wrapping It Up
Increasing efficiency is important because it eliminates waste while saving energy and money. When it comes to your hot water heater, insulating it is one of the best ways to improve its efficiency. But, remember, make sure your water heater actually needs insulation by checking to see if it is warm to the touch. If it’s warm to the touch, it likely needs insulating.
If you have any experience with insulating your water heater with a water heater blanket, feel free to comment below! Let us know if it increased your water heater’s efficiency.
