Are water heater blankets worth it?
Water heater blankets, or insulation blankets, are exactly what you might expect: a sort of warm and cozy blanket that protects your water heater and keeps it from losing heat. Not only does it save you money, but it also helps the water heater to keep your hot water at a constant temperature.
Are water heater blankets a good idea?
Not only do these blankets save energy and money, but they also keep the water at a consistently hot temperature. Investing in a water heater blanket is a good idea for homes with heating units 10 to 12 years old. After 12 years, however, it is recommended to replace the unit with a newer model.
Does your water heater need a blanket?
Understanding Whether You Need a Hot Water Heater Blanket. The age and performance of your water heater will determine whether wrapping it in an insulation blanket will be worth it. If your heater is too old and not heating well, it would be better to replace the heater instead of covering it with an insulation blanket. If your heater is located inside the house and in the rooms, your home heating is keeping it warm enough and you do not need any extra insulation.
Do water heater blankets save money?
Water heater blankets are relatively simple, and you can even make it without skill and special equipment. Do not, however, underestimate the simple nature and purpose of a water heater blanket. It can save you a great deal of money when it comes to your energy and gas bills. It also saves you time and effort.
Does wrapping a water heater save money?
Even with a newer, better insulated tank, a blanket can offer some savings. It's estimated that with the typical tank, a cover can save you up to 17% on your energy bills. As most covers are around $30, that can be a worthwhile investment.
What is the R-value of a water heater blanket?
R-8The highest R-value you're likely to find for a residential water heater blanket is R-11, but values of R-7 and R-8 are more common. It's best to find the highest R-value blanket that fits your budget and your tank.
Should I wrap my water heater with insulation?
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!
Is it safe to wrap your hot water heater?
Additionally, the Department of Energy warns not to set the temperature of any hot water heaters with insulation blankets over 130 degrees fahrenheit because you can overheat the blanket—which can potentially overheat the wiring.
Do water heater blankets make a difference?
Water heater insulation could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs—and should pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available from around $20.
Do new hot water heaters need blankets?
Newer water heaters—those ten years old or newer—tend to be well insulated. If someone has an older electric water heater that's still working then a blanket is probably a good idea. Water heater life is a function of a few factors and water quality is the biggest one.
Does a water heater blanket void warranty?
Contrary to the warranty exclusion listed on the back of the instruction manual that came with your water heater, the use of an insulation blanket will not void your warranty.
What is the best material for insulating a hot water tank?
neoprene foamWhen it comes to electric water heaters, polythene or neoprene foam are the most suitable materials for insulation of the piping.
How do you install a water heater blanket?
1:233:05How to Install a hot water heater jacket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe blanket around your water heater mark. Where it overlaps. Then use your tape measure aMoreThe blanket around your water heater mark. Where it overlaps. Then use your tape measure a straightedge and scissors to cut the blanket to size be sure to cut it with the vinyl side up.
Why do you wrap a water heater?
An insulating blanket on your water heater and insulating wraps on your hot water pipes prevents them for losing heat to the outside air. They save energy, money, and you won't have to wait as long for the water to get hot at the faucet.
Does my hot water tank need a jacket?
If your insulation is too thin, then you should fit a tank jacket (or a second jacket) to get you up to the recommended 80mm. If you have a cylinder with no insulation, then you should insulate as a priority, otherwise you're wasting a lot of money heating up water that cools down before you use it.
Are water heater blankets required in California?
Storage water heaters do not need to have blankets anymore. The 2013 Standards required storage water heaters with efficiency levels equivalent to the minimum federal efficiency standard to be externally wrapped (i.e. water heater blanket) with insulation of R-12 or greater. This requirement has been deleted.
How do you wrap a water heater?
1:142:34Installing a Water Heater Wrap - A Sierra Club Green Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is all very easy just peel the back off the tape. Stretch. It across the seam. Now it's inMoreSo this is all very easy just peel the back off the tape. Stretch. It across the seam. Now it's in place perfect and now before we're done let's just double-check down around the thermostat.
Should you insulate hot water pipes?
Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing you to lower your water temperature setting. You also won't have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.
How do you insulate an outdoor water heater?
There are two general choices. You can apply either pipe insulation, a material that's similar to wall insulation but it's made specifically for plumbing pipes, or heating wire and pipe tape. Apply the insulation materials to the plumbing pipes, ensuring that the pipe insulation is adhering tightly to the piping.
How do you insulate a water tank?
Insulate the Water Tank One of the best—and cheapest—ways to limit the risk of freezing is to insulate the tank. This involves wrapping the top and sides with blankets made from fiberglass, mineral wool, ceramic fiber, or some other cushioning material.
What is a Water Heater Blanket?
A water heater is a tank of water heated to a specific temperature, somewhere around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, on average .
How much does a heating blanket cost?
They are easy to install, requiring only a few tools such as a tape measure and utility knife! The average cost of a heating blanket is around $20 to $40.
What are Other Ways to Reduce Water Heating Costs?
In addition to a water heating blanket, other ways to reduce water heating costs in your home include:
How thick is a Frost King water heater blanket?
One of Amazon’s Choice picks for water heater blankets includes Frost King SP60 All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket. It is 3” thick by 60” tall and 90” long, which allows it to fit nicely over larger tanks. It is light-weight (under 6 pounds) and features a superior 10R design, making it highly effective at saving energy. Easy to install, this blanket is durable and comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual.
Why do water heaters have insulation?
All water heaters are equipped with some insulation level to help keep the heat inside the tank —the newer the model, the better the insulation. Water heater blankets were marketed in the 1970s to help older heating units retain warmth and energy. A water heater blanket (also known as an insulation blanket) is just what it sounds like!
How much water does a fiberglass blanket hold?
This specific fiberglass blanket with vinyl backing is designed for gas, oil, and electric units containing up to 60 gallons of water. It has an overall rating of 4/5 (5/5 for both presentation and ease of use, 4.9/5 for ease of installation, and 4.6/5 for value). Check it out online today at Amazon.com!
How old should a water heater be to replace it?
Depending on the water heater’s age (12 years or older), it is sometimes better to replace it with a newer model that is likely to be more cost- and energy-efficient over time! If the water heater is around 8 to 12 years old and in good condition, try using a water heater blanket.
What is an Insulation Blanket?
It’s a blanket that wraps around your hot water heater to keep it from losing heat. It also helps your hot water heater to maintain a consistent temperature.
What affects the R value of a blanket?
The materials of the blanket affect the R-value, and so do the density and thickness. For a hot water heater in a room such as the garage or outdoor closet—a place that typically isn’t climate controlled—choose a blanket with a higher R-value.
Do water heater blankets help?
Hot water heater blankets also prevent hot water heater from losing heat to a cold room or outdoor closet. My grandfather, who was always very strict that we keep the doors closed during winter so as not to “heat the entire block,” would be very happy to hear that.
Is it worth replacing a hot water heater?
Depending on the age of your hot water heater, it may be worth it to replace your hot water heater instead of just insulating it. Most HVAC professionals recommend hot water heater blankets for older models of hot water heater, but installing a new hot water heater may be more cost- and energy-efficient in the long run.
Do you need insulation blankets for hot water heaters in Phoenix?
But if you live in Phoenix, AZ and keep your hot water heater in your garage, it’s not as important to use an insulation blanket because the temperature difference isn’t as extreme. Before moving forward, make sure to check the warranty on your hot water heater to see if insulating it will void the warranty. If you are in need of ...
Can you wrap a hot water heater in insulation?
If you live in Minneapolis, MN and your hot water heater is in an unfinished basement or garage, then wrapping your hot water heater in an insulation blanket will save you money.
Do you need a blanket for a gas water heater?
If you have a gas hot water heater, use immense caution—it’s very important you don’t smother the flame or have any part of the blanket underneath the heater.
Who Benefits The Most From Buying A Water Heater Blanket?
Virtually any home can benefit from having a water heater blanket, but there are definitely some that need one more than others. The homes that do best with these include ones that fit one or more of the situations below:
How does a water heater blanket save energy?
Water heater blankets make it easy to save on energy bills by trapping heat inside the heater. This reduces the amount of energy that needs to be used to heat up your water, and trust me, it adds up fast. A water heater blanket can help you drop your energy bill by as much as eight to 17 percent annually.
What is the R rating for a water heater?
The “R” rating for water heater blankets denotes the level of insulation that they provide. Most water heater experts agree that an R11 blanket is a good starting point. The higher the R rating, the more insulation your blanket will be able to provide. So if you’re given a choice between an R12 and an R15 blanket, choose the R15. It’ll provide better value for you.
How much does a water heater blanket reduce heat loss?
Depending on where you live, a water heater blanket can reduce heat loss by as much as 25 to 45 percent. This can significantly reduce the cost to heat your water, especially during the winter.
What is a water heater blanket?
A water heater blanket is a thick blanket covering that is meant to be wrapped around the heater. The blanket itself contains thick insulation material that is meant to help contain heat inside of the heater so it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the water inside hot. Most of the time, you will be able to secure it over your water heater straps with the help of additional ties.
How long does it take for a water heater blanket to pay for itself?
To put it simply, buying a water heater blanket will pay for itself within the first year of use. By the second year of use, you will notice a significant drop in your bills and enjoy savings from then on.
How much does a water heater cover cost?
Water heater covers cost very little, but offer a lot of value. A typical water heater blanket will cost between $20 and $35. Installing it is usually a DIY project, so that means you can expect it to be free. If you want to get a professional handyman to install it, you should add an additional $60 for the visit. That’s the typical bare minimum fee for a handyman.
How Do You Install A Water Heater Blanket?
Look for a water heater wrap that comes in a kit. This will come with instructions to help you through the process.
How much does an insulated blanket cost?
It may not seem like much but considering that the cost of the blanket is anywhere from about $20.00 to $35.00 - it's a savings that could easily add up in time.
What Kind Of Water Heater Wrap To Buy?
If you do decide that you want to purchase and use a water heater insulation blanket then the next step is to decide what kind to get.
Why do you need an insulated wrap on a water heater?
If you have an older water heater, an insulated wrap may be useful to keep it from working so hard which in the end may extend it's lifespan and help to reduce the amount of electricity or gas the water heater is using to keep the water inside of it hot.
Why do you need a water heater cover?
Some people call them water heater covers or wraps, but whatever you call them, the purpose is to keep the water heater tank warmer so that it doesn't have to work so hard to keep the water inside the tank hot.
Do you cover the thermostat on a gas water heater?
If you have an electric or gas water heater - make sure not to cover the thermostat or the heating element control. Also - do not cover the drain valve, pressure reliev valve or the overflow drain tube. Additionally for a gas water heater - you want to make sure not to cover the flue, the air flow to the gas burner or the draft diverter.
Do newer water heaters need padding?
But newer water heaters are fairly well insulated and they wouldn't need the extra padding.
What do Water Heater Blankets Cost?
Water heater insulation blankets will cost you between $30 and $60. The price can be higher or lower, depending on where you’re located and the time of year that you’re shopping for one.
Should You Wrap Your Hot Water Pipes?
Yes, you should wrap hot water pipes. Once the hot water leaves the tank, it travels through cool pipes which instantly start to lower the water temperature.
Can You Use Two Water Heater Blankets?
You could potentially use two water heater blankets at the same time, provided you don’t cover the controller, anode rod, pressure release valve, or the top of the tank in error.
Do Modern Hot Water Tanks Need Insulation?
Hot water heaters less than 10 years old usually don’t require a heater blanket. If the water heater is in a cold mechanical (furnace) room, then insulating would benefit it.
Do Water Heater Insulation Blankets Work?
Yes, water heater insulation blankets work. Using a heater blanket that fits the size of your tank is important to maximize the benefits.
Why put a blanket on a water heater?
We don’t blame them! Putting a jacket or blanket on your water heater allows it to retain heat better. In return, it will help you save money on your energy bills.
Why is a water heater blanket important?
A water heater blanket can help you do just that. It can reduce the amount of fossil fuels your home emits. This is especially important for people who want to “go green” at home.
Why use smartjacket blankets in water heaters?
This product can reduce heat loss by as much as 40 percent and allows the family to enjoy more significant savings in the future.
How many gallon tanks can a water heater blanket hold?
Plus, this model is also fit for up to 60-gallon tanks. It is one of the most versatile choices that you should not miss when comparing your options. Also, this water heater blanket can effectively deliver its purpose of saving you much money because it can reduce your water heater’s recovery time.
What is an insulating blanket?
With layers of foil and polyethylene bubbles, the insulating blanket is effective in trapping and regulating heat. Once installed, it effectively reflects and then sends the heat lost back into the water tank. With this feature, the water heater tank will retain more heat for a longer period.
What is a 4663 water heater blanket made of?
The M-D Building Products 4663 water heater blanket is made of vinyl-backed fiberglass. It is quite sturdy and durable, ensuring the user that it will last for a long time.
How thin is an 80 gallon water heater blanket?
Also, the 80 gallon water heater blanket is relatively thin at only 5 millimeters. You will have to be extra careful in its installation. The included tape is not as sticky as I want it to be as well.
Why is my water heater so hot?
Low heater insulation is one of the primary causes of high energy bills. It happens because the old water heater is using more energy to work correctly. Especially in the winter months, it will use more power because it also loses much heat. It is why you need the best water heater blanket that can offer hot water heater insulation and improves its energy efficiency.
How long is a reflective foam water heater blanket?
As such, you can use it despite changes in tank type. Aside from that, the blanket is also long, measuring 48 inches x 76 inches.
What kind of tape is used for insulation blankets?
Electrical or other tape (tape comes with most insulation blanket kits)
Can you use insulation blankets on water heaters?
Some local codes and utility company regulations may prohibit insulation blankets. Often, the homeowner has good intentions but unknowingly creates hazards by: 1) covering safety warnings and operating instructions; 2) covering controls, access areas, shut off devices, temperature and pressure relief valves, etc.; or 3) blocking air passages required for combustion or draft resulting in unsafe operation. Consequently, the water heater manufacturer disclaims any liability for problems associated with the use of insulation blankets.