Should we put a blanket around our hot water heater? (We live in the SF Bay Area.)?

Answer 1

Water heaters newer than 10 years, don't need an insulation blanket. Years ago they used fiberglass insulation between the case and the tank, it lost considerable heat as it was only an inch or so thick and had no moisture barrier. Approx. 10 years ago, I noticed that the units I was installing had foam insulation where the fiberglass used to be, sort of like the foam you squirt in areas you want to fill. It expands and completely fills the space. For most of this stuff an inch or more thick, you can freeze water on one side of it and boil water on the other, with very little, if any, heat loss.
If you want to make sure you're getting the maximum hot water for your buck, make sure there's a heat trap fitting on both inlet and outlet fittings, and install some of the new foam pipe insulation, (it's split down one side to make it slip over pipes easier), on the hot side pipes, as far up and around as you can get.

Answer 2

California law requires insulating blankets on new water heater installation or when selling a house. The idea is to help conserve energy. On the realistic side though, it will not save that much energy due to temperate climate in the Bay Area.

Answer 3

If the heater is inside the heated space of the house (as many, including mine, are), then it would be a waste, as all heat lost from the water heater is heating the house. If the thing is in unheated space, and is more than a few years old, it might save a little money.

Answer 4

Everyone should use an insulating blanket around their hot water heater. This is one of the best things you can do to save money on your fuel bill--no matter where you live!

Answer 5

definite they do and so does insulating the nice and cozy water pipes. That keeps the water interior the lines warm longer so that you at the on the spot are not operating the tap to get warm water a lot. we've not insulated our warm water tank by way of the indisputable fact that is a clean one and has more beneficial insulation outfitted good in. that is so nicely insulated that it basically looses a million/2 a level F an hour. yet we've performed all the nice and cozy water pipes we may be able to get to. That wasn't a huge rate; probably decrease than $25. watch for sales on insulation products. i purchased our elements at residing house Depot at the same time as they'd them on sale for kind of 50% off.

Answer 6

A water heater insulation blanket will save ou some money on your fuel bill. If your heater is more than 10 years old, you should concider replacing it for a more efficient one.

Answer 7

That could be a potential fire hazard...
they make special wraps that even come with the tape that you can buy at Home Depot type stores for only $19

We live in Florida, and we did notice a savings, mostly we noticed the water stayed warm longer (which having 5 people in the house DID help for showers ;) Savings wasn't a lot, but the longer warm water was worth it !!!

Answer 8

It depends. Some water heater model manuals tell you not to. I think its because those models are already insulated. If you don't have the manual for yours, you can feel it and if it feels hot or warm then you would benefit from wrapping it.

Answer 9

GAS OR ELEC? GET A PROFESSIONAL ONE FROM HOME DEPOT. HOW COLD IS COLD? MOST WATER HEATER, NOTICE I SAID WATER HEATER NOT HOT, HOT DOES NOT NEED TO BE HEATED, ANYWAY THEY HAVE INSULATION IN THEM BETWEEN THE TANK AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE HEATER.

Answer 10

I agree with the fire hazard chic. Hot water heaters GET HOT!