What are the side effects of insulating the water heater?

Question

Besides the fact that I can experience lower gas bills that is...I wrapped my heater, and I am told that the water in the faucets seem to get hot more quickly..but how can that be, if the water heater has a thermostat? shouldn't affect that correct? TIA!

Answer 1

Insulating the water heater is an excellent idea and will save money because it prevents heat loss from the tank. The heated water will reach the tap quicker if you also insulate the hot water pipes leading from the hot water tank to the taps. If you do insulate the tank and it is gas fired, be careful not to block the exhaust vent (chimney) at the top of the heater

Answer 2

Some hot water company will void your warranty if you put insulation on the hot water heater. Most heaters have insulation installed on the inside of the skin and the tank. If you add insulation to the heater you will cause it to sweat and will damage the unit. Putting a blanket on a heater will not affect the water temperature that is produced by the water heater. Check with A. O. Smith if you don't believe what I am saying. Good Luck

Answer 3

When you wrapped the water heater, did you also wrap the hot water pipes? If you did, then you have that much more warm water closer to your faucet.

The other thing could be just your perception. You *know* you did a good thing by wrapping the water heater, so you could be thinking that the water gets hot faster. Hey, we're all just human.

Answer 4

The water in the faucets will not get hotter. They get hot when the cold water in the pipes is replaced with fresh hot water from the water heater.

If the water heater is in your basement or a closet any loss from it will contribute to heating your house. In the summer this sucks but in the winter it only benefits you.