Should I Insulate my Water Heater Tank?

Let’s lower your hot water-related fuel costs.

Our homes consume a lot of energy over the course of the year. And according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the average U.S. household consumes almost 20% of its annual energy by heating water. Your water heater almost never gets a break. It’s constantly called upon to provide piping hot water for showers, baths, washing dishes and cleaning clothes.

The big question for homeowners in Bristol, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties is how they can get the most dependable hot water without breaking the bank in terms of oil or gas consumption. At TF Complete Heating & Cooling, our expert HVAC technicians speak with customers about how to get the best efficiency from their water heating equipment. One option is to insulate the equipment’s storage tank.

Why would you insulate a water heater?

A traditional water heater keeps a tank full of hot water ready for your appliances and fixtures, but when you’re not using it, the water cools down. The heater has to use more fuel to warm it up again. An easy way to help with this is by wrapping your water heater tank with insulation. This keeps the water warmer longer and cuts down on standby heat losses. According to the DOE, doing this can reduce standby losses (energy expended heating unused water) by 25-45% and save you 7-16% on water heating costs.

How do you insulate a water heater tank?

We’re happy to tell you that insulating a water heater tank is a fairly straightforward process that you can probably take care of on your own. Water heater insulation products are available in hardware stores, home stores and online retailers. These options include:

• Water Heater Blankets — This insulating cover slips right over the top of your unit. You can cut the blanket to fit your appliance’s size, and many people also add extra insulation to the bottom. Just be sure you aren’t blocking the unit’s control panels or creating a fire hazard.
• Insulation Wrap — This wrap resembles foil at first sight. You can wind it around your water heater tank and cut it as needed.

Need some guidance on insulating your current water heater? The TF Complete Heating & Cooling team can provide some insight to help your search.

TF Complete can boost your water heater efficiency!

If your water heater is over eight years old, it may not be providing the best hot water generation. If you’re noticing strange noises, rusty water from the tap or pooling water around the base of the unit, it’s a good idea to start exploring your options for a replacement unit.

With TF Complete Heating & Cooling as your partner in this search, you can upgrade to a new unit that slashes your energy costs. Some options include:

• Indirect-Fired Water Heater — This high-quality system takes heat from your existing boiler. These units are incredibly efficient and often come with a lifetime warranty.
• Tankless Water Heater — Heat water only when you need it. These systems generate virtually endless hot water and have long service lives. Plus, they can be up to 34% more energy efficient than a storage tank unit.

Let’s get together and find a super-efficient water heater that leaves you Completely satisfied with your hot water production. Contact us today for a FREE estimate.