Should I Insulate My Water Heater?

How to cut your water heating energy costs

While many of us think about our home’s heating and cooling systems first when it comes to essential equipment, don’t forget your water heater!

For starters, it’s a major factor in your home’s comfort, whether it’s hot showers and baths, clean laundry, clean dishes, or a clean house.

Also, water heating is the second-largest user of energy in your home, accounting for 20% of your home’s energy costs.

Keeping your home’s water heater energy efficient helps improve your comfort and helps keep your energy costs under control. P. Gagnon & Son is here for you with expert installation and service of both storage tank and tankless water heaters.

One way to do that, if you have a water heater with a tank, is insulating the water heater tank. It’s a simple, inexpensive job that cut your water heating costs by up to 16% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

What to do before insulating your water heater

Before getting your insulation, contact your utility provider to inquire about the availability of affordable water heater insulating blankets or potential rebates. In fact, some utilities may even offer to install these blankets at a low or no cost!

Then, do a thorough examination of your water heater to check for leaks or potential tank failure. If you notice any of these problems, contact P. Gagnon & Son right away for a service call.

• rusty water when you use hot water
• damp spots on the floor under or around the water heater
• odd noises like banging or rumbling when the water heater is running
• your water not being heated to your desired temperature

If everything looks good, now it’s time to assemble your supplies. You’ll need the water heater insulating blanket kit, dust masks, electrical or other tape (often included with the insulating blanket kit), gloves, a permanent marker, a tape measure, and scissors.

Finally, you’ll need someone to help as this is a two-person project.

How to install water heater insulation

Installing an insulating blanket on your water heater is a straightforward project. However, it’s important to take your time to make sure you get it right. As you’ll be doing measurements, remember the old adage: Measure twice, cut once.

Here are the installation steps.

1. Turn off your water heater. If you have an electric water heater, switch off the breaker on the electric panel.
2. Measure the height of your water heater.
3. If needed, trim the blanket to the appropriate size.
4. Securely wrap the blanket around the tank and affix it temporarily with tape.
5. To ensure proper placement, mark the location of the controls on the blanket before making adjustments. This will guide you in cutting the blanket to accommodate them accurately.
6. Install the blanket.
7. Turn the water heater back on.

Save energy with a tankless water heater!

A tank water heater functions by storing and maintaining a ready supply of hot water for your home. It ensures that you have a continuous and readily available source of hot water, as it consistently heats and reheats the water throughout the day and night. This ensures that you always have hot water whenever you desire or require it.

On the other hand, a tankless water heater provides hot water on demand, eliminating concerns of running out of hot water. By switching to this efficient system, you can save up to 40% on annual energy costs, making it a significant money-saving option. Invest in a tankless water heater and enjoy both convenience and financial benefits while reducing energy consumption.

While a conventional tank water heater typically has a lifespan of around 10 years, opting for a tankless model can grant you 20 or more years of continuous hot water. This investment ensures a longer time of reliable and efficient water heating capabilities.

With expert water heater installation and service from P. Gagnon, you need never fear cold showers! Get a FREE estimate today.