Water heaters are often tucked away in cool places where they’re out of sight and out of mind, which is why insulation is so important. Here, learn why insulating your water heater saves you money and how to go about it safely and effectively to reap the benefits that it has to offer.
How Does Insulating Your Water Heater Save You Money?
Throwing a blanket over your water heater might sound insane, but it works. It saves you money by reducing standby heat loss. Especially in colder environments, the heat can escape the tank and make its way into the surrounding area. Insulating your water heater slows down this process, helping you save between 7% and 16% annually on your water heating costs.
It also prevents your water heater from having to kick on so often because it stays warmer. Because your water heater is now running less often, you can also save money by preventing wear and tear on the system.
Is It Safe or Necessary to Do So?
In some cases, it may not be necessary to insulate your water heater. Did you recently buy a home with new appliances or purchase a new water heater? Many of the models today already have pretty good insulation, so adding further insulation might not actually accomplish as much as if you were to put an insulating cover over an older water heater.
There’s also the question of safety. If you have an electric water heater, you don’t have much to worry about regarding insulation. If you have a gas water heater, insulating it improperly could cover up air vents or the burner, leading to a massive house fire.
Insulate Your Pipes, Too
Your hot water has to travel from the water heater throughout your home. This journey isn’t going to leave your water frigid when it finally reaches you, but it still will lose some of its heat. One way to save a bit more money and prevent this is to insulate the pipes, at least a couple of feet of them branching out from your water heater. It won’t save you a fortune, but every penny matters.
Consult a Plumber If You’re Unsure How to Proceed
Figuring out how to do anything with your water heater can be daunting. If you have any doubt about how to do something safely or you just feel like you’re not qualified for the job, reach out to your plumber.
Insulating your water heater offers a ton of benefits in the cost-cutting department. Inform yourself with these tips, then figure out how to proceed either on your own or with the help of a plumber. When you need water heater services in Sioux Falls, SD, contact Sioux Falls Plumbing.
