Insulation Tips For Water Heaters

During the cold of winter in South Carolina, the water coming into your water heater is going to be colder, requiring more energy to heat. Coupled with winter heating bills, your gas or electric bill almost certainly will rise. However, you can take steps to cut some of the extra costs by insulating your water heater before it gets too cold outside.

It's a relatively simple process to wrap your water heater in special blankets, available from home improvement centers, that keep your water warmer without using more energy. The water heater insulation blankets use fiberglass batts to create an effective barrier to the colder temperatures surrounding your water heater, whether it sits in the basement or against an outside wall. Besides protecting the vertical surface of your water heater, you can also insulate the top of electric water heaters, although the tops of gas water heaters need to be uncovered.

To find the right blanket for your water heater, determine its capacity in gallons and its height. The water heater insulation blankets come with straps to attach the insulation so that it fits snugly against the outside of your water heater. Installing it can be a one-person job, though it does go faster with an assistant or helper. Depending on the type you buy, you may have to cut holes for the thermostat and trap doors. Gas water heaters need to have two inches of clearance between the gas valve and the burner door.

Doing what you can to cut your utility bills helps you save money all year long. Steps such as using water heater insulation, buying low-energy light bulbs, and keeping your heating and air conditioning systems in good shape can result in energy savings to benefit you and your family. We at Comfort Services are ready and available throughout South Carolina's Midlands to help you discover the best ways to operate your appliances at their peak without wasting your energy dollar.