- Insulate the tank. This is one of the most
effective and least expensive energy-saving steps you can take. By doing this,
you will keep the heat within the tank longer and reduce the losses to the
atmosphere.
You can obtain insulation jackets for water heaters for $20 or less at home
centers. Follow the installation instructions that come with the jacket.
Alternatively, standard fiberglass batt insulation can be used. Seal the seams
with vinyl tape, and wrap the entire heater loosely with wire ties to hold the
insulation in place.
No matter how you choose to insulate the water heater, pay close attention to
these safety instructions:
- Cover the sides and top of the heater, but
cut flaps for the electric element access panels and the thermostat. This
will make it easier for replacement later.
- Do not cover warning labels on the tank. You
will want to be reminded of any precautions.
- Do not insulate gas or oil-fired water
heater tanks. Over time, the insulation may sag, blocking air intakes and
creating a safety hazard.
- Shut off power before attempting any work on
your electric water heater. Make sure the power to it is shut off at the
circuit breaker.
- Fix any leaky faucets and showerheads. If hot
water is leaking, you are wasting huge amounts of water, and energy! A leak
that produces one drop per second will waste over 190 gallons per month, or
2,300 gallons per year. A leak that fills an 8-ounce cup in a minute will
waste 2,700 gallons per month and 33,000 gallons per year — enough to fill a
swimming pool!
- Insulate water pipes leading from the tank. By
doing this, you will slow down the heat loss. It also raises the temperature
of hot water at the tap by 2° to 4°, which allows you to lower the temperature
setting on the water heater.
Pipe insulation is usually a foam sleeve, slit lengthwise, that costs less
than 50¢ per foot at home centers. Insulate all of the hot water piping that
is accessible, especially the first six feet of pipe coming out of the water
heater. Fasten the insulation sleeve with electrical tape, wire or cable ties
at least once per foot. Choose pipe insulation whose inside diameter is the
same as the outside diameter of the pipe.
- Lower the water heater thermostat. For every
10° you turn down the water heater, you’ll save about 3% to 5% on water
heating costs. A setting of 120° (usually halfway between “low” and “medium”)
is usually hot enough. You can check the actual temperature of your water at
the taps by continually running hot water into a cup with a thermometer placed
in it.
- Clean the tank. Sediments in the tank decrease
its energy efficiency. You can improve on this by draining the water once a
year. The heating elements and thermostat may also need to be serviced by a
technician.
- Turn off the water heater when you’ll be away
for an extended period. No matter how good the insulation is at your heater,
some heat is lost all the time.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet
aerators. These are screwed into standard faucets to reduce the flow and
aerate the water, so that it still feels like a full flow. These cost just a
dollar or two, and can pay back the expense in just a few months.
- Replace an old water heater. If a water
heater was manufactured before 1980, it may be more cost-effective to replace
it with a more efficient model. Check the EnergyGuide label to determine the
unit’s energy efficiency. Replace it with a
tankless heater
Just a few simple actions taken on your water
heater can make some difference in your energy bills. Changing to a more
efficient tankless heater will make better sense if you have an old heater.
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