A water heater is an essential appliance that provides hot water for household use such as washing dishes, laundry, and taking showers. The efficiency of the water heater can affect the overall energy cost of your household. To save on energy costs, you will need to ensure your water heater is well insulated. In this article, we will discuss how you can tell if your water heater requires additional insulation.
What is water heater insulation?
Water heater insulation is simply the layer of material that wraps around your water heater’s tank, reducing heat loss, and conserving energy. The insulation layer ensures that the hot water produced by the tank stays hot for a longer period, reducing the frequency of reheating. Most water heaters’ insulation layer is made of fiberglass or foam, and these layers can wear off with time, leading to the need for additional insulation.
Signs that your water heater needs additional insulation
You hear noises from the tank
If you start hearing noises from your water heater’s tank, it may signal that you need to add insulation. As your water heater heats water, the metal expands and can make popping or cracking sounds as it cools down. But if these noises become louder than usual or happen while the water heater is not in use, it may signal that the insulating layer is too thin and needs replacement.
Your appliance feels warm to the touch
You may notice that your water heater feels slightly warm if you happen to walk by it. This feeling is the heat from the water heater escaping through the walls of the tank. If the external parts of the water heater tank are too warm to the touch, it’s a sign that the insulation layer is not sufficient or has worn out.
You notice a spike in your energy bills
Monitoring your energy bills is an excellent way to gauge your water heater’s efficiency. If you notice an increase in your energy bills despite maintaining your water heater usage habit, it may signal that your water heater’s efficiency is declining. A water heater that requires additional insulation requires more energy to produce hot water.
How to add insulation to your water heater
Check the manufacturer’s recommendation
Before you start adding insulation to your water heater, you must check your water heater’s manufacturer’s guidelines. While adding insulation to the water heater is generally safe, some manufacturers do not recommend adding extra insulation to certain models of water heaters. Failure to adhere to manufacturers’ instructions could affect your warranty and may also pose a safety hazard.
Purchase the correct insulation material
When choosing insulation material, fiberglass and foam are the most common types of insulation used. Ensure that you purchase insulation with an R-value rating of at least R-8. Insulation with an R-value rating of R-11 is ideal for colder climate areas. Also, ensure that the insulation material you pick is relatively easy to install.
Turn off the water heater
Before you start the installation process, turn off the water heater and ensure that the appliance is cool to the touch. Rushing the process with a hot water heater poses many safety hazards such as the risk of burns and electrocution.
Wrap the insulation around the water heater
Start by cutting the insulation to size, ensure that it wraps around the water heater’s body and tape at the edges making sure the insulation is securely in place. You can use aluminum tape or duct tape to secure the insulation. Ensure that you avoid covering the thermostat and the relief valve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding insulation to your water heater is beneficial both for the environment and for your wallet. The insulating process is relatively easy and straightforward. It would be best if you prioritized the safety of home residents and adhered to the manufacturer’s guidelines when adding extra insulation. Monitoring your energy bills, feeling the external parts of your water heater, and listening for unusual sounds are all indicators that your water heater needs extra insulation.