| Saving money usually becomes a priority when | | | | there is still going to be a difference in |
| you get the first bill in winter. There are some | | | | temperature between the tank the surrounding |
| things you can do to help reduce the amount of | | | | air. You could stand to save up to 25% with the |
| money you spend every month. One of the | | | | heater outside, and up to two-thirds of that when |
| biggest reasons for high energy costs is the hot | | | | stored in the garage. |
| water heater. Insulating this can cut the energy | | | | Heater blankets are designed fairly simply. They |
| usage by about 25%. | | | | are big pieces of insulation that is sealed in a |
| Hot water heater blankets were introduced in the | | | | plastic covering. Different sizes and styles are |
| 1970's when conserving energy hit the | | | | available for gas and electric heaters. Most of |
| mainstream. They have become a consistent | | | | them come with straps and tape. If the blanket |
| addition to many homes. A hot water heater a | | | | doesn't exactly fit your water heater, it is |
| tank of water that's heated to a preset | | | | adjustable. |
| temperature. When you use hot water it's drawn | | | | The blankets are easy to install. You will just need |
| from the tank and new cold water replaces it. It | | | | a sharp knife and tape measure. Most heater |
| needs energy to keep the water hot even if no | | | | blankets cost between $10 and $25. The blankets |
| one is using it. Energy is always escaping because | | | | are a rather inexpensive way to insulate your |
| of the colder air outside of the tank. | | | | heater, and can be bought from any local |
| The heaters have a small amount of insulation to | | | | hardware store. The Thermwell Products Co. |
| help keep the heat inside the tank. There is more | | | | SP57/67 Owens Corning Water Heater Insulation |
| insulation in newer models made within the last | | | | costs $14. You can find a water heater insulation |
| ten years. A water heater blanket is made of | | | | blanket from Frost King. It's 75" x 48 " x 3 ". It |
| insulation placed within sheet plastic, this way it | | | | fits up to a 60 gallon tank. The manufacturers |
| can be attached to the water heater. Blankets | | | | model number is SP57/11C. The MD Building |
| are rated based on their 'R' value system the | | | | Products Co. has a heater blanket for under $22. |
| way other insulation is. It is recommended the | | | | It has a white vinyl backing but the blanket is |
| you use a blanket with a R-11 value. | | | | made out of fiberglass. It works on both electric |
| In order to keep water hot there is a constant | | | | and gas heaters. |
| process. Once you use the hot water, it is | | | | There are also other ways to cut energy costs |
| replenished and kept at a consistent temperature | | | | besides heater blankets. Try to insulate the hot |
| until you need to use more. Energy leaves from | | | | water pipes, lower the tank's temperature, or |
| the water heater and raises your utility bill. If you | | | | install a timer and a low flow shower head. Placing |
| store the water heater tank in an unheated area | | | | your basement water heating unit on a |
| outdoors. Your tank is being heated to 140 | | | | Styrofoam stab can also reduce the amount of |
| degrees, so if it is 40 degrees outside Your tank | | | | energy lost from the heater. Ultimately, water |
| has a difference of 100 degrees. Unless that | | | | heater blankets are inexpensive, easy ways to |
| water heating unit is well insulated, it will lose heat. | | | | cut the energy costs. In this case, a little money |
| Even if you store the heater in a garage, it is still | | | | can go a long way. |
| probably about 40 to 60 degrees colder there. So | | | | |