Do it yourself: How to Insulate an Electric Water Heater Tank

What You'll Need:
Insulation Kit (Insulation Blanket)
Measuring Tape
Insulating Pipe Tape
Large Scissors or Utility Knife
Duse Mask 
Gloves
Marking Pencil


Electric water heater tank is commonly set up in your utility room, basement or garage. It holds approximately 30 to 60 gallons of water ready for your disposal. However, it costs families a lot of money as it takes up more energy than one can imagine in order to maintain the water warm all day. In order to cut down on your utility bills and save costs, insulate your water heater tank to better maintain the temperature. Beneath is a step-by-step guide to insulate your heater tank.

Step 1 - Clear the Area

Clear up the area surrounding the electric water heater tank. Clean the top and exterior of the heater tank, or else the adhesive tape wonít grip securely. If the water heater tank is strapped to prevent it falling, remove the strap prior to installation.

Step 2 - Take measurements of the Water Heater Tank

Use a measuring tape to determine the height and the circumference of the heater tank. Add extra three to four inches to the measurement so when you cut the insulation there's enough coverage without compressing the heater.

Step 3 - Cut the Insulation Blanket

Roll out and place the insulation blanket on the floor with the plastic side facing up. Draw the measurements from step 2 on the sheet using a marking pencil. Cut the insulation sheet to size using a utility knife or a pair of scissors. Along one side of the blanket, which will run throughout of heater tank, cut out one inch of fiberglass battling from the plastic. The flap is going to be used to secure and overlap the sheet at a later stage.

Step 4 - Test Fit Insulation Blanket

Test fit the insulation blanket by wrapping around the heater tank. If it fits perfectly, use tape strips to hold the blanket in place. If it seems to be too loose, cut excess from the blanketís borders, the edge where you did not cut the fiberglass battling in step 3, until it fits. Then, tape it tightly closed.

Step 5 - Cut openings in the Blanket

Try to find the heaterís control by feeling through the insulation blanket. Once you feel where the controls are, cut a 3-sided opening flap on the sheet with scissors. Leave the top of the flap uncut. You can now access to the controls and thermostat by lifting up the flap when needed, and the flap will fall back to its place when you are done.

Step 6 - Insulate the Top of Electric Water Heater Tank

Measure the heaterís top diameter. Add additional inches to the measurement and cut a circle form from the remaining insulation sheet. The extra ensures you have overlap to tape down. Cut slots in the circle. This lets you slide it onto the electrical cable and the pipes. Do not cover the relief valve. When all is fitted properly, use tape strips to tape up slits, if any, and secure the insulation blanket onto the tankís top.

Step 7 - Put Back the Strap

Put back the strap, if any, you have removed prior to insulating in step 1.

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