Do it yourself: How to Insulate an Electric Water Heating unit 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 generally set up in your utility room, basement or garage. It holds around 30 to 60 gallons of water ready for your disposal. However, it costs home owners lots of money as it takes up more energy than one can imagine in order to maintain the water warm all day. In order to lessen your electricity 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 space around 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 toppling, remove the strap prior to installation.



Step 2 - Measure the Water Heater Tank



Use a measuring tape to measure 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 is enough coverage without compressing the heater.



Step 3 - Cut the Insulation Blanket



Roll out and place the insulation sheet on the ground with the plastic side facing up. Draw the measurements from step 2 on the blanket using a marking pencil. Cut the insulation blanket to size with a utility knife or a pair of scissors. Along one edge of the blanket, which will run from top to bottom of heater tank, cut away 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 water heater. If it fits perfectly, use adhesive tape strips to hold the blanket in place. If it looks like it's too loose, trim excess from the blanketís edge, the edge where you didn't 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 sheet. 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 returned to its place when you're finished.



Step 6 - Insulate the Top of Electric Water Heater Tank



Measure the heaterís top diameter. Add additional inches to the dimension and cut a circle form from the leftover insulation blanket. 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 perfectly, 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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