Do it yourself: How to Insulate an Electric Water Heating unit Tank in Citrus Heights

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 installed in your utility room, basement or garage. It keeps roughly 30 to 60 gallons of water ready for your disposal. However, it costs families lots of money since it uses 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. Below is a step-by-step guide to insulate your heater tank.

Step 1 - Clear the Area

Clear up the area around the electric water heater tank. Clean the top and outside of the heater tank, or else the tape wonít grip firmly. If the water heater tank is strapped to prevent it toppling, remove the strap before installation.

Step 2 - Measure 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 is sufficient coverage without compressing the heater.

Step 3 - Cut the Insulation Blanket

Roll out and set the insulation blanket on the floor with the plastic side facing up. Draw the measurements from step 2 on the blanket 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 from top to bottom 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 blanket at a later stage.

Step 4 - Test Fit Insulation Blanket

Test fit the insulation sheet by wrapping around the heater tank. If it fits perfectly, use adhesive tape strips to keep the blanket in place. If it looks like it's too loose, cut excess from the blanketís side, the edge where you didn't cut the fiberglass battling in step 3, until it fits. Then, tape it securely closed.

Step 5 - Cut openings in the Blanket

Look for the heaterís control by feeling through the insulation blanket. When you feel where the controls are, cut a 3-sided opening flap on the sheet using scissors. Leave the top of the flap uncut. Now you can access to the controls and thermostat by lifting up the flap when needed, and the flap will fall returned to its place when you are done.

Step 6 - Insulate the Top of Electric Water Heater Tank

Calculate the heaterís top diameter. Add additional inches to the measurement and cut a circle form from the remaining insulation blanket. The excess 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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