Do it yourself: Tips on how to Insulate an Electric Water Heater Tank in Sacramento

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 approximately 30 to 60 gallons of water ready for your disposal. However, it costs home owners a lot of money as it uses up more energy than one can imagine in order to keep 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. Listed below 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 otherwise the adhesive tape wonít grip firmly. If the water heater tank is strapped to prevent it toppling, take off the strap before 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 insulating material there's enough coverage without compressing the heater.

Step 3 - Cut the Insulation Blanket

Roll out and place the insulation sheet 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 blanket 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 will be used to secure and overlap the sheet at a later stage.

Step 4 - Test Fit Insulation Blanket

Test fit the insulation sheet by wrapping around the heater. If it fits perfectly, use adhesive tape strips to keep the sheet in place. If it appears to be 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 firmly 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 blanket with scissors. Leave the top of the flap uncut. Now you can access to the controls and thermostat by lifting up the flap when required, and the flap will fall returned to its place when you are finished.

Step 6 - Insulate the Top of Electric Water Heater Tank

Calculate the heaterís top diameter. Add additional inches to the dimension 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 enables you to 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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