[mtrent]

Hot water heaters are a major energy consumers in any home, especially because they are so rarely used. If you turn down the thermostat to 120 degrees, then you will use less energy without feeling a difference in your shower. If you go off on vacation, then it is best to turn it off completely. You might want to consider investing in an on-demand hot water heater, which will heat the water as it is needed rather than the entire tank while it is just sitting there waiting to be used.

[workinman]

yes and be sure to wrap an insulation blanket around older hot water tanks. have one on mine and can't believe the heat that it traps

[RFL1986]

I didn't know about wrapping the water heater with an insulation blanket. Can you use just any kind or is there a special variety that will reduce the risks of it getting warm enough to potentially catch fire? That's my only worry with implementing this plan.

[mollyL]

RFL, there are blankets specifically designed to insulate your hot water heater. You can find them really easily, and they do save you a ton on your hot water heater costs.

[workinman]

yea, most hardware stores carry them like home depots and lowes...

[tater03]

I never heard of wrapping an insulation blanket around hot water heaters either. That makes a lot of sense and wouldn't cost a lot of money to implement. Thanks for sharing.

[mtrent]

Originally Posted by workinman

yes and be sure to wrap an insulation blanket around older hot water tanks. have one on mine and can't believe the heat that it traps

Great idea!! Thanks for the helpful tip. That one will really help out my grand parents and my parents.

[Serenity]

My dad always did that for us first time he visited in a new home. They're easy to put on, usually just with tiers or clips that are attached. Just be sure you know what size the capacity of your tank is before heading out to buy one. It helps stop the heat leeching out of the tank in winter and the cold from getting in. Both things make it work harder than needed.

You can even make your own if you have any fiberglass insulation lying around in the shed. Here's instructions from Lowes.

Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

[Green-Moo]

I find it really strange that people don't know about using an insulation blanket on a hot water tank! it's no critisim of individuals, but I think it highlights the differences between different countries. In the UK it's so common to insultate your hot water tank that I think you'd find it hard to find one without at least some insulation on.

[justontime]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

I find it really strange that people don't know about using an insulation blanket on a hot water tank! it's no critisim of individuals, but I think it highlights the differences between different countries. In the UK it's so common to insultate your hot water tank that I think you'd find it hard to find one without at least some insulation on.

I don't think it is possible to get a hot water tank without insulation in UK, we had to replace ours a couple of months ago and they come with built in insulation now and they are very efficient.