Wrap Your Water Heater and Hot Water Pipes

• About this Project
• Do-It-Yourself
• Incentives

Keep your Water Warm and Cozy

Keeping your water hot is a full-time job for your water heater.  Even when you’re not using hot water, the water in the tank loses heat to the cooler outside air.  It has to run day and night to keep the water hot and ready for you.  The same goes for the pipes that carry your hot water — they cool down and then have to heat up again before you can get hot water.

An insulating blanket on your water heater and insulating wraps on your hot water pipes prevents them for losing heat to the outside air.  They save energy, money, and you won’t have to wait as long for the water to get hot at the faucet.

It’s super-easy to wrap your hot water heater with an insulated blanket.  Just follow the instructions included with the blanket.  Be sure not to set the temperature of the hot water heater with an insulation blanket over 130 degrees because you can overhead the blanket and potentially the wiring.  And lowering the temperature will also save money!

U.S. Department of Energy: Insulating your water heater

How-to Video: Insulating your water heater.

U.S. Department of Energy: Insulating your hot water pipes

How-to Video: Adjusting the water heater temperature and insulating the hot water pipes.

Is there a difference between insulating an electric and gas water heater?

Yes! Electrics are typically easier. You can use a pre-fitted insulation blanket, but you will probably have to cut a hole in the insulation to allow access to the temperature control (which is often behind a removable plate).

On a gas heater, it is critical to cut holes in the insulation large enough to avoid the pilot light. If the pilot light is covered or the hole is not large enough, there is high risk of starting a fire. Read the instructions carefully to ensure all of the essential heating elements, controls and pilot lights are not covered. When in doubt contact a professional.

Hot water faster — that’s a good incentive!

Montgomery County residents can get a $250 Property Tax Credit when wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket.

If your hot water heater is outdated and due for replacement, you may qualify for a rebate. Check for appliance rebates from your utilities:

• Pepco
• BGE
• Potomac Edison

Weatherization Services from Habitat for Humanity for low and moderate income homes in Montogmery and Prince George’s Counties.

Technician inspecting a water heater by Stocking, 123RF