It may seem like a no-brainer, but when it's cold outside, your hot water heater has to work harder to heat your water. It also has to re-heat it more often, but did you know that you may be able to boost your water heater's efficiency by simply wrapping it in a thermal blanket?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adding an insulating wrap to your water heater can reduce heat loss by as much as 45 percent and save as much as 10 percent on water heating costs. If you're not sure whether or not your water heater needs a wrap, give your tank the "touch test." Tanks that are warm to the touch are losing too much heat and could benefit from additional insulation.
Here's the beauty; Thermal blankets are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Check out this great little how-to video to learn more:
**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.
Great tip! Thermal blankets are also great for cars in very cold temperatures to protect the battery.
Great post . . . This is just another simple detail of homeownership that so many owners overlook.