Could Water Heater Insulation near Reading, MA or the North Shore Save You Money this Winter?
Whether you’re looking for ways to save money in 2015 or you’re committed to reducing your negative impact on the environment, insulating your water heater can be a great decision. However, water heater insulation isn’t right for every water heater, so before you begin an insulation project, you’ll want to make sure that it will be worth your time, money, and effort.
Should I insulate my water heater in the North Shore?
You should insulate your water heater if it has an R-value of less than 24. Not sure of the R-value? No problem, just touch your water heater tank with your hand. Is it hot? If so, it will benefit from insulation.
Note: Newer water heaters have all the insulation that they need, and it won’t behoove you to add more.
How much money will I save on energy by insulating my water heater?
The amount of money you can save by insulating your water heater varies, but it’s likely that you’ll save 4%-9% on water heating costs each year. Usually a pre-cut water heater jacket or blanket costs around $20 and you should make up for that investment in savings in the first year.
Note: Don’t cover any of the following while insulating your water heater: the vent on top of gas water heaters, warning labels, the control panel, bottom air inlets, or the pressure relief valve.
My water heater is getting old, should I just purchase a new water heater instead?
Water heaters typically last around 8 to 15 years. If your water heater is old and inefficient, insulation can only take you so far. If your water heater is nearing the end of its life expectancy it’s wise to purchase a new water heater so that you don’t have to deal with a breakdown and the inconvenience of not having any hot water. At Waldman Plumbing, we install a variety of water heaters, including tankless water heaters in the North Shore, Reading MA and the surrounding areas, and we’d be happy to help you find and install the one that would be perfect for your home! Just give our plumbers a call today!