ECM: Domestic Water-Heating Systems

Information by State  Print version   CAUTION STATEMENT TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury. BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD “Lead-Safe Housing Rule” for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards. BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials. BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.

W2. Insulate Hot Water Tanks

Description

Although most newer water heaters have adequate insulation built into the tank design, older water heaters lose a significant amount of heat through the tank walls. This heat loss can account for 25 percent of the yearly cost of heating domestic hot water. By insulating the tank with a tank insulation blanket, or tank wrap, these losses can be reduced substantially at low cost. Tank wraps come ready make in a variety of sizes for individual water heaters.

Applicability

• Single-family and multifamily buildings with older, uninsulated hot water heater tanks

Types

• Fiberglass
• Flexible polyurethane foam

Considerations

• Consider installing an insulation blanket to achieve a rating of R-16. If the current water heater insulation is rated R-7, it will be necessary to add a blanket rated R-9 at minimum.
• All seams should be taped along their entire length.
• On gas water heaters, care should be taken to avoid blocking airflow to the burner and to keep insulation safely away from the flame.
• Insulation should not be installed below the drain valve or near the top vent.
• Insulation should not block access to the valves or thermostats.
• On old electric water heaters, insulation should not cover the electric service connection box.
• If the water heater is more than 10 years old, replacement of the water heater should be considered.
• Most newer models are well insulated and do not need additional insulation layers.
• Any water heater that is warm to the touch should be insulated.
• Follow manufacturers instructions carefully.
• Some utilities sell insulation blankets at a low cost, offer rebates, and install the blankets at little or no cost.

Performance/Economics

• Water heater blankets pay for themselves through savings within one year. Water heater blankets can reduce annual operating costs by approximately 5 to 15 percent.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-97 through 7-99 address insulating hot water tanks.

Energy Performance Contracting for Public and Indian Housing: A Guide for Participants, HUD, February 1992. Pages 26 and 27 address insulating hot water tanks via performance contracting.

Improving Energy Efficiency in Apartment Buildings, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1995. ISBN 0-918249-23-6. Page 109 addresses insulating hot water tanks.

HUD Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor, Discusses water heater types, Energy Factor, First Hour Rating, insulation, timers, and heat traps. Discusses both single and multifamily recommendations.