It is common knowledge that insulation in a home, from the walls to the pipes and hot water heater, can make a difference in energy efficiency. A homeowner in Tyngsboro, MA was wondering just how much of a difference insulating the hot water heater would make and if this project would be worth the time and effort involved.
Insulating Hot Water Can Save Money In Lost Efficiency And Water
Providing an endless supply of hot water to your home takes a lot of energy. For many homes as much as 20% of the overall energy consumed can be attributed to the hot water heater. By insulating your hot water heater you can not only reduce this energy consumption to heat the water, but you can also reduce your home’s overall water consumption. Insulation retains the warm water in the pipes, taking less time for the water to heat up when your family needs it. Between the reduced water consumption and improved energy efficiency, the cost savings for insulating your hot water heater can quickly add up.
If Lost Heat Can Be Useful, Reconsider Insulation
For hot water heaters located in a closet, garage, or unfinished basement the heat that the pipes and tank itself emit is not useful to warming the home. However, if the tank is located in an open area that you are paying to heat, the warmth and energy emitted by the hot water heater may actually be put to good use. In this case, not only may it not be worthwhile to insulate but it may actually wind up costing you more in the long run.
The homeowner in Tyngsboro had her hot water heater in a closet in the unfinished basement, meaning that any heat generated was a lost point. She took our suggestion, insulating the tank and pipes and is already seeing a difference in her home’s water consumption and energy efficiency.
The post Why Insulate Your Hot Water Heater? Tyngsboro Homeowner Finds Out appeared first on Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. – Nashua, NH.
