Improved Water Heating Efficiency

TRV Fit
May 29, 2014
Potential Future Plumbing Technology
July 10, 2014
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When the hot water supply equipment is not fitted with any insulating material, then you should really think about fitting some kind of insulation. This could be for a heater fitted in a place or space that is not the norm like a garage or a basement. One of the easiest ways to apply some insulation to your cylinder or tank would be to fit an insulating blanket. The insulation type blanket is not really for use on a water heater located where its lost heat could be used. Neither is a blanket necessary if your water heater is new that is, covered with R-16 insulation, (this is the factory insulation that is fitted between the shell and the tank, so don’t worry if you can’t see it.) The manufacturers label should tell you how much insulation your water heater contains. Greenford Plumbers can give professional advice and service. You can purchase a water heater insulation blanket as a kit for most sizes of the heater for example, anywhere from 30 to 50 gallons. This kit features a blanket with a white vinyl finish on the outside and raw insulating material on the inside with enough adhesive tape to finish the seams. A Greenford Plumber can fit a blanket.

Wrap a Water Heater using a Blanket:
If using a gas water heater, wrap it all the way around and from the top to just a little below the controller. Don’t worry if the blanket seems a little short. The tank bottom is quite a few inches above the bottom of the heater, and 2/3in lower than the drain valve. Do not use on top of a gas fired water heater as the insulation may cause a fire due to the heated exhaust. This insulation blanket should not be used to cover the controller, anode or the pressure and temperature relief valve.

If using an electric water heater, they do not provide any exhaust gas, you can use the blanket on the sides and top.

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