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Frugalista

Insulate your water heater

All Practically Green: 195 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 63 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Insulate your water heater" green?

Insulating your water heater is an effective and easy way to reduce the amount of energy used in your home. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates that you can save 4 to 9 percent on water heating. Reduced energy use means lower bills, results in fewer CO2 emissions, and consumes fewer natural resources.

Almost any insulation material can be considered green because of the energy benefits, but some are more eco-friendly than others. Formaldehyde coated fiberglass is common, but has been linked to cancer and respiratory ailments--particularly problematic for those who manufacture and install it. A safer fiberglass-free option is radiant barrier foil bubble wraps, which are only slightly more expensive.

How to: Insulate your water heater

Perform a quick touch test to see if your water heater needs extra insulation: if it’s warm, it does.

If you have a newer water heater, you may not need additional insulation; some models explicitly state not to add any.

There are two types of water heater insulators: an insulating jacket and an insulating blanket. The jacket is tailor-made to fit specific models and simply slides on. The blanket is more one size fits all. Wrap the blanket around the unit, trim to size, tape closed, and make cutouts for the controls, valves and vents. An extra set of hands will help secure a nice snug fit.

If you’re using fiberglass, take precautions to reduce exposure. Wear gloves and long sleeves; avoid direct contact with the fibers; wash hands and clothing thoroughly post-install.