Jason has been off lots this week, so we have been getting done lots of our project. On the list for today was the hot-water jacket. A what? well it is a thermos/coffee sleeve for your water heater. There are lots of kinds out there, but the "solar guys" suggested a radiant barrier jacket for a tank type of water heater. I found the best price for a kit at http://www.energyefficientsolutions.com/rbhwhj.asp (If you order it, get an extra roll of radiant tape or be very judicious with the kit tape.) With this type of radiant barrier you have a very low emissivity value (.03) this means that properly applied only 3% of the trapped heat will radiate off. Also, the bubbles give you an added 9.5 R-value (insulation rating).
Why do we care? Well, water heaters can account for up to 20% of the average family's yearly utility cost. Tank water heaters keep water heated to the set temperature all the time, even when we are sleeping. This leads to standing losses each year. The average cost for running a regular water heater per year is $350. The average cost for standing losses is $100 per year. This wrap can save you up to 40% on these losses - so $40/year and you are buring less gas too.
Speaking of saving $$ and therms, if you want to decrease your gas bill, turn down that water heater setting! For every 10 degress you turn down that heater, you save between 3 and 5% on your gas bill. 120 degress should be fine for most families. Usually, this is midway between the low and medium settings. Another tip to save, is turn down or turn off your water heater when you are away for more than a day. There is no point in heating it if you aren't going to use it. Just remember to turn it back on or up right when you get back. If you do turn it all the way off, remember to relight your pilot when you get back. Please follow your instructions for your specific water heater for turning off the tank so you get the gas off too. No explosions please!
Speaking of saving $$ and therms, if you want to decrease your gas bill, turn down that water heater setting! For every 10 degress you turn down that heater, you save between 3 and 5% on your gas bill. 120 degress should be fine for most families. Usually, this is midway between the low and medium settings. Another tip to save, is turn down or turn off your water heater when you are away for more than a day. There is no point in heating it if you aren't going to use it. Just remember to turn it back on or up right when you get back. If you do turn it all the way off, remember to relight your pilot when you get back. Please follow your instructions for your specific water heater for turning off the tank so you get the gas off too. No explosions please!
3 comments:
Love the name of this post!
you are so funny!
You did a good job wrapping yours. I may call you to help wrap mine. I did tape up some big gaps in my duct work. Love that tip!!!
Thanks for doing all this!
April,
I've always appreciated your pragmatism. I am one of those that never bought into the global warming hysteria (vindicated when the conversation became 'climate change'), HOWEVER, I am a huge believer in thrift and wise stewardship.
Our house in Cincinnati was built in the late 70s. The previous owner did some upgrades (ie energy effecient windows), but the vents, fireplace, outlets, etc, all need some attention.
We are planning in finish/ insulate the entire basement, as well as add another 10 inches in the attic, once we get some vent work done.
Keep up the posts, super useful.
Andrea- I will totally help you wrap yours! Jason helped with the cutting.
Brian, I am so glad it is helpful! We will be keeping track all the way. :)
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