Energy Star water heater question!?

Question

If I have an Energy Star water heater, do I still need an insulation blanket on it?--or insulation on the pipes in the closet?

Answer 1

some people say the blankets goof up the thermostats on an electric heater gas ones do what you want insulation on the pipes on the cold side helps keep the pipes from sweating

Answer 2

No for the heater but yes on the pipes.



Since they have switched from the old fiberglass insulation on tanks to foaming them in they lose so little heat that a blanket is unneeded and has little effect. A blanket is not recommended.



The insulation on the pipes would help a little. But insulation only slows heat loss, not stops it. For instance if you showered at night and heated up all the pipes they would be cold by morning if you insulated them or not. But if you did a few dishes and then did a few more a half hour later you would use that water and save a 'little'. But I figure heat lost only goes in to the house anyway.



Personally, if you live where there is hot summers I would insulate the pipes more to keep the heat out of the closet and house in the summer than worry about the little savings from using water.



Good Luck.

Answer 3

NO. Its already insulated from the factory to meet the energy star rating. The pipes however should be insulated though