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Saving Energy: Water Heating

Maintaining Your Water Heater – Insulating

Your attic isn't the only thing that needs insulation. Wrapping the tank and hot water pipes on an older water heater can significantly reduce the amount of "standby" heat loss, saving you money on your energy costs.

A tank wrap is a thick fiberglass blanket, secured around the tank by waterproof tape. You can find water heater insulation kits at your hardware store or home center for about $20. This cost can be paid back in energy savings in just a few months.

Newer water heaters (less than seven years old) don't need a tank wrap, but can benefit from pipe insulation, which can be purchased separately.

Learn how to install a water heater wrap

Pipe insulation

Pipe insulation comes as either a foam tube slit lengthwise, or as a small roll of fiberglass wrap.

Install the insulation on both the cold and hot water pipes connecting to your water heater, and on any hot water pipes accessible throughout the house.

Don’t miss! More easy water heating energy savers

Installing water heater tank insulation

Do-It-Yourself
Project:

Installing a
Water Heater Wrap


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Are you an Alliant Energy customer?

If you’re an Alliant Energy utility customer in Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin, you can earn cash back when you purchase a new high-efficiency water heater.

Looking for an energy-smart plumbing contractor or retailer?

Try Alliant Energy’s online Dealer Locator to find water-heating experts in your area.

 

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Brochures and fact sheets:

PowerHouse: Heating Your Water
By Alliant Energy [PDF format]

Energy-Efficient Water Heating Fact Sheet
By the U.S. Department of Energy [PDF format]

 

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Learn more:

Water Heaters & Energy Conservation
By Home Energy Magazine

Selecting a New Water Heater
Fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Energy

Top-Rated Water Heaters
By the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

 
 
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