Your Home: Do-It-Yourself Projects

If you have an older water heater, adding an insulating blanket can help reduce standby heat loss – and lower your energy bills.

• Time: 30 minutes

• Cost: $10-$25, depending on the products you choose

• Difficulty: Easy - you might need a helper to hold the wrap while you're measuring and marking

• Tools: Water heater wrap kit, scissors, utility knife, marker, tape measure, gloves, mask and safety glasses

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Before you start

Purchase a water heater wrap kit at your local home center or hardware store.

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Water Heating
Energy Savers

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Step 1

If your water heater is electric, shut off the power at the circuit panel or fuse box.

Clean off the top of the water heater - it needs to be free of dust and debris for the tape to stick.

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Step 2

Measure the position of the thermostat at the bottom of the tank, and mark the appropriate position on the tank wrap with a permanent marker.

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Step 3

Use strong scissors to cut out the area for the thermostat.

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Step 4

With a helper, hold the wrap around the tank and secure with the vinyl tape included in your kit.

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Step 5

Double-check the position of the cut-out around the thermostat and burner access, making sure there’s plenty of clearance.

That’s all there is to it – just sit back and enjoy watching your utility bills go down.