Green Tip: It’s cold, even your water heater needs a jacket!

Here’s another method to corral that heat before it escapes, wallet in tow, out the door.

If your hot water storage system is more than a few years old, chances are it may not be insulated sufficiently. The easiest way to tell is to feel the sides of the tank. Is it warm? Yes? You’ll probably benefit from a water heater blanket. The insulating jacket can reduce heat loss by an appreciable 25–40%, which represents a saving of up to around 9% on your annual water heating costs.

These blankets can be purchased at Lowe’s, Home Depot or other local hardware stores for starting at $20. Installation instructions are different for gas and electric tanks. Before you run out and buy a blanket, visit this useful website for directions and tips for a safe installation. Mmmm, toasty warm!

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