The Energy Efficient Water Heater Radiant Barrier
When it comes to energy conservation many homeowners do not know that installing a water heater radiant barrier can help conserve the energy needed to provide hot water on demand for their families bathing and other domestic needs.
It is easy to understand; your water heater is always running, and this heat from the water that is kept in the tank, usually around 120 degrees requires constant gas or electricity. This heat radiates outward and even the exterior of the water heater and the exposed pipes are very hot. What this means is that energy is escaping into the atmosphere and being wasted. The outcome is that you are paying more money for this energy loss while keeping water hot for on demand use by your family. Always keep insulation essentials in mind when dealing with heating systems.
Installing a water heater radiant barrier will add energy saving insulation to the exterior of your water heater that will reduce the amount of gas or electricity required to keep your homes hot water at its regulated temperature. You will be able to save approximately 20% of your average utility bill. The typical water heater radiant barrier is a thin wrapping blanket that has foil on both sides with a flexible insulation material in between the foil sides. Installation is simple, only requiring a utility knife and foil-faced tape to secure the radiant barrier in place.
There have been many in-depth studies on the energy loss of water heaters, hydronic furnaces, air handlers, and un-insulated attics. The reported energy loss was as much as 25% from heat that was radiated outwards. With radiant barriers installed studies showed that on average there was a 40% saving in total energy use, significantly lowering a homeowner’s monthly utility bill. If you are unsure whether your water heater is leaking energy, you can call your local gas or utility company and request an inspection, and a recommendation of how to save more energy. Typically this service is provided free of charge by most utility companies.
Besides your water heater radiant barrier, you should also consider installing a radiant barrier to hydronic baseboard heaters as well. The common baseboard heater radiates heat energy outward from the heat exchanger, or electric heating elements inside of the unit. If a radiant barrier is not installed behind the baseboard heater, energy will be wasted heating the wall area behind the heater, weakening the heat energy that could be directed into the room.
Even new energy efficient water heaters can benefit from installing a water heater radiant barrier, increasing their overall efficiency and high-energy conservation rating. Which really means you will be saving money.
