Quick energy saving tip: Insulate your water pipes

by thomas on June 30, 2009 (Feature image by cursedthing)

Closeup of copper water pipe

Here’s a quick energy saving tip that makes extra sense in the summer heat: Insulate the water pipes running into your hot water heater.

These pipes will conduct heat from the heater and let it radiate into the room. Insulating them counteracts this and lets your heater work less to keep its contents hot. As an added bonus, you don’t get one more thing adding to the summer heat.

Insulating the pipes is super-easy:

  1. Measure the pipe diameter.
  2. Get some foam pipe insulation. For extra easy installation, look for a brand that is self-sealing.
  3. Install the insulation on any exposed pipe that is warm to the touch.
  4. Install the insulation on the first 60 centimeters (2 feet) or so of the cold water pipe running into the hot water heater.

When you’re done, feel the top of your hot water heater. Is it warm to the touch? Then you might want to insulate your hot water heater, for even more energy savings!

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