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Old 03-16-14, 07:04 PM   #5
MN Renovator
Less usage=Cheaper bills
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thx712517 View Post
Bubble wrap?
Aluminum reflective bubble wrap 'insulation'. A product that some people put on hot water tanks thinking they are enhancing its insulation when the insulating value and energy loss benefit of such products is extremely low. A fraction of an R-value point. The fiberglass insulation products are about the best you can use because using foam on a water heater isn't practical or cheap(think aluminum coil flashing and multiple cans of Great Stuff or something similar). The fiberglass is sufficient because it traps the air flow behind an air barrier and if taped properly will add a decent amount of insulation.

With that being said, the longer the warranty on a water heater, usually the more insulation and better air baffling used inside the center tube flue you get(if it is a natural draft nat. gas heater). When I replaced a leaking 1990 builder's grade(cheap) hot water tank, I had to remove the insulation, burners, valves, and gas controls from it before they would take it. Those were barely insulated, probably 2 inches of fiberglass. Now they are usually 2 or 3 inches of foam. You get benefit from both new and older less insulated tanks but they are better today than they used to be.
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