Hot Water Tank Insulation Question

[sleepy]

Hi All,

The white foam insulation around my water heater tank is very thin in places. I'd like to improve the insulation. The compartment is warm because of this heat 'loss'

I considered adding reflectix but I checked the their site and they say "Do not use product on top of gas water heaters."

Has anyone replaced or upgraded the insulation around their tank, and what did you use?

Thank you.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by sleepy

Hi All,
I considered adding reflectix but I checked the their site and they say "Do not use product on top of gas water heaters."

I believe that they are referring to vertical-draft home water heaters with a flue the that exits from the top of the tank, and protective devices on top as well.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about wrapping insulation over the top and around the sides of the heater, adding to the original foam that is there... but that is my personal opinion, not a professional assessment or anything that exempts you from understanding what you are doing and taking responsibility for it.

The stock insulation on every RV water heater than I have seen is just expanded polystyrene foam, so almost any type of additional insulation would work. On the other hand, I wouldn't use that aluminized bubble wrap for anything.

I would consider insulating the inside surfaces of the cabinet containing the water heater, as an alternative to putting the insulation directly on the appliance. It would still reduce heat loss, and still protect the cabinetry and the interior of the trailer from unwanted heat.

[sleepy]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I believe that they are referring to vertical-draft home water heaters with a flue the that exits from the top of the tank, and protective devices on top as well.

Thanks for replying Brian B-P.

I think you are right about the manufacturers warning about not using reflectix on the top of a vertical flue hot water tank. And the one in my trailer is not a vertical flue.

I am wanting to improve the ability of the tank to retain heat.

I'll do some additional digging to work out a suitable insulation.

The compartment itself doesn't get too warm.

[gbaglo]

We turn the water heater on for twenty minutes to half an hour in the morning. It's still hot enough for most uses late afternoon.

[John in Santa Cruz]

we turn our propane only heater on when we get to camp and really haven't noticed any heat from it. on our classic 21, its under the bed.