Insulation Blankets, are they worth it?
During times of high energy costs and rising fuel costs, homeowners tend to be more energy conscious. After market water heater blankets are often considered for energy conservation, but many experts argue that heat loss in a gas water heater goes up the flue. Electric water heaters don’t have a flue so heat loss is very minimal.

All gas and electric water heaters are insulated with either 1” of foam (R-Value of approximately 8 ) or 2” of foam (R-Value of approximately 16) to meet ASHRAE standards for performance, efficiency and stand-by loss when tested to the Department of Energy procedures.

Some local codes and utility company regulations may prohibit insulation blankets. Too often, the Do-It-Yourselfer has good intentions but unknowingly creates some hazards by:

• Covering safety warnings and operating instructions (these labels are not to be removed from the heater and placed on the blanket or elsewhere).
• Covering controls, access areas, shut-off devices, temperature and pressure relief valves, etc.
• Blocking air passages required for combustion or draft resulting in unsafe operation.

Consequently, Bradford White Corporation does disclaim any liability for problems associated with the use of after market insulation blankets.