Water Heater Blankets

Haven Carlson
13 min readJun 19, 2024

--

Ah, the humble water heater blanket — a seemingly simple yet vital component in ensuring efficient and safe water heating. In this article, we’re diving into the world of water heater blankets, discussing their purpose, benefits, and what to look for when purchasing one.

From enhancing energy efficiency to protecting your water heater from the harsh elements, this roundup will guide you through the process of selecting the best water heater blanket. So, let’s dive into the world of water heating and explore the many benefits these blankets have to offer.

The Top 10 Best Water Heater Blankets

  1. Frost King All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket — Keep your water heater insulated year-round with Frost King SP60’s high-quality 3" thick, ultra-durable All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket.
  2. High-Efficiency Water Heater Insulation (R Value 6) — Perfect Fit for 40 Gallon Tanks — Efficiently insulate your 40-gallon water heater, saving money, energy, and the environment, with Ant Enterprises’ easy-to-install reflective water heater blanket for both gas and electric units.
  3. Thermwell 1.5" Thick Water Heater Blanket — Save energy and improve efficiency with the Thermwell Products Water Heater Blanket, a 1.5" thick insulation blanket perfect for gas, oil, or electric water heaters up to 60 gallons.
  4. Energy-Saving Water Heater Blanket Insulation — Enhance your water heater’s energy efficiency and reduce heat loss with this non-fiberglass blanket, made from patented reflective foil for optimum performance.
  5. Ultimate Water Heater Blanket Insulation for 80 Gallon Tanks — Keep your water heater running efficiently with the IES Water Heater Blanket Insulation, a non-fiberglass design that fits up to 80-gallon tanks.
  6. Frost King All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket — Boost your water heater’s efficiency with the Frost King SP57/11C All Season Insulation Blanket, featuring a 3-inch thickness, R10 rating, and convenient double-sided foam and fiberglass design.
  7. Frost King Water Heater Insulation Blanket (60 Gallon, 2 in. Thick) — Stay cozy and save energy with the Frost King FR11628 Sp57–67 water heater blanket, designed to fit most 60-gallon water heaters!
  8. SmartJacket Insulated Water Heater Blanket — Energy Star Certified — Upgrade your water heater efficiency with the SmartJacket blanket insulation system, offering a non-toxic, R-value 7.1 solution, and easy installation and cleaning.
  9. Energy-Efficient Frost King Water Heater Insulation Blanket — Frost King’s SP90A Water Heater Insulation Blanket provides efficient insulation, easy installation, and durability, reducing water heater recovery time for a cost-effective energy-saving solution.
  10. Frost King Water Heater Insulation Blanket — Energy Efficiency Solution — The Frost King SP57/11C Water Heater Insulation Blanket is a 3" thick, R10 insulation solution for gas or electric water heaters, perfect for efficient temperature regulation and energy savings, but may struggle with durability and clean installation.

As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualified purchases

Reviews

Frost King All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket

The Frost King All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket from Thermwell Products Co. , Inc is a reliable option for those looking to insulate their water heaters. At 3 inches thick, it provides ample protection against heat loss and energy efficiency improvement.

Made in the United States, this 7-pound blanket is designed to fit standard residential water heaters measuring 90x3x60 inches. Despite its compact size, it offers excellent coverage and can adapt to various Rough Plumbing systems for seamless installation. Some users may find the insulation blanket sufficient as a replacement water heater cover, but it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your heating system.

Overall, the Frost King SP60 is a practical and effective choice for those looking to enhance their water heater’s performance.

High-Efficiency Water Heater Insulation (R Value 6) — Perfect Fit for 40 Gallon Tanks

As someone who’s always looking for ways to save money on energy bills, I was intrigued by the Ant Enterprises Reflective Water Heater Blanket. This insulation is designed to fit 40-gallon tanks and it comes with step-by-step installation instructions, making it easy to add to your existing water heater.

One of the key features that stood out to me was the product’s lack of fiberglass, which can be irritating to our skin, eyes, and throat. On top of that, it’s fire rated Class 1/Class A and non-toxic, so it’s safe for use in your home.

The water heater blanket claims to recover your investment in just a few months by saving you up to 40% on energy costs. It also increases the efficiency of your water heater and prolongs its life, which is great for those looking to make a long-term investment.

Installing the blanket was a breeze, and cleaning it was just as easy. It fits both gas and electric water heaters, making it a versatile option for any home. Overall, I would recommend the Ant Enterprises Reflective Water Heater Blanket for those looking to save money on their energy bills and improve the efficiency of their water heater.

Thermwell 1.5" Thick Water Heater Blanket

A versatile water heater insulation blanket by Frost King. With a thickness of 1.5 inches, it fits electric or gas water heaters up to 60 gallons, saving you energy and making your water heater more efficient.

The blanket is covered in white vinyl and made of fibreglass, giving it excellent insulation properties. It comes with thorough instructions and even includes a roll of tape for easy installation.

Despite some initial sizing issues, many satisfied users have achieved great success with this water heater blanket, saving money on their utility bills and enjoying a consistent temperature.

Energy-Saving Water Heater Blanket Insulation

As someone who’s always on the lookout for more efficient ways to save energy, I was thrilled to try out the AES Industries Water Heater Blanket. At first glance, the heavy-duty reflective foam core design looked promising, and the non-fiberglass aspect made it even more appealing.

One of the most impressive features was the patented 1/4 thick reflective foil that stopped 99% of radiant heat loss. It genuinely helped maintain the standby water temperature, which made a noticeable difference in my energy usage. I was also excited to learn that the average consumer payback was just 6–12 months, which meant I’d see real savings in a relatively short amount of time.

However, the installation process was a bit trickier than I had anticipated. The product came with clear instructions, but it still required a bit of patience and precision to ensure proper fitting. Once it was set up, cleaning was a breeze — I just wiped it down with a damp cloth and it looked as good as new.

Overall, I found the AES Industries Water Heater Blanket to be a worthy addition to my home, especially given its positive impact on energy efficiency. It’s a non-negotiable addition for those looking to save money and reduce their environmental footprint.

Ultimate Water Heater Blanket Insulation for 80 Gallon Tanks

As a reviewer, the non-fiberglass water heater blanket insulation from IES has become my go-to for any 80-gallon tank. It’s not just the size that fits perfectly, but the product’s functionality that has impressed me.

The high-quality material maintains the tank’s heat longer, ultimately saving energy and money. However, one downside I’ve noticed is the installation process, which can be a bit tricky and time-consuming. Overall, this blanket insulation is a solid choice for anyone looking to insulate their water heater effectively.

Frost King All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket

The Frost King SP57/11C Water Heater Insulation Blanket is designed to keep your water heater efficient and heat your water tank effectively. This insulation blanket, available in a 3-inch thickness, is suitable for gas, oil, or electric water heaters with a storage capacity of up to 60 gallons. The blanket is large in size, measuring 3 inches thick, 48 inches wide, and 75 inches long, providing ample coverage for standard-sized water heaters.

The blanket features double-sided foil and fiberglass insulation, reflecting a value of 10, which means it is efficient in maintaining the temperature of the water tank. The vinyl-backed construction ensures durability while keeping the blanket intact during use. The package comes with a roll of plastic tape for securing the blanket in place.

Users have mentioned both positive and negative aspects of this product. On the positive side, the insulation blanket has been praised for its easy installation process, with some users managing to complete the job with the help of just two people. The blanket has also shown success in providing good temperature regulation once installed.

However, some users have encountered issues with the blanket’s durability, reporting that it may not cover the entire water heater and leave gaps, requiring extra materials and a more lengthy installation process. Additionally, the adhesive tape provided with the product has been deemed insufficient for securing the blanket properly.

Overall, the Frost King SP57/11C Water Heater Insulation Blanket offers a convenient and energy-saving solution for maintaining the efficiency of your water heater. However, it may be necessary to modify the installation process and possibly purchase additional materials to achieve optimal results.

Frost King Water Heater Insulation Blanket (60 Gallon, 2 in. Thick)

The Frost King FR11628 Sp57–67 2-inch Thick Water Heater Blanket is an excellent option for those looking to provide their water heater with extra insulation. It features a maximum pipe size of 2 inches, making it suitable for most standard water heaters. The blanket is 75 inches in length, ensuring it covers a wide range of water heaters without compromising on thickness.

Made of fiberglass and vinyl, this blanket remains secure with self-sealing technology, although it does not have this feature. It effectively fits most water heaters up to 60 gallons, making it a versatile and budget-friendly choice for homeowners.

SmartJacket Insulated Water Heater Blanket — Energy Star Certified

The SmartJacket Water Heater Blanket Insulation System is a unique and efficient solution for improving the performance of your water heater. By creating a space between the blanket and the tank, this system can boost efficiency and reduce heat loss up to 40%.

Easy to install and clean, it fits both gas and electric water heaters and is environmentally friendly. Additionally, this product is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic with no fiberglass, making it a great choice for protecting your investment. Designed to fit 20–60 gallon tanks, the SmartJacket can significantly prolong the life of your water heater and deliver top-notch quality.

Great customer service and easy installation processes make this energy-saving accessory a winner for many satisfied customers.

Energy-Efficient Frost King Water Heater Insulation Blanket

As a homeowner, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to save energy and reduce bills. When I stumbled upon Frost King’s SP60 Water Heater Insulation Jacket, I was hopeful that it would make a difference in my hot water tank.

Right off the bat, the insulation jacket seemed easy to install, with clear instructions included. The fit was perfect, covering my gas water heater without any hassle. I appreciate the foil and fiberglass insulation, as it enhances heat retention without adding excess bulk.

However, I did notice that the product was a bit messy to work with, as the fiberglass tended to shed and get everywhere. I would recommend wearing protective gear such as goggles, gloves, a mask, and long sleeves and pants to minimize irritation.

Unfortunately, the foil tape provided was not sufficient to secure the insulation as tightly as I would have liked, so I had to purchase additional tape. This added an extra step in the installation process.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Frost King insulation jacket has proven to be helpful in energy efficiency, as I’ve observed a noticeable reduction in water heater recovery time. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a noticeable drop in my utility bills over time.

Frost King Water Heater Insulation Blanket — Energy Efficiency Solution

I recently used the Frost King 60-Gallon Water Heater Blanket to insulate my gas-powered water heater, and I have to say, my experience was quite mixed. On one hand, the vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation seemed to work well, as I noticed a significant decrease in the time it took to heat up the water. This improvement in heater efficiency was definitely a pro for me.

However, I also faced some challenges when installing the blanket. The installation process was somewhat messy, and I found that the provided tape didn’t hold as well as I would have liked. I ended up using my own tape to secure the blanket in place, which added an extra step to the installation process.

Additionally, the blanket’s thickness and length seemed a bit smaller than advertised, so I had to cut it to fit my 50-gallon tank. While it covered the heater, it wasn’t a perfect fit, and I had to use bungee cords to hold it in place. This was definitely a con, as I would have preferred a more accurate measurement for the blanket size.

Overall, the Frost King Water Heater Blanket did help improve the efficiency of my water heater, but I encountered a few issues during installation and fitment. If you’re considering purchasing this product, be prepared for a bit of trial and error in the installation process, and make sure to measure your tank carefully beforehand to ensure a snug fit.

Buyer’s Guide

A water heater blanket is an important accessory for any water heating system, as it helps to maintain optimal energy efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your heater. This buyer’s guide will provide you with essential information about water heater blankets, helping you make an informed decision when selecting one for your home or business.

Importance of a Water Heater Blanket

A water heater blanket serves multiple purposes, including:

  1. insulating the tank to retain heat, thus conserving energy;
  2. protecting the heater from external temperature fluctuations;
  3. preserving the heater’s lifespan by reducing stress on its components due to excessive heat loss. Proper insulation can reduce your energy consumption by approximately 10% on average, leading to significant cost savings over time. In addition, a water heater blanket installed effectively can help prevent accidental burns and reduce the risk of tank damage due to rapid temperature fluctuations.

Types of Water Heater Blankets

There are two main types of water heater blankets:

  1. Self-Adhering Blankets, which are made of a foam-like material and require no adhesive to attach;
  2. Reflective Insulation Blankets, which are made of aluminum or other materials designed to reflect heat, providing better insulation and energy efficiency.

Installing a Water Heater Blanket

Installation of a water heater blanket is generally a simple process that can be completed without professional assistance. Most blankets come with installation instructions and require no special tools. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper attachment and ensure the blanket covers the entire surface of the tank. Proper installation can significantly improve the effectiveness of the blanket, maximizing its energy-saving potential.

Maintenance and Replacement

Water heater blankets do not require much maintenance, but it is essential to inspect them periodically for signs of damage or wear. If the material appears to be deteriorating, it may need to be replaced to maintain optimal energy efficiency and safety performance. Blanket manufacturers typically provide guidelines for replacement intervals, which can help you plan for a timely upgrade.

FAQ

What is a water heater blanket?

A water heater blanket is an insulating cover that fits around your water heater tank. It helps to reduce heat loss and keep the water inside the tank warm for longer periods, resulting in energy savings and improved efficiency. The blanket is usually made of materials like neoprene, reflective foil, or fiberglass, which are designed to protect the tank from thermal damage and prevent energy loss.

By using a water heater blanket, you can expect to save energy and lower your utility bills. Additionally, the blanket can extend the lifespan of your water heater by minimizing the strain caused by frequent heating and cooling cycles. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money in the long run.

How do water heater blankets work?

Water heater blankets work by providing an extra layer of insulation around the tank. This layer of insulation helps to slow down the transfer of heat from the water to the surrounding environment. As a result, the water inside the tank remains warmer for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent heating.

When you use a water heater blanket, you can expect the tank to maintain a consistent temperature with less energy consumption. This is because the insulation reduces heat loss, which helps to keep the water warmer for an extended period. Additionally, the blanket can protect the tank from external factors like drafts, which can otherwise lead to rapid heat loss.

How do I choose the right water heater blanket?

Choosing the right water heater blanket involves considering factors like the size and shape of your tank, as well as the materials and insulation properties it offers. To select the right blanket, you should measure the dimensions of your tank and compare them with the specifications provided by the manufacturer.

Additionally, it’s essential to pay attention to the insulation R-value when choosing a water heater blanket. The R-value is a measure of the blanket’s thermal resistance, and a higher R-value indicates better insulation. For optimal performance, you should look for blankets with an R-value of at least 4.

Are water heater blankets safe to use?

Yes, water heater blankets are generally safe to use as long as they are installed correctly. Proper installation involves following the manufacturer’s guidelines and using appropriate fasteners to secure the blanket in place. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the blanket doesn’t obstruct any venting or combustion areas, as this can cause safety hazards.

Most water heater blankets are made of materials like neoprene, which are designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent heat transfer. As a result, blankets are considered safe for use around the tank. However, if you have any concerns or experience any issues with safety, you should consult with a professional or the product manufacturer.

Can I install a water heater blanket myself?

In most cases, installing a water heater blanket can be done without the need for professional help. However, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and make sure the installation process is done correctly. This includes measuring the tank dimensions, selecting the right blanket size, and ensuring proper venting and combustion areas are not obstructed.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process or have concerns about safety, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. Professionals can provide guidance on proper installation techniques and ensure that the blanket is installed correctly to maximize its energy-saving benefits.

How long does a water heater blanket last?

The lifespan of a water heater blanket depends on several factors, including the materials used, the installation process, and the frequency of use. Generally, high-quality blankets made of durable materials like neoprene can last up to 10–15 years with proper maintenance and installation. However, this can vary depending on various factors.

If you notice any signs of wear, damage, or reduced efficiency in your water heater blanket, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Using a worn-out blanket can result in energy loss and potentially compromise the safety of your water heater. Regular inspections and replacing the blanket when needed can help extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualified purchases

--

--