First Steps Toward Green Energy
Insulate First Three Feet of Inlet and Outlet
Heat is lost from the water heater through convection not only from the sides but out any pipes. Heat goes to cold so the hot water in the tank will travel to the cooler water inlet pipe transferring heat in the process. The same thing happens on the hot outlet side as well. By insulating these pipes it helps to prevent this loss.Installation
Installation is simple. You can find pipe insulation, ether fiberglass pipe wrap or the foam self sealing pipe covers. Wrap your pipes and you have just saved $5.00 - $10.00 a year. If you have any question on how to fit the insulation, just follow the printed instructions on your package.
Install Heat Traps for Energy Savings
If your storage water heater doesn't heat trap traps, you can save energy by adding them to your water heating system.
They can save you around $15–$30 on your water heating bill by preventing convective heat losses through the inlet and
outlet pipes.
Heat traps —valves or loops of pipe—allow water to flow into the water heater tank but prevent unwanted hot water flow out of the tank. The valves have balls inside that either float or sink into a seat, which stops convection. These specially designed valves come in pairs. The valves are designed differently for use in either the hot or cold water line.
A pair of heat traps costs only around $30. However, unless you can properly solder a pipe joint, heat traps require professional installation by a qualified plumbing and heating contractor. Therefore, heat traps are most cost effective if they're installed at the same time as the water heater. Today, many new storage water heaters have factory-installed heat traps or have them available as an option.
Source www.eere.energy.gov
Tank less Water Heater
Water Heater Insulation Wrap
120° Water Heater temp