Water Heater Insulation
Reduce Heat Loss & Energy Waste
Lower energy bills and improve tank performance with Energy Shield® water heater insulation. Our reflective water heater jacket helps keep heat inside the tank where it belongs—reducing standby heat loss and minimizing reheating cycles. Designed for residential and light commercial systems, this energy efficient water heater jacket insulation blanket keeps water hotter longer, improves efficiency, and helps extend the life of your unit. Lightweight, easy to install, and built for performance—ES® makes hot water reflective insulation simple and effective.
ES® Water Heater Insulation jackets reduce heat loss, improve efficiency, and extend tank life for residential and light commercial systems.
Keep Water Hot Longer
Reflective insulation reduces standby heat loss by reflecting radiant heat back toward the stored water
Quick & Easy Installation
DIY-friendly design wraps easily around your tank—just trim with the small razor, secure with reflective tape, and you’re done.
Save Energy & Money
Consistent water temperature reduces system strain, lowers energy use, and extends your water heater’s life.
How Water Heater Insulation Works
Reflective insulation wraps around the tank and acts as a thermal barrier. The reflective surface redirects radiant heat back into the tank instead of allowing it to escape into the surrounding air.
This improves efficiency, reduces energy waste, and ensures more consistent hot water availability.
In utility areas where HVAC systems are present, ductwork insulation can further reduce energy loss and improve overall system performance.
Why Water Heaters Need Insulation
Water heaters constantly lose heat to surrounding air—even when no hot water is being used. This is called standby heat loss.
Without proper water heater insulation, the tank must reheat water repeatedly, increasing energy demand.
Energy Shield insulation addresses this at the source by reducing radiant and conductive heat transfer, improving thermal performance, and lowering energy waste.
ES® Water Heater Insulation Products
ES® Water Heater Insulation Products
Key Features
- Dual reflective foil surface
- Lightweight and flexible
- Helps maintain consistent water temperature
- Reduces standby heat loss
- Ideal as a water heater insulation blanket
Key Features
- Rigid foam core with dual reflective foil facings
- Reduces radiant and conductive heat transfer
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ideal for high-performance tank applications
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
A properly insulated water heater is a small upgrade that delivers measurable energy savings and long-term efficiency gains.
- Cut reflective insulation to match tank height and circumference
- Wrap insulation around the tank
- Tape vertical seams securely with foil tape
- Trim around valves, thermostat panels, and controls
- Follow manufacturer guidelines and local code requirements
Detailed Instructions
- Cut three 2” wide strips of the ES® Reflective Bubble or Foam product at twice the circumference of the water heater (to be utilized as spacers).
- Attach the three strips (doubled) with ES® Foil Tape around the circumference of the water heater (top, bottom and middle).
- Cut the ES® Bubble or Foam at a width equal to the height of the water heater. Secondly, cut the length of the product equal to the circumference measured on the outside of the spacers plus 1”.
- If the water heater is taller than 48”, a section of product will need to be fashioned to make up the shortage. The seam between the 48” sheet and the “extension” piece will need to be taped with ES® Foil Tape on both sides.
- Wrap the ES® Bubble or Foam around the water heater and tape the vertical seam with ES® Foil Tape.
- Trim product around pressure valve and cut on both sides of thermostat housing to create a flap type cover for easy access. Additionally, cut product away from the cover of the lower access panel.
Note: Electric Water Heaters Only – Cut a circular section of the product the size of the top of the water heater – trim to accommodate wires, pipes and relief valve. Tape (foil) the circular product section to the top of the water heater. Do not use product on top of gas water heaters.
Note: Electric Water Heaters – Check to insure heater is wired to meet local codes.
Note: Gas Water Heaters – Do not install the insulation below the bottom of the water heater tank. This area is to allow combustion air.
Note: All Water Heaters – Refer to owners or operating manual and follow any instructions provided for insulating the unit.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Water Heater Insulation
- Reduces standby heat loss
- Improves energy efficiency
- Keeps water hotter longer
- Lowers monthly utility bills
- Extends equipment lifespan
- Lightweight and easy to install
Where Water Heater Blankets are Most Effective
- Garage-installed water heaters, where garage door insulation can help reduce temperature fluctuations and improve overall energy efficiency
- Basement or utility room installations where basement insulation helps maintain stable temperatures and reduce overall heat loss
- Older tanks with minimal factory insulation
- Residential and light commercial systems
Compatible Water Heater Types
Why Choose Energy Shield USA® Water Heater Insulation?
Water Heater Insulation FAQs
Water heater insulation is a reflective thermal blanket or jacket that wraps around a tank to reduce standby heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Yes. By reducing heat loss, the heater cycles less frequently, lowering energy use and reducing utility bills.
Yes. Most water heater insulation blankets are lightweight and DIY-friendly. Simply measure, cut, wrap, and tape according to instructions.
Yes, when installed correctly with proper clearances around vents, burners, and access panels. Always follow manufacturer and local code guidelines.
Most reflective water heater jackets fit standard residential tanks ranging from 20 to 80 gallons.
Savings vary by climate and tank age, but reducing standby heat loss can significantly lower operating costs—especially on older units.
