Water heaters are an essential part of any household. But they also consume a considerable amount of energy which may make them not very cost-efficient.
One way around this issue is to use a water heater blanket. This not only allows them to be more energy-efficient but also more efficient, in general.
This article will guide you to pick the best blanket for your water heater.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Water Heater Blankets
- OUR TOP PICK: Frost King SP57/11C All Season Blanket
- SmartJacket Water Heater Blanket Insulation
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Reflectix ST16025
Comparison Chart of the Best Water Heater Blanket
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What is a Water Heater Blanket?
As the name suggests, a water heater blanket is a product designed to work as a blanket for water heaters. It is basically a thick insulating sheet that wraps around water heaters to save it from excessive heat loss and maintain their temperature.
This function also allows water heaters to function even more effectively. But that’s not where it ends. Since these units can maintain their temperatures, they do not need any more electricity to change the temperature again, making them highly energy-efficient.
What Size of Water Heater Blanket Do I Need?
Since these units are designed to wrap around your water heaters, the size you need depends upon the water heater you own. For a bigger water heater, a bigger blanket would be needed to surround it sufficiently. Keep in mind, there isn’t a water heater blanket tailor-made for every water heater; therefore, it may be tricky to find units that are a perfect fit for your heater.
What Makes a Great Water Heater Blanket?
Water heater blankets are relatively simple products, but they still need to be chosen carefully in order to make the best out of them. There are a few aspects that need to be considered while picking one of these units. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind while doing so;
R-Value of the Unit
The first thing you need to check is the R-value of the unit. What is an R-Value, you ask? It is simply the value that allows you to determine the thermal resistance of the product. The higher the thermal resistance, the better the blanket will perform its function.
Material Used
The material used has a great impact on the quality of its performance. The most commonly used materials are fiberglass and cotton. Both of these materials provide great insulation for the heater, but each comes with a different set of properties that determine which is the better pick for the user.
Size and Thickness
The dimensions of the blanket you opt for depends upon two things. While its size depends upon the size of the heater, the thickness of it depends upon the use and functionality you expect from the product. A thick blanket will allow a better insulating property.
Review of the Best Water Heater Blankets
Since you now know what features to look at while considering a water heater blanket, we can now cut to the chase and get to the real business, which is picking a water heater blanket. Listed below are some of the best water heater blankets, reviewed for your ease and convenience. All you need to do is go through them and take your final pick.
Best Overall:
Frost King SP57/11C All-Season Blanket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those that have recently invested in this unit and tried it for themselves have all absolutely loved it and its functionality. Users may have found the installation a little tricky, but once they got through with that, they realized that its functioning was absolutely outstanding, making it their favorite product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit comes with sufficient features that put it on the top of this list, but what really stands out to us is the size of this unit. It is available in a number of different sizes, all of which cover the standard sizes of water heaters, allowing there to be a unit for almost anyone.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit is not only designed to provide the best of functionality, but also that of ease and fitting. Given these three features, this product serves to be compatible with almost any water heater, making it the ideal product for any user.
Bottom Line
Being on top of this list, this unit and its features speak for itself. There isn’t anything about it that the users have found to complain about, which is why we think it is the absolute best. There are very few, if any, products out there that could match its functionality.
Runner-up:
SmartJacket Water Heater Blanket Insulation
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
With this product, the only issue that the users seemed to have was with the tape that came along with it. But that is all. Other than that, they found this unit highly efficient at its job. They claimed to notice a great change in not only the heater’s functionality but also energy consumption.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a number of things that we like about this unit, but our favorite is its keen choice of materials. Unlike a number of other products that may prove to be harmful for the users, this particular product features no such components that may be harmful or toxic for the users.
Who Will Use This Most
One of the best features of this product is its size. The large size of this unit allows it to be a perfect fit for about any water heater, even the larger 80 gallon ones, too. Due to this, this unit serves to be the perfect product for those who are tired of looking for a sufficiently-sized water heater blanket that works efficiently but has struggled to find one.
Bottom Line
No more scanning through long lists of water heater blankets to find one that would fit your large-sized water heater. This unit right here is the one you need. It will not only provide a perfect fit or your heater but also provide the perfect functionality you have been looking for.
Best for the Money:
Reflectix ST16025
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users will tell you how ideal this unit has proven to be for their water heaters. But some users will also tell you how they found it to be perfect for other uses, as well. This product has served to be an all-in-one unit that has provided them with perfect functionality, as well as a great energy-efficient use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What really strikes us about this unit, other than its efficiency and use, is its installation method. The installation may be a little tricky, but it is highly efficient as the stable tabs created to hold the unit in place perfectly. Unlike the taping option that is also available, the staple method does not come apart and lasts longer.
Who Will Use This Most
There are a number of users that we can envision investing in this unit. But this product, with its high efficiency and low price point, proves to be the perfect unit for all those that are looking to invest in a water heater blanket, but with a smaller budget.
Bottom Line
If we started talking about the high functionality and energy-efficient use of this blanket, we might go on forever. But we’ll let you experience the magic of its features for yourself. And if you think you’ll have to spend a great amount of money for a unit like that, think again.
Best 40-Gallon Water Heater Blanket:
Reflective Foil Hot Water Tanks Heater Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If user reviews serve to be the final word for you, then you will find this unit to be your ultimate choice. All those who have invested in it have not been the least bit disappointed by any of its features. This is why they also recommend it to other users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit has a lot to offer, but what makes it better than the rest is its fire-rated build. Such a design allows this unit to be considerably safer than others. It features a Class 1 rating that ensures it won’t catch fire and can be safely used for all kinds of gas and electric heaters.
Who Will Use This Most
With the 40-gallon design of this unit, bigger water heaters might not be highly compatible with it. Thus, if you own a smaller water heater, approximating to 40 gallons, then you may find this to be the perfect fit, with the perfect functionality you have been looking for.
Bottom Line
Looking for a blanket for your 40-gallon water heater? Well, we’ve got the right product for you. This product will show you what ideal functionality and energy saving is like. With its high-grade manufacturing, this is a unit that is simply designed to provide its users with the best.
Best 80-Gallon Water Heater Blanket:
US Energy Products Water Heater Blanket Insulation
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have marveled at this product for almost all of its features. Before investing in it, they were impressed by all the features the unit provided, and once they did, they were stunned by how well all these features performed. According to the users, it left no space for complaints at all.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With this unit, what is there not to love? But one feature that stands apart from the rest is its commercial-grade and industrial-strength build. Such a design ensures the unit lasts longer and that the user’s investment goes a long way, rather than wear out in a few months.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit has proven to perform better than a large number of products available in the market, which is why almost anyone would love to invest in it. But considering its size and functionality, it is designed to be the perfect choice for anyone owning an 80-gallon water heater.
Bottom Line
If your 80-gallon water heater is not covered with a blanket yet, then you need to invest in this unit right away. With proper use of this product, you will notice all the performance changes you have wanted, and save a greater amount on your electricity bills.
Best R11 Water Heater Blanket:
MD R-11 Water Heater Blanket 04689
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
User reviews are one of the main factors that put this unit on this list. Almost everyone that has used this heater blanket has found it to be beyond perfect. From its installation to its functionality, every aspect of it has failed to disappoint users, which is why it seems to be a popular item among them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are so many features of this unit that we feel need to be appreciated, but topping those features is its do-it-yourself installation. This water heater blanket comes with a complete kit that allows users to enjoy the experience of installing their water heater blanket all by themselves.
Who Will Use This Most
Standard units are designed to provide users with only a limited R-value that provides standard or substandard insulation. But with this unit, you get to experience a lot more. If you, too, are looking for a higher R-value unit, then this one will serve to be the perfect choice for you.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for that extra mile of insulation, then no other unit will provide you with better than this. With this product, you get to experience the best of R11 thermal insulation with the perfect functionality you have been looking for. This unit is one that is simply designed to impress.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
Now that you have a good idea of how to choose a water heater blanket, and have gone through some of the products, picking your final product may seem like an easy option. There are still a few things you need to know about these blankets so you can make the best out of them.
Installation Process
The installation process for every product is not the same. While some of them come with extremely easy installation, the same can’t be said for others. Some of these products may be quite tricky to deal with and require assistance to be put on.
Allergic and Toxic Materials
While not all products may specify it, some of them may contain materials or components may prove to be allergenic or even toxic for some users. It is, therefore, necessary that you lookout for products that mention their non-toxicity and are non-allergic.
Conclusion
A water heater blanket may be all you need in order to see a better change in the performance of your water heater, as well as its energy efficiency. All you need for that is a keen consideration of the important aspects in order to ensure you have picked the right unit for yourself. And with that, you will be able to experience the best of these units.
