Simple Insulation Ideas and Tips

Your plumber must have stock in the fuel corporations! I've
never heard of a tank rusting from the inside out due to a blanket.
The more insulation the better, just don't insulate close to or
around the vent stack on a gas or oil fired unit. The reason a tank
will rust from the inside out may happen for a couple of reasons.
First, if your tank has an anode rod it should be checked for wear
at least every year. If it doesn't have an external indicator you
have to remove it from the tank to check it. The way it works is
that the anode rod gets eaten away before the tank. Second, if you
don't have an anode rod some tanks can be retrofitted with one. If
that's not possible, it helps to drain some water off to flush the
mineral deposits from the bottom of the tank. Turn off the cold
water supply first so that you are draining water from the tank and
not getting the supply water. As for the other comments, they all
sound like good ideas. Just watch out for moisture in a well sealed
home using the drier vented inside. Everyone keep warm.Yours in
conservation and sustainability!

Be careful of that first suggestion. I recently asked my plumber
about insulating around my water heater. He said that he didn't
advise it because they rust through faster starting inside the tank
and working outward. According to him if it is a newer model it has
enough insulation anyway.

If you dont have the money to buy a tankless water heater, think
about a timer.We have a timer on our hot water heater, and we only
have it turn on about 4 am till 7 am. Electricity ischeaper then,
and the water stays hot enough through out the day to do chores and
take showers.

We went to a propane hot water heater which is wonderful, but we
are now exploring the purchase of a tankless propane fired hot
water heater. Not only would we save money, but we could make
better use of the pantry where it is located. We are also
considering one for under the kitchen sink, since its some distance
from the heater and we usually have to run the water awhile to get
hot water. Given the drought conditions around here and the fact we
have a shallow well, that should also be a good
investment.

concerning DRENOLDS comment You can ONLY do this with a electric
dryer never a gas dryer

If you have still have solar screens on your windows from the
summer, make sure to take them off so you can make use of the
passive solar heat to warm up the house. Also, leave your curtains
open during the day and close them at night - again for passive
solar heat.

thank you

People really forget to cover their windows during the heating
season. Remember that those really high tech windows keep out the
drafts but they are still sending the cold temperature into the
rooms...just feel the glass and the air around those windows.Use
drapes or window curtains or fabric shades with insulation...trust
me you will see and feel the difference!

Just curious why they think that winter heating bills will be
significantly higher this year? Is it suppose to be that much
colder this year or are they raising prices again?

Do you feel guilty using the dryer? Get an inexpensive dryer
lint kit at the home improvement center. All that hot air going
outside can now heat your laundry room and more. You can put
pantyhose over the hose to catch the lint or put water in it to
catch the lint. It does put moisture in the house but we need
moisture in the winter here in New Mexico. It works great.
DR

Do you feel guilty using the dryer? Get an inexpensive dryer
lint kit at the home improvement center. All that hot air going
outside can now heat your laundry room and more. You can put
pantyhose over the hose to catch the lint or put water in it to
catch the lint. It does put moisture in the house but we need
moisture in the winter here in New Mexico. It works great.
DR