Install Heat Traps on a Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings
If your storage water heater doesn't have heat 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.
Related Information
- Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings
- Lower Water Heating Temperature for Energy Savings
- Insulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings
- Insulate Hot Water Pipes for Energy Savings
- Drain-Water Heat Recovery
- Install a Timer and Use Off-Peak Power for Electric Water Heaters
- Select a New Water Heater.