Insulation to the Electric Hot Water Heater

[Sharon Northeast]

Behind the door was insulation that blew away when the door swung open in a storm. I am going to replace should I get foil face? I've heard it's not a good idea to put those snug insulating blankets around it, but to just leave a big piece of loose insulation in front of it and close the door. Correct? Suggestions?

[stevieb]

Hi
My mobile home repair service installed a new electric water heater 3 yrs ago, New floor and drip pan also. Being nosey, I was surprised that the outside access door was not insulated. He recomended not insulating the tank with a blanket wrap but to put a piece of rigid foam insulation in the door frame. I did that and all seems well!!!

[Greg]

Most new water heaters are so well insulated that insulation blankets don't help all that much. If you are adding insulation to the door to keep the interior of the home warmer that is a different story. Greg