Water Heating Conservation Science Fair Projects

Important information before you begin
PARENT'S SUPERVISION REQUIRED
Check with the manufacturer of your heating unit to make sure that you can put a jacket on the heater.
Don't restrict the air inlets on gas- or oil-fired water heaters.
Don't cover the thermostat.

Hypothesis
Putting a water heater insulating jacket or blanket cuts heating costs 9%.

Materials Needed

Procedure -

Repeat experiment 3 times

1. Get a copy of a past heating bill, when your heater did not have an insulating jacket on it, the same month that you are doing your experiment. Or if you have a jacket on the heater, get a past bill the same month you are doing your experiment.
2. For one month have your heater wrapped in an insulating jacket. A good jacket / blanket will reduce the heat lost through the walls of the tank by 25-40 percent.
3. Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That will be very comfortable. Each 10 degree reduction in the water temperature setting cuts the heater's energy consumption by 3-5%.

Repeat experiment 3 times


4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 above without a jacket / blanket on your water heater.
5. Compare your water heating bills.
6. Make a chart of your findings

See an extensive list of science fair projects about conservation here...

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