Like most people, you may be wondering if getting a hot water recirculating system is worth it. The answer is yes. Simply put, a hot water recirculating system can help you conserve water and save money on your monthly water bill. How? By circulating hot water through your home’s plumbing, you won’t have to wait as long for the water to heat up when you turn on the faucet.
According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory research associate supervisor James Lutz, “about 20% of total hot-water use in single-family residences seems to be wasted.”
In this article, we discuss how a hot water recirculating system works, its benefits, and how to decide if it’s a good investment for you.
How Does A Hot Water Recirculating System Work?
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A hot water recirculation system constantly circulates the water inside your hot water supply pipe to keep it at the right temperature. There are typically two ways to activate hot water recirculation systems: thermostat or timer. When the water temperature goes below a predetermined threshold or the timer reaches a predetermined setting, these systems automatically activate the pump, making sure there is never a shortage of hot water.
Two Types Of Hot Water Recirculating Systems
There are two types of systems: dedicated loop and integrated loop. The pump and heating element are installed in a separate pipe from the water supply pipe with a dedicated loop system. When a valve inside the pump is opened, water from the supply pipe is transferred to the pump pipe, where the water is heated by the element and then re-injected into the supply pipe.
On the other hand, an integrated loop system is built into the hot water supply pipe. The heating element is installed inside the pipe, so there’s no need for a separate pump. As a general rule, this system is installed in new buildings, although it may also be retrofitted. A pump is positioned under the plumbing fixture that is the furthest from the water heater. When the water temperature falls below 85°F, a sensor turns on the pump and turns it off when the water temperature exceeds 95°F.
Hot Water Recirculating System Benefits
Time-Saving
Constantly recycling hot water in your supply pipe saves time since you won’t have to wait for the water to reach the appropriate temperature. People typically have to run their shower until it gets warm or wait a few minutes for hot water to come out of the faucet. This won’t be the case with a hot water recirculating system. You’ll find it especially helpful in the morning when everyone is rushing to get ready for work or school.
Money-Saving
Because you don’t have to wait for hot water, you’ll save money on your monthly water bill. Just think about all the times that you had to run water to make it warm or how many times you had to re-heat water for dishes, hair, and other daily uses. A hot water recirculating system will continually recycle hot water, saving you up to 25 gallons of water per day. That’s a lot of money saved on your monthly bill.
Water-Saving
Installing a hot water recirculating pump system will reduce water waste in your household. If you live in an area where water shortages are expected, or you simply want to have a smaller carbon footprint, installing a recirculating system is a great idea. Not only will you save money on your water bill, but you’ll do your part in saving water in the community. If you are a particularly eco-conscious individual, then a recirculating water system is the perfect choice for you.
Who Should Buy A Hot Water Recirculating System?
The most important reason to install a hot water recirculation system is convenience. If you want to save time, money, and water, a recirculating system is something every household should have. Are you living in an area with frequent water droughts and water rationing? Then, a recirculating system will keep you from wasting water by having to re-heat water for daily use.
Who Shouldn’t Buy A Hot Water Recirculating System
Despite all the benefits, there are some cases where a hot water recirculating system isn’t suitable for your household. If you want to keep your energy bills low, then a recirculating system may not be for you. While these systems save you money on your monthly water bill, they can increase your energy usage. You could, however, inquire about energy-efficient models from your trusted plumber. Some system types have little to no negligible effect on your energy bill. So, before you decide against getting a recirculating system, make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs.
Conclusion
Water is essential to our lives, but conserving this valuable resource is also vital for the future of our planet. Installing a hot water recirculating system is one way to help conserve water for the next generation. Not only will you save time, money, and water, but you’ll also improve your home’s comfort, safety, and maintenance. These systems are relatively affordable and straightforward to install, especially when done by a reputable plumber like Robinson Plumbing.
If you’re interested in finding out more about recirculating system types or installing one in your home, contact Robinson Plumbing today. Our team of expert plumbers is here to answer your questions and set you up with a consultation.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Superior Plumbing Services
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from drain clogs, water heater replacements, toilet repairs, water leaks, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your home and budget.
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