How Does a Hot Water Recirculating System Work
A hot water recirculating system requires the use of a pump to circulate the water. This system is set up when a new house is built. The use of this system allows for the increased availability of hot water in the home while the cost of hot water heater usage is decreased.
The use of a recirculation system in your home can save thousands of gallons of water each year. Energy usage for a hot water circulation system varies from unit to unit. The average energy use is less than a 25-watt bulb.
A hot water recirculation pump is used to send hot water into your home's water lines in an instant. This is done with a timer that is installed at the water heater and at the bypass valves. The pump will keep all of the water in the lines flowing which results in instant hot water.
The recirculation pump in typically set up and installed at the water heater. Valves are also installed at a sink that will close when the hot water from the pump arrives. If water temperature should get cold, the valve will open and send water back through the cold water lines. This process is repeated to recirculate water that needs to be hot.
The water inlet of the hot water recirculation pump is attached to the water outlet that is on your home's hot water heater. A valve is then attached to a sink in your kitchen or bathroom where you require using hot water. Hot water recirculation systems with this type of valve to not require a return line to your hot water heater. This return water is supplied by your home' s cold water line.
Benefits of a hot water recirculation system include no waiting for hot water at a faucet. Other benefits include the conservation of water and energy. You can also benefit from lower utility bills and a hot water system that requires little to no maintenance.
Hot Water Recirculation System Diagram
Gravity Hot Water Recirculationb & Forced Hot Water Recirculation
The two hot water systems described in this article are designed to provide a rapid hot water supply to the most distant point in the home. Water conservation is achieved by not having to run the water as long to get hot water.
Gravity Hot Water Recirculation
Gravity hot water is the easiest instant hot water system to install. The design of the water recirculation involves a return line that keeps hot water circulating at all times. Hot water begins flowing back into the supply line as the cool water is returning.
A gravity system is the cheaper of the two to install for recirculating hot water. It is not the most energy efficient. The piping cannot be insulated, so this means a steady heat loss from the pipe will cost more money.
This system works on the basis of a principle of physics which never fails, so this method of continuous hot water is very dependable and also very affordable for the homeowner.
Forced Hot Water Recirculation
Forced hot water recirculation uses a loop with an electric inline hot water recirculation pump to force the heated water though the water lines. This can be done either continuously or at programmed intervals. The circulating pump provides the greatest flexibility of the system design.
The "intelligent" domestic hot water recirculation pumps include temperature sensors, system timers and flow checks. These pumps have further energy savings by operating when required.
Installing a forced hot water recirculation loop begins at the end run of each hot water distribution line, and this enables the water to return back to the tank and picking up other lines along the way back to the heater. This system is more complex to install because of the electrical requirements and the additional water return line arrangement at the tank.
Hot Water Recirculation System Review
A hot water recirculation system is great because it gives the customer an immediate flow of hot water. The Watts 500800 Premier Hot Water Recirculation Pump is one of the top systems. The price for this item is around 220.00 and saves up to 50,000 gallons of water per year. This system dimensions are a length of 6.25, width of 6 inches and a height of 5 inches. The timer is 24 hours so the customer can set the timer to their family's needs. The package includes the sensor valve, pump and the supply lines for easy installation.
The Grundfos 59896155 1/25 Horsepower SuperBrute Recirculation Pump is one of the top hot water recirculation systems under the Grundfos brand. This pump runs about 80.00 and has the dimensions of 5.25 length, 4.19 inches, and 6.50 height. It has a flow range of 0 to 15.5 US gpm and a head range from 1 t o15 feet. It comes with a powerful 115- volt motors with 2 poles. Grundfos prides itself on making its systems easy to install and functions quietly. This pump is maintenance free and is low energy consumption.
The Grundfos 595916 1/25 Horsepower Comfort Series Recirculation Pump leads in options for hot water recirculation system. The cost for this pump runs about 250.00 and for all that it offers the package is compact when compared to its competitors. Its dimensions are a length of 3.31 inches, a width of 4.69 inches and a height 5.19 inches. It comes with a 6 foot line cord and a timer that can be set to each person's needs. No maintenance is needed for his pump and installation is user friendly and is quiet while in operation. This pump can be used with hot domestic water and they can also be used in cooling and air conditioning systems.
RedyTemp Intelli Cir Control is a great hot water recirculation system that has a 24 hour timer. This pump will cost approximately 200.00 and also has on-demand activation abilities. The user can immediately put this pump in and enjoy it because the installation is simple. This hot water recirculation pump also gives its customers the option of adjusting the temperature so that it is as warm or as hot as needed. RedyTemp is eco-friendly and its pumps use green efficient control technology to heat the user's water. Those customers who are self conscious about their carbon footprint should choose this recirculation system.