Bumped into a friend on mine that installed one of these, and I think he hit on the perfect installation. He has a wireless remote to turn on the circulating pump, and a time to turn it off after 10 minutes. So when he needs hot water, hit the button, and while you are getting ready for the shower, etc. the water warms, and then it turns off automatically, as you do not need to run it when you are actually using hot water. This approach should limit the energy lost in keeping the pipes hot, the running of the pump, and the wasting of water.
If and when we decide to install one of these, I think this is the approach I will be taking.
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Pennsylvania, for 60+ years, most recently, Allentown, now TV. 
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