[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by champion6

The pipes in the attic could be for natural gas.

OK, we were discussing water. I don't know about gas (don't have it here) but why would even gas pipes go into the attic ? I would think that would add a lot more piping. Wouldn't they go through the walls on a single level home? That's how it was up north but our home was 60+ years old so it could be different now.

[rjm1cc]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

OK, we were discussing water. I don't know about gas (don't have it here) but why would even gas pipes go into the attic ? I would think that would add a lot more piping. Wouldn't they go through the walls on a single level home? That's how it was up north but our home was 60+ years old so it could be different now.

Good question but they do go through the attic. Maybe a building code?

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by ckcapaul

And the additional cost of keeping that recirculating water hot

Just put a meter on ours. Drawing 24 watts & .025KWH and it only runs 7 hours a day. I think that is one of the least reasons to not have one. Made a major difference and cost PENNIES to run since it only runs a few hours a day (has a timer on it).

I put it in myself. Took around 45 minutes including 2 bathroom breaks. Plastic pipe is a breeze. $10 parts including glue. Can't imagine why they would charge $300 to install one UNLESS ELECTRIC OUTLET IS NEEDED so you'd have to pay electrician. We had outlet very close. Yea, I could live without it but I chose not to. Since I don't smoke or drink I figure all the money I save made it affordable and my wife happy.

[Altavia]

For those looking to build new, there are tankless water heaters with a built-in recirculation system. They require a separate return line. May be worth the upgrade cost.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

Just put a meter on ours. Drawing 24 watts & .025KWH and it only runs 7 hours a day. I think that is one of the least reasons to not have one. Made a major difference and cost PENNIES to run since it only runs a few hours a day (has a timer on it).

Have you measured the increased energy used to constanly re-heat the water in the pipes?

[ckcapaul]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

Just put a meter on ours. Drawing 24 watts & .025KWH and it only runs 7 hours a day. I think that is one of the least reasons to not have one. Made a major difference and cost PENNIES to run since it only runs a few hours a day (has a timer on it).

I put it in myself. Took around 45 minutes including 2 bathroom breaks. Plastic pipe is a breeze. $10 parts including glue. Can't imagine why they would charge $300 to install one UNLESS ELECTRIC OUTLET IS NEEDED so you'd have to pay electrician. We had outlet very close. Yea, I could live without it but I chose not to. Since I don't smoke or drink I figure all the money I save made it affordable and my wife happy.

Wife happy is worth any cost

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Have you measured the increased energy used to constanly re-heat the water in the pipes?

It's not CONSTANTLY running (its timer is on about 7hrs a day) so it isn't constantly reheating and I honestly have no idea and truly don't care even if it cost $10/month to run which I'm sure it doesn't. I also don't always turn off the lights and I keep the A/C running even when it's 60 outside and always buy name brand peanut butter !!!

[rjm1cc]

Originally Posted by Robbie0723

For those looking to build new, there are tankless water heaters with a built-in recirculation system. They require a separate return line. May be worth the upgrade cost.

The separate return line is a good idea. The reason is that the pumps we are discussing use the cold water line to return the water to the hot water heater. Thus you lose cold water if you run the pump a lot.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

The separate return line is a good idea. The reason is that the pumps we are discussing use the cold water line to return the water to the hot water heater. Thus you lose cold water if you run the pump a lot.

Everyone mentions that when discussing the $175 recirc pump but you really don't "lose" cold water when you run the pump. It's just a little bit warmer for about 20 seconds when you first turn it on then the cold goes to normal. Not very noticeable on those hot summer days when the water is warm anyway. A return line would solve that but it's close to impossible around here. Will they do that in new construction ?

We had a Navien Gas Tankless HWH up north and REALLY miss that. Expensive as hell but it was great never running out of hot water and it was hot on demand. They claimed it didn't need a return line but it did and we installed one as there was easy access to all the water pipes. Sad part was we sold our home less than 2yrs after installing it. We certainly didn't get it to save on gas costs.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

The separate return line is a good idea. The reason is that the pumps we are discussing use the cold water line to return the water to the hot water heater. Thus you lose cold water if you run the pump a lot.

Some tankless manufactures reduce the warranty if you use a recirc pump because of the increased usage.

Units with a return line have a recirc pump built in and are designed for higher usage.

[Kountry]

Yes I have the same problem. It seems a shame to waste water. My house is 6 years old and the hot water heater is in a bedroom walk in closet and about25 feet from kitchen and 35 to front bathroom.

[mulligan]

Because I really enjoy throwing a new monkey wrench into any conversation, they (electric appliance mfgrs.) also make a point of use heater that can be plugged in under the sink. It's smaller than a toaster, and uses 110v circuit. Probably not the most efficient heater. but if there was one at the kitchen sink, and the master bath sink, the problem would not be so invasive.

[Carla B]

Husband installed our Watts recirculating pump about five years ago. He put a timer on the wall by the entrance to the walk-in shower, so the pump is on only when using the shower. At the same time in the master bath he put in a wall heater with timer. This system supplies a lot of comfort during the cool months at minimal cost.