[jollyroger]

Has anyone installed a Hot Water Circulation unit? I am tired of wasting water down the drain waiting for the shower to heat up Do they work? Other than operating cost, are there any other negatives?

Thanks,

Jollyroger

[njbchbum]

if unit requires electricity for any function and your power goes out, well....you know!

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by jollyroger

Has anyone installed a Hot Water Circulation unit? I am tired of wasting water down the drain waiting for the shower to heat up Do they work? Other than operating cost, are there any other negatives?

Thanks,

Jollyroger

search for "tankless" and you will find several threads containing useful info

[jimbo2012]

This has been discussed, it would take you 100 years to get a return on the investment over the pennies of wasted water.

[hansel]

Had instant hot water system installed in our home in South Florida. It worked great always had instant hot water........ but it cost a small fortune on our monthly electric bill. Don't think its really worth it. Just my opinion.

[n8xwb]

I installed a recirculating pump in our CYV and we now have hot water almost instantanously. I do see an increase in our gas bill.

[travelguy]

I just turn it on and get in; by the time I am all wet it is warm enough and everything is just fine. And I have an on/off button on the showerhead.....that really saves water.

[rjm1cc]

Originally Posted by jollyroger

Has anyone installed a Hot Water Circulation unit? I am tired of wasting water down the drain waiting for the shower to heat up Do they work? Other than operating cost, are there any other negatives?

Thanks,

Jollyroger

Operating costs could be reduced by placing it on a timer.

[KennyC]

Posts are comparing 3 different systems.

OP asked about recirculating system, which is totally different than a tankless water heater.

Recirculators install on existing water heaters that HAVE a tank. They simply allow water that has run up to the faucets and turned cold, to drain back to the tank, and get replaced by warm water. There is virtually no added cost, as your hot water heater tank is being heated 24/7 anyway.

A tankless system is awesome, as you are heating only the water that you need on demand, not keeping 40-50 gallons hot all day and night. These have come WAY down in price, about $600 plus install.

The 3rd, is a "point of use" heater installed under sink cabinet....pretty costly for what it is.

[elevatorman]

There is a wait for cold water, as the system uses a valve at the farthest point to send the water back to the heat source through the cold pipe. This is not a tankless hot water system.