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Domestic Hot water recirculation, plumb n plug and water heater

Ken_40
Ken_40 Member Posts: 1,320
in THE MAIN WALL
Unless your water heater is a loooong way from the faucet, recirc. is an energy "hog." The standby losses of warm pipes is prolonged by the circulation. The electricity of even the smallest pumps at today's KW costs is not insignificant. The "convenience" of having instant warm tap water is nice and may save a gallon of water with each use; but, given we should always run the tap a few seconds to clear any built-up lead from the fixture...

In order provided:

1) You will not save anything. The pump is not free.

2) Indirects are remarkably durable, especially the stainless steel type. Forget the flood alarm. Use a self-draining pan if you're that worried. If the heater is upstairs, that's a whole different kettle of fish.

3) That depnds on which "instantaneous" you're refering to and would also depend on the operating efficiency of your existing boiler. Generally, the indirect storage types are superior to any other option. Espceially when fitted with timers (on whenever you're awake, off when you're sleeping).

Hope that helps.

Comments

  • Jim_109
    Jim_109 Member Posts: 45
    domestic hot water recirculaiton an water heater alarm

    Any thoughts/comments on adding the following;

    Taco or any other manufacturer of a domestic hot water recirculation? Taco's is called plumb and plug from their website

    1) How much can I expect to save in a household with only 2 adults?

    2) How about installing a water heater flood control device? Floodmaster is just one brand. How often do indirect hot water tanks leak?

    3) Instantaneous vs. indirect hot water heater, which is more efficient? The home is heated with oil. I have only seen instantaneous units for natural gas, not oil

    THANKS! Jim

  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,599
    agreement...

    ... with Ken on 2&3. About #1, go to www.gothotwater.com and look around. That is a way to control a recirc system without wasting energy. Done right, recirc can save water and heating energy while adding to convenience. It does require a bit of user participation though.

    Yours, Larry
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