worthwhile or worthless gizmo?

mark_18

it's called 'the chilipepper' -- and i have no interest in it other than as a potential consumer --

is this device worth a damn for the purpose they describe?

http://www.chilipepperapp.com/Default.htm

heretic

Interesting

"On-demand" DHW Recirc is an interesting concept.
Also check out http://www.metlund.com/

The downside is that you need to provide a switch near every water outlet, or some sort of remote control device. Also, the user has to actuate a switch and wait a moment before turning on the water each time.

The question is whether this is worthwhile in comparison to a traditional forced or gravity DHW recirc system. There is no significant install cost advantage over the Grundfos recirc system, which has a shutdown timer to minimize standing losses anyways.

Providing hard electrical switches might bring the job in higher than the Grundfos. I suppose it depends how much the 'standing' losses really amount to. If the pipes are not insulated, and the building is large, these losses may add up to something.

I'm still not sure about the merits of using the cold for the return line (as opposed to dedicated return line), but this can be done with both 'on demand' and regular recirc systems. No 'special' advantage there.

Then there is gravity, which is 'uncontrolled', but uses no electricity, requires no service, and saves you $200-300 in parts upfront. Gravity will not work in every home, of course.