Why Should I Upgrade to a Recirculating Water Heater?

Are you tired of waiting for hot water to reach your faucet or shower? Do you find yourself running gallons of water down the drain while you wait?

If so, it may be time to consider upgrading to a recirculating water heater. In this article, we will explore the benefits of recirculation systems, explain what a plumbing recirc system is, and discuss the options available to you, including dedicated recirc lines, cross-over valves, external pumps, and timers.

We will also delve into the advantages of recirculating water heater, such as instant hot water, water conservation, improved appliance efficiency, and low energy consumption.

Furthermore, we will touch upon tankless water heaters with built-in recirc pumps, specifically focusing on Rinnai's RSC199 series. Let's dive in and discover why upgrading to a recirculating water heater could be a game-changer for your home.

What Is a Plumbing Recirc System?

Before we explore the benefits of upgrading to a recirculating water heater, let's first understand what a plumbing recirc system entails.

A plumbing recirculating water heater is designed to provide instant hot water to your faucets and showers, eliminating the frustrating wait for hot water to travel through your pipes.

Typically, it involves the installation of a recirculating pump, which circulates hot water through your plumbing system, ensuring hot water is readily available whenever you need it.

Discussing a Dedicated Recirc Line or Using a Cross-Over Valve

When considering a recirculating water heater, you have two main options: a dedicated recirc line or a cross-over valve.

Dedicated Recirc Line

A dedicated recirc line involves running a separate pipe from your water heater to the furthest fixture in your home.

This line continuously circulates hot water, creating a loop that brings hot water back to the water heater while simultaneously providing instant hot water at the fixtures. T

his setup ensures that hot water is always available, eliminating the need to wait for it.

Cross-Over Valve

Alternatively, you can opt for a cross-over valve. This valve is installed at the furthest fixture in your plumbing system, usually in the bathroom farthest from the water heater.

The cross-over valve connects the hot and cold water lines, creating a loop that allows hot water to circulate back to the water heater.

When hot water is requested at any fixture in your home, the valve opens, allowing the hot water to flow instantly.

This eliminates the need for a dedicated recirc line and provides the same benefits of instant hot water.

The Benefits of Recirculation Systems

Now that we understand how a plumbing recirculating water heater works, let's delve into the numerous benefits that upgrading to a recirculating water heater can offer.

Instant Hot Water

One of the primary advantages of a recirculation system recirculating water heater pump in place, hot water is readily available at your faucets and showers, saving you precious time and eliminating the frustrating wait for hot water to arrive.

Whether you're stepping into a warm shower or quickly filling up a pot for cooking, you can enjoy the luxury of immediate hot water at your fingertips.

Water Conservation

In addition to the convenience of instant hot water, recirculating water heater contribute to water conservation. Without a recirculating system, you may find yourself running gallons of water down the drain while waiting for hot water.

This wasteful practice can have a significant impact on both your water bill and the environment.

By upgrading to a recirculating water heater, you can save thousands of gallons of water per year, reducing your environmental footprint and conserving this precious resource.

Improved Appliance Efficiency

Another compelling reason to upgrade to a recirculating water heater is the improved efficiency it brings to your appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine.

These appliances rely on hot water to perform optimally, and with a recirculation system, they can access hot water instantly.

This means shorter washing cycles and reduced energy consumption, leading to both time and cost savings in the long run.

Low Energy Consumption

Contrary to what you might think, running a recirculating pump to create hot water is highly energy-efficient.

Recirc pumps are designed to operate with minimal energy consumption, ensuring that the benefits of instant hot water do not come at the expense of excessive energy usage.

By upgrading to a recirculating water heater, you can enjoy the luxury of instant hot water without worrying about soaring energy bills.

External Pumps and Timers: Retrofitting an Existing Water Heater

If you already have a traditional tank or tankless water heater and wish to retrofit it with a recirculation system, you have options available to you. Two popular choices are external pumps and timers.

External Pumps

External pumps can be added to your existing water heater to facilitate the circulation of hot water.

These pumps can be installed near the water heater and are designed to keep hot water flowing through the pipes, ensuring instant hot water at your fixtures.

With an external pump, you can upgrade your current water heater without having to invest in an entirely new system.

Timers

Timers offer another retrofitting option for your existing water heater. By installing a timer, you can program the recirculation system to operate during specific hours when you anticipate needing hot water the most.

This ensures that the pump runs only when necessary, reducing energy consumption and optimizing the performance of your recirculating system.

Tankless Water Heaters with Built-in Recirc Pumps: Rinnai's RSC199 Series

For those considering a new water heater, tankless water heaters with built-in recirc pumps are an excellent option to explore.

Rinnai's RSC199 series is a prime example of the latest innovations in tankless water heating technology. These units come equipped with built-in recirculation pumps, offering the benefits of instant hot water without the need for additional plumbing modifications or retrofitting.

With the RSC199 series, you can enjoy all the advantages of a recirculating water heater straight out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the primary benefits of upgrading to a recirculating water heater?
A: Upgrading to a recirculating water heater offers instant hot water, water conservation, improved appliance efficiency, and low energy consumption.

Q: How much water can I save per year with a recirculation system?
A: On average, a recirculation system can save thousands of gallons of water per year by eliminating the need to run the tap while waiting for hot water.

Q: Will a recirculating water heater improve the efficiency of my dishwasher and washing machine?
A: Yes, by providing instant hot water, a recirculating water heater improves the efficiency of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, resulting in shorter cycles and reduced energy consumption.

Q: Are recirculating pumps energy-efficient?
A: Yes, recirculating pumps are designed to operate with low energy consumption, ensuring that the benefits of instant hot water do not come at the expense of excessive energy usage.

Q: Can I retrofit my existing water heater with a recirculation system?
A: Yes, you can retrofit your existing water heater with a recirculation system by adding external pumps or timers to facilitate the circulation of hot water. 

Q: Are there tankless water heaters available with built-in recirc pumps?
A: Yes, tankless water heaters like Rinnai's RSC199 series come with built-in recirculation pumps, offering the advantages of instant hot water without the need for additional modifications.

In conclusion, upgrading to a recirculating water heater brings numerous benefits to your home. With instant hot water at your fingertips, water conservation, improved appliance efficiency, and low energy consumption, it's no wonder that recirculation systems are gaining popularity.

Whether you opt for a dedicated recirc line, a cross-over valve, external pumps, timers, or tankless water heaters with built-in recirc pumps like Rinnai's RSC199 series, you can enjoy the luxury of instant hot water while saving time, water, and energy.

So, why wait? Upgrade to a recirculating water heater and experience the convenience and efficiency it brings to your daily life.

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