Homeowners can reduce their annual water use by thousands of gallons annually by adding a simple, low-cost hot water recirculation (HWR) system that saves water by delivering hot water on demand.
Grundfos Pumps Corp., a global manufacturer of pumps, introduced the Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System. In homes larger than 2,000 square feet, the Comfort System can save more than 16,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four, as well as deliver the convenience of instant hot water.
With traditional plumbing, hot water from the water heater is left in the pipe after use. The water cools and must be purged the next time the tap is opened. This wastes these two-three gallons each time there a need for hot water. Instant hot water prevents this waste and in most markets, the pump and valve system will cost less than $600 installed in either new or existing homes. The system consumes about the same amount of electricity as a 25-watt light bulb.
"During this time when so many communities are struggling to reduce water consumption in the face of drought, recirculating hot water is an inexpensive way for homeowners to help their communities conserve water while adding the amenity of hot water on demand," said Hans Kircher, HVAC segment director for Grundfos Pumps.
Grundfos, a long-time provider of circulator pumps for closed-loop HWR systems installed in homes under construction, supplies the patent-pending valve systems via plumbing wholesalers nationwide.
"This retrofit system is installed with a single pump at the water heater and a valve at each branch of the plumbing out to the fixtures," Kircher added. "It provides the same water savings and comfort as a closed loop system and has a more straightforward installation than any competing under- the-sink system."
Various competing retrofit HWR systems require multiple pumps, electrical installations at each sink, and often still require a wait for hot water at the tap, even if the water is delivered hot.
Source: Grundfos Pumps Corp.
