Is Recirculation Right for Your Home? Pros, Cons, and Key Differences - Tankless Water Heaters

When it comes to tankless water heaters, one feature that often sparks interest is the recirculation system. A recirculation system allows hot water to be delivered more quickly to your faucets, eliminating the frustrating wait for warm water. But is it the right choice for your home? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key differences between the two types of recirculation systems to help you decide.

What is Recirculation?

Recirculation systems are designed to deliver hot water to your taps faster by keeping water circulating through the pipes, so it's always ready when you need it. There are two main types of recirculation systems used with tankless water heaters: the dedicated recirculation line and the comfort valve system.

Dedicated Recirculation Line

A dedicated recirculation line is installed in homes with a return line that brings water back to the heater. This line circulates hot water throughout your home, so you don’t have to wait long for it to reach your faucet. This system requires a pump to push the water through the line, and multiple return lines can be blended into one final exit point.

Pros of a Dedicated Recirculation Line:

• Faster Hot Water Delivery: Since the water is always circulating, hot water is ready the moment you turn on the tap, even in the farthest rooms from your water heater.

• Ideal for Large Homes: For homes with long plumbing runs, a dedicated recirc line ensures that hot water is readily available no matter where you are.

• Increased Efficiency: By circulating hot water throughout the home, you avoid wasting water while waiting for it to heat up, making this system an energy-efficient option for large households.

Cons of a Dedicated Recirculation Line:

• Higher Installation Costs: Installing a dedicated recirculation line is more expensive than other options. If your home isn’t already equipped with one, retrofitting can add significant costs.

• Space Requirements: Because of the return lines and pump, this system takes up more space in your home.

• Potential for Restricted Flow: If the recirculation line is too narrow or not properly maintained, it can cause pressure issues and even premature pump failure.

Installation Notes:

Most manufacturers recommend a maximum of 100 feet of return line at a 1/2" diameter pipe, and up to 200 feet of return line at a 3/4" diameter pipe. For optimal flow, the system should be upgraded to 3/4" pipe if it has 1/2" piping to avoid restricting the flow.

Comfort Valve System

If your home doesn’t have space for or the infrastructure to support a dedicated recirculation line, a comfort valve system might be a great alternative. This system places comfort valves under the farthest sinks in your home to reduce the wait time for hot water.

Pros of a Comfort Valve System:

• Lower Installation Costs: Compared to a dedicated recirculation line, a comfort valve system is much more affordable and easier to install, especially in homes where retrofitting would be costly.

• Simplicity: This system doesn’t require extensive plumbing work or pumps, making it less invasive and quicker to install.

• Great for Smaller Homes: For homes that don’t have long plumbing runs, a comfort valve system can effectively reduce the wait time for hot water.

Cons of a Comfort Valve System:

• Less Efficient than Dedicated Lines: While the comfort valve system reduces wait time, it doesn’t offer the same level of efficiency as a dedicated recirculation line. Hot water still needs to travel through the pipes, which can waste water.

• Multiple Valves May Be Needed: In homes with more than one distant faucet, you may need to install two or more comfort valves to achieve optimal performance.

Key Differences Between Recirculation Systems

Feature	Dedicated Recirculation Line	Comfort Valve System
Cost of Installation	Higher due to extensive plumbing and pump installation	Lower cost, simpler installation
Efficiency	More efficient, saves water, and ensures hot water is ready quickly	Less efficient, can waste water while waiting for hot water
Best For	Large homes with multiple distant faucets	Smaller homes or retrofits with limited space
Space Requirements	Requires more space for pipes and pump	Minimal space requirements
Maintenance	Requires maintenance of pump and plumbing	Requires less maintenance but valves may need to be replaced over time

Conclusion: Which Recirculation System is Right for You?

Choosing the right recirculation system for your home depends on your needs and your home's specific setup. If you live in a large home or one with long plumbing runs, a dedicated recirculation line may be the best option to ensure fast, consistent hot water. However, if you're working with a smaller budget or a home that lacks the necessary infrastructure, a comfort valve system can still provide you with quicker hot water delivery at a fraction of the cost.

Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional to assess your home’s plumbing and determine which system will offer the best performance for your needs.

Is Your Home Ready for Recirculation?

If you’re thinking about adding a recirculation system to your home, contact Marco's Tankless today! Our experts will help you choose the right system for your needs and ensure it’s installed for maximum efficiency. Get in touch to schedule a consultation and enjoy faster, more efficient hot water delivery!

Get in touch now! 480-620-3859