INEFFICIENT HOT WATER CIRCULATORS

"Maximize Window for Optimal Viewing"

 

PROBLEM

RESULT

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS?

Using "Normally-Open" thermostatic bypass / comfort valves

 

HOT WATER LINE SIPHONING DURING COLD WATER USE PLACES ADDITIONAL RE-OCCURRING DEMAND ON WATER HEATER. 

Thermostatic valves close only when HOT water is touching the valve to keep it closed.  Anytime hot water is not contacting the valve, the valve returns to its default "normally-open" position.

 

Remember, any amount of water which exits the hot water line (siphons into the cold water line) comes from the water heater and regardless of it's temp, is replaced with cold city water refilling the water heater.

 

Simple explanation:

Picture a long balloon, the kind used by clowns to twist into animal shapes.  If we put a twist in the middle of the balloon (acting as a closed valve) and make a hole in the right half of the twist, air only from the right side exits the balloon.  Perform the same experiment "without a twist" (acting as open valve) in the middle and make a hole in the right end of the balloon, air escapes from both ends of the balloon.

 

Similar to the above, connecting a normally open thermostatic valve between a homes hot and cold water lines allows for repeated occurrences of hot water line water to siphon / crossover into the cold water line during cold water use (flushing toilet, watering lawn, etc.).   Using cold water causes pressure in the cold line to instantly drop lower then the water pressure in the hot water line resulting in the higher pressures in the hot water line to rapidly push water from the hot water line into the cold water line. This hot water line siphoning continues until water hot enough to close the thermostatic valve reaches the valve.  Only then will water exclusively from the cold line come out the open faucet as initially intended.

 

Do you want demand placed on your water heater when you;

use cold water, flush toilet, water lawn, do a load of "cold water only" laundry or other event which drops the pressure in the cold water line when this "normally-open" valve is open because hot water is not keeping it closed?

 

Do you want to waste water waiting for cold water because of a open thermostatic valve that only closes when hot water is all the way to your farthest faucet and keeping it closed?

Lacks Adjustable Temperature Capability These systems tend to leave the homeowner wishing for hotter hot water or greater readiness and have known to leave owners with discomfort from their cold water line with no means of correcting the discomfort their experiencing aside from returning the product or living with the now waiting for cold water comfort or still having to wait for hot water comfort.  Most users of these systems are under the belief that the discomfort their experiencing is normal when it's actually a limit by design of their system.

Do you want to be stuck wishing your "instant out" hot water was a bit hotter but can't adjust it? 

 

Do you want to be stuck wishing your "instant out" cold water was cooler but can't adjust it?

Hot water readiness limited to  time of day schedules   No single-cycle override function Off-scheduled hot water usage forces owners to wait and waste water consuming savings they had achieved during scheduled hot water use.

Do you want to be left wishing you could single-cycle your system during times when the system is scheduled-off but you want hot water?

Pumps that run continuously during scheduled operation periods Systems which use thermostatic bypass valves with a pump mounted a top the homes water heater are required to continuously run and consume energy even after hot water has reached it's destination.  This is a by-design inefficiency many are unaware of when they make a purchase.

Do you want a system in which the pump continues to run even though hot water has already filled the line?

Pump installed on top of water heater  Narrow fittings on heater mounted pumps reduce the hot water flow capacity which can affect the homes hot water systems ability to satisfy multiple loads i.e. shower and dishwasher at same time.

Do you want to risk lowering how many hot water loads your system can handle at the same time?

Non-Calcium Proofed systems Buildup of calcium or mineral deposits are well known to be the biggest problem causing shorter then expect pump life and / or efficiency and comfort.  Some systems require "periodic maintenance"   To prevent voiding the warranty.  Unfortunately, the notice to perform this required maintenance is found in very tiny print on the manufactures install guide and not easily found on their website.  Missing a required cleaning (voids warranty). 

Do you want to have to worry about minerals or calcium building up in your system? 

 

Do you want to have to worry about when you performed the last "periodic inspection" of your system to prevent voiding it's warranty?(laingAutocirc)

Closed Loop / Dedicated HW Line Systems with a Pump/Temperature sensor installed at the end of the loop/water heater Temperature sensing should be performed at the  "last hot water usage point/fixture" since anything past that is wasted energy and of no benefit to the homeowner.

Do you want to be needlessly heating the pipe between the last hot water tap on the loop and the water heater.

Noise affects comfort and practical use Noise can be of great concern when installation is near sleeping area's.  ChillisPepper pushbutton delivery system has been reported as "sounds like a loud drink blender crushing ice" http://supersoundproofing.com/forum/index.php?topic=1332.0

Unfortunately, the manufacturer makes no mention of this in their literature to prevent consumers from purchasing something that is obviously not practical in most cases.

 

Do you want to "not be able" to get hot water quickly because others are sleeping.
Hot Water Circulation via Convection Systems 24 / 7 endless demand on water heater.  Circulation by convection requires  water heater be much lower then actual thermostatic valves install point.   Natural movement by convection rarely moves water quicker then the waters rate of dissipating the heat out of the water, i.e....too slow for real comfort. Loss of cold water comfort.  Significant waste of energy, resources and time.  Do you want your water heater to never stop having demand placed on it.

*anytime less than 95F water in the line valve is fully open

 

 

READYTEMP EXHIBITS CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFICIENT HOT WATER CIRCULATION

 

CONDITION

RESULT

Adjustable Temperature Control

Hot water at your chosen comfort and readiness minimizes waste while maximizing comfort and savings.

Flexible / on-demand control options

Increased convenience i.e. scheduled-off anytime "single-cycle" override.  Greater savings.

Normally-CLOSED valve and Positive Flow Restriction     

User receives water "exclusively" from their cold water line.  Positive flow restriction prevents water siphoning from hot water line during cold water use.  Significant energy savings and increased comfort.

Temperature controlled "cyclic pumping" during scheduled-on periods.

Less electrical consumption and intermittent demand to water heater  saves energy and extends life of water heater when compared with continuous circulation pumps.

DuPont Calcium / Mineral Proof.

Zero Maintenance, no calcium / mineral buildup, no periodic inspection/cleanings, no water softener requirements and longer pump life