Time isn’t the only investment when installing radiant heating. High labor fees can make radiant heating systems expensive up-front. However, the energy savings may make it worthwhile.

The recirculating pumps themselves can be included in several different systems that work for different home layouts and hot water needs.

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Some systems can use existing cold water lines as the recirculation line, simplifying installation. These solutions often involve a pump at the water heater and a valve at the farthest fixture to move heated water as needed. This method reduces the need for extensive plumbing modifications, but cold water still recirculates back to the heater instead of being wasted down the drain.

Consider the above factors and your budget to help you determine the best recirculating pump for your home. We recommend consulting a professional to make an informed decision. A consultation can also address any concerns you may have about installation, maintenance, and potential energy savings.

Usually, it takes 8-16 hours to lay down 1,000 square feet of tubing. New home installation is at the lower end of that range, and retrofits can take longer.

With a properly functioning recirculating pump, you should have hot water almost instantly when you turn on the tap. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your home’s plumbing layout and the distance from the water heater, but it should be significantly faster than without a pump.

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Hot water recirculating systems provide instant hot water at your faucets, eliminating the need to clear the pipes with cold water. This is particularly helpful in larger homes or buildings where the water heater is far from the point of use.

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Installing a hot water recirculating pump requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key factors to consider:

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Air-heated radiant floors use ductwork installed beneath the floor. Hot air passes through the duct. A slab of concrete, located between the ducts and flooring, conducts the heat. As the air rises, the room gradually warms.

In this piece, we’ll discuss the different types of modern radiant heating systems, their pros and cons, and the cost of installation.

Air-heated radiant floors are uncommon. The ductwork makes air-heated floors less cost-effective than electric and hydronic radiant floors.

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Radiant heating panels are more affordable than wires or tubes at $50-60 per square foot. Panels usually measure 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 6’.

Shower trays, often referred to as shower bases or shower pans, provide the foundation for the shower area, designed to collect and drain water away effectively ...

In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how a recirculating pump works and its benefits. Below, we’ll recap these details and answer some common questions about hot water recirculating pumps.

Installing a hot water recirculating pump benefits the environment by reducing water waste and optimizing your energy use. However, it’s crucial to use timers and aquastats effectively to ensure you’re saving rather than expending extra energy. Also, consider the energy source for your water heater. Homes using renewable energy sources will find even more environmental benefits.

20231228 — A PRV is a safety device installed on the incoming water supply that reduces high city water pressure down to safe level for the plumbing system.

Proper maintenance extends your hot water recirculating pump’s lifespan and keeps it operating efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your system in top condition.

Hydronic heating is compatible with a wide variety of flooring. Options include laminate, hardwood, concrete, and even carpet.

Electric heating averages $11 per square foot. The average daily energy cost of operating 100 square feet ranges $1-5. Hydronic heating is less expensive than electricity.

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No, a hot water recirculating pump should not run continuously. Using a timer or smart controls to operate the pump only during peak usage times can significantly reduce energy consumption while still providing the convenience of instant hot water when needed.

Radiant heating systems are a significant time investment. Floor and retrofit applications can be invasive, requiring 16+ labor hours.

Electric radiant flooring is a good choice for retrofit applications or existing homes. Many HVAC professionals connect the wires to plastic mats, cutting the installation time.

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Technological advancements have made recirculating pumps smarter and more efficient in recent years. Modern systems can learn your household’s hot water usage patterns and adjust operations accordingly. Some of these systems integrate with home automation platforms, allowing homeowners to control and monitor their recirculating pumps via smartphone apps.

Most rooms need one to two wall or ceiling panels. The total cost, including labor and materials, ranges $300-1,400 per room.

A radiant heating system transfers heat directly through the walls, floors, or ceiling of a room. The warm air rises through a process called convection, delivering heat to the entire room.

Hydronic radiant floors are used for whole-home radiant heating. The temperature can be controlled separately from room to room for convenient zoned heating.

Electric radiant flooring is often used as supplemental heat for bathrooms and other small rooms. Whole-home applications are uncommon, since electric heating is less cost-effective than hydronic heating.

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is a type of safety-related component used in the pipeline or with vessels in pneumatics. Relief valves are used to limit the ...

Full recirculation systems require a dedicated return line from the farthest fixture back to the water heater. While these systems are effective, they can be challenging to install in existing homes due to the need for additional plumbing. However, they eliminate cold water in the lines, providing the easiest, most efficient path for getting hot water from your fixtures.

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Point-of-use pumps are installed at specific fixtures, as Trethewey shows with the system in the bathroom vanity. These are easier to retrofit in existing homes but may not be as efficient as full systems. They’re convenient for homeowners who want instant hot water at particular locations.

Thick radiant heating panels can make the wall jut outward. To minimize any changes in wall depth, look for panels less than an inch thick.

Radiant wall panels are a great option for a retrofit in an existing home. The installation is less time-consuming and expensive than radiant floor heating.

Backflow prevention assemblies stop the undesirable reversal flow of water or other liquids, gases, or substances into potable water distribution pipes.

Are you tired of waiting for hot water to reach your faucets? A hot water recirculating pump might be the solution you’re looking for. This device can save time, water, and energy by making hot water readily available at your taps. We recommend professional installation for this project, but it’s helpful for homeowners to understand how these systems function.

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We recommend leaving installation to an experienced professional. Tearing down drywall and ripping up flooring are major structural changes to the home.

Electric radiant floors use a network of electric wires. The wires are installed beneath flooring with a wide surface area and strong heat transfer, such as ceramic tile.

By code, water pressure inside your house should be between 40-80 pounds per square inch (psi). If the water pressure delivered by your water supplier is higher ...

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The water source adds to the total cost of hydronic heating. A water heater unit costs $300-$2,000, with installation ranging $770-1,450. A standard boiler unit starts around $3,000, and installation averages $3,500-7,700.

Due to the invasive and costly installation, hydronic heating pipes are usually installed in newly built homes. Still, retrofit application is feasible and safe.

Radiant heating panels are slabs lined with electric wires or hydronic tubes. The panels are installed in the lower 4 feet of the wall.

Hydronic ceiling heaters can double as cooling systems when outdoor temperatures rise. Just supply cool water to the tubes. Warm indoor air will rise, make contact with the cool ceiling, and fall down as cool air.

Every hot water faucet has a hot water pipe that travels from that faucet back to wherever your water heater is located in your home.

We recommend having a licensed plumber install a hot water recirculating pump for you. As Trethewey says, “A recirc[ulating] line improperly controlled could be one of the biggest energy wasters in the whole building.” Do-it-yourself (DIY) installers could end up accidentally wasting hot water and overworking the water heater. A professional also knows how to comply with local building codes.

Hydronic floor heating costs $13 per square foot, on average. Water is a strong conductor of heat, so hydronic heating has lower operating costs than electric floor heating.

Radiant heating systems rely on a range of heat sources from water heaters to solar-powered boilers. Some varieties can double as cooling systems in summer.

Hydronicradiant floor heating systems

Before nailing art or mirrors to a finished wall, confirm the location of the panels with your HVAC professional. Panels are usually installed in the lower 4 feet of the wall, but it may vary.

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While a hot water recirculating pump does consume some electricity, modern efficient models used properly (with a timer, for example) can minimize energy consumption. The energy savings from reduced water heating needs can often offset the pump’s electricity usage.

Hydronic heating requires a plumber to connect the water tubes to the heat source. The installer needs access to the ceiling underneath each radiant-heated floor. In unfinished homes, this is an easy process. If you’re retrofitting, the installer may need to tear down drywall.

Many professionals attach the electric cables to a set of plastic mats. Single-room installations can be completed within hours, but the new flooring may take a few days to dry.

Integration with home automation systems allows homeowners to set schedules, monitor energy consumption, and receive maintenance alerts. These features make it easier to manage the system efficiently and ensure continuous optimal performance.