Hot water recirculating systems need little maintenance. Keep an eye and an ear out for leaks or unusual sounds. If you do run into a problem, Griccino says call a plumber immediately. Barring any malfunction, you should get about 10 years of use from the pump.

Grundfos recirculation pump

For outdoor grills and appliances, liquid propane is the more common fuel. It is sold in smaller portable tanks or bottles that connect directly to the grill, outdoor fire pit, or heater. The vast majority of grills sold in the U.S. burn liquid propane.

“The recirculating pump costs about the same as operating a 25-watt light bulb,” says Umberto Griccino, a commercial plumber and HouseGrail consultant.

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Much of the water sitting in those pipes was once heated. Without a recirculating pump, it’s left in the pipes to cool. That’s a lot of water, energy and money down the drain.

To save more water, combine a hot water recirculating pump with water-efficient appliances and fixtures. A dual-flush toilet and efficient shower head go a long way toward cutting utility bills.

Chemically, there are slight differences between these fuels. Natural gas consists mostly of liquid methane, although it also contains other gases, including some amount of propane. Natural gas undergoes little refinement after being pumped from the ground; it is very close to the same gas that comes from the earth. Commercial propane gas, on the other hand, is a refined fuel, one of the hydrocarbons that is extracted from natural gas. Because it is refined, propane requires less gas to produce the same BTU output as natural gas. But there are some distinct advantages to burning natural gas in grills and other outdoor appliances:

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Recirculation pump washing machine

Gas-burning appliances, including outdoor barbecue grills, gas fireplaces, and patio space heaters, are designed to burn one of two different types of fuel. The majority of grills and outdoor appliances are designed to burn liquid propane (LP) fuel—the fuel that comes in tanks or bottles that you periodically must refill or replace. But homeowners increasingly are turning to outdoor appliances that burn the same natural gas that serves the indoor gas appliances—mostly because natural gas is a more plentiful, cheaper fuel. For a family that grills frequently, the cost savings can total hundreds of dollars each year. And because natural gas appliances can usually be tapped into the home's natural gas lines, it eliminates the need for cumbersome tanks that always seem to run empty just when you're grilling a big meal.

There is any number of videos and instructional articles available that discuss boring out propane valves and burners on a grill to make them suitable for burning natural gas as the fuel. Although this is occasionally successful, it can also be disastrously dangerous. A better strategy is to buy a conversion kit designed for your grill. For less than $100 (usually), you may be able to replace the valves and burners on a propane grill and adapt it to burning natural gas.

However, these conversion kits are often after-market products made by third-party manufacturers, and some grill manufacturers expressly warn against conversion. Weber, for example, expressly forbids conversion and will void the warranty on the grill if you use a third-party conversion kit—although many grill owners do successfully complete such conversions. Charbroil, on the other hand, offers their own conversion kits and provides instruction on how to convert a grill from propane to natural gas.

A hot water recirculating pump attaches to your water heater. It circulates hot water throughout your pipes to keep it readily available at the faucet. It’s affordable and doesn’t waste water. (Psst! Here’s how to save money this winter on your energy and water bills.)

Griccino says a hot water recirculating pump costs about $200, and many comfort systems can be DIY installed. Better to go with professional installation if you need new plumbing.

How much money does a hot water recirculating pump really save? While it can save some, it’s mostly for convenience. “In 12 months, they can save you roughly $120,” says Griccino.

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Both natural gas and liquid propane (LP) are common fuels, and homeowners often confuse the two. Natural gas is the fuel that usually powers home heating systems and gas-powered stoves, ovens, and clothes dryers when the home is supplied by the municipal gas company. Propane is the fuel of choice in rural areas, where a large tank of fuel sits in the yard and is refilled periodically by a traveling fuel truck that pumps it full of liquid propane. In homes served by liquid propane, the furnaces, stoves, and other appliances that have special valves and burners designed to accept propane gas.

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According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), studies suggest that “over 10 percent of all the hot water drawn for showering in a typical single-family home is wasted waiting for hot water to arrive.”

If you want to burn natural gas in your barbecue grill, the best strategy is simply to buy a grill that is designed to use this fuel. Such appliances will simply be labeled "natural gas grill" rather than "liquid propane grill." Virtually all major grill manufacturers offer grills with special valves and burners designed to use natural gas, although you may need to special-order them. Because natural gas burns slightly cooler than propane, natural gas grills have valves and burner orifices that are slightly larger to allow for a larger volume of gas to flow. A grill with propane valves should never be used to burn natural gas unless an approved conversion has been performed.

Many systems turn on and off automatically to keep the water within a specified temperature range. Others run on a timer. Both options use less energy than a continuously-running system.

RecirculatingPump for pool

One solution ensures you’ll never have to wash your hands in cold water again: a hot water recirculating pump. These handy devices are game changers.

Recirculatingwater Pump for Fountain

The first type is best for new construction. Along with the usual hot and cold lines, a plumber will install a third pipe to return the unused hot water, usually between the water heater and the furthest fixture. A full system like this is expensive and difficult to install in an existing home.

There are two main types. One requires an additional plumbing line to send unused water back to the water heater after it drops below a set temperature. The other returns the unused heated water via your existing cold water pipes.

The second type, called a comfort system, is cheaper and a much easier choice for existing homes, says Griccino. The unused heated water runs back through the cold water pipes. Since it uses the same pipes for warm and cold water, there’s one major drawback: It takes longer to get cold water. A system with a temperature sensor can correct this problem.

When you turn on the tap, how long does it take to get hot water? Letting it run can waste money and water, not to mention time and patience.

A recirculating pump is relatively affordable. So even if you save less than $120, it can still pay off quickly. The time saved might be enough to justify the initial cost, even without a major reduction in utility bills.

DIYers should install the pump near the water heater and power source, and the sensor valve at the fixture furthest from the heater, Griccino says. Turn off and drain the water heater before beginning work. If you’re unsure about your DIY plumbing ability, contact a pro.

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