Get Hot Water Faster and Lower Water Utility Bills with a Recirculation System

By Kathy Teach

As a daughter of parents who lived through the Great Depression, I was raised with constant reminders to “Turn off the lights,” “Shut off the water,” and “Put on a sweater if you’re cold” instead of ramping up the furnace. The concepts of energy efficiency and “being green” are not really new to most baby boomers like me. My husband and I do what we can to protect our environment and natural resources, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it helps our budget. It’s ingrained in us.   Until last year, however, our green-ness was pretty much limited to things that most people do these days. We recycle our paper, plastics and glass; we have reusable grocery bags and water bottles; we have a setback thermostat, timers for outdoor lighting, a fuel efficient car and high efficiency appliances . . . All of these things add up, but I knew we could do more. In fact I was reminded of it every morning I’d turn on the shower and waste several gallons of water while waiting for the temperature to be “just right” before stepping in. Our master bathroom is the furthest room in the house from our water heater. Some mornings, it took three-four minutes before hot water finally made its way to this room.   Last year, we purchased a hot water recirculation system with the hope of saving water and money on our utility bill.  Read more....