Autocirc Questions & Answers
Q. When should I consider installing a hot water recirculation
system?
A. If you have to wait for hot water then a recirculation system is a
good idea. As a general rule of thumb a hot water recirculation system will
pay for itself very quickly if you must wait 30 seconds or more for hot
water to arrive at the faucet or shower farthest from your water heater.
Q. What type of system should I install? A conventional system
with a dedicated return line or one of the Autocirc® systems that do not
require a return line?
A. If it is new construction or in a retrofit installation where you
have the ability to install a return line it is generally recommended that
you install a dedicated return line. If you do not have the option of
installing a return line, then the Autocirc® systems are an excellent
choice.
Q. Where should the Autocirc® system be installed?
A. The ACT-303-BTW (Autocirc1) which
is installed under the sink (plumbed between or to the side of the hot and
cold water faucet inlet risers) where it takes hot water the longest time to
arrive at the hot water faucet - usually the sink/faucet farthest from the
water heater. The ACT-303-BTW requires an outlet under the sink where the
system is installed.
Q. Is there a limitation on the size of the home or length of
water supply line for the Autocirc® systems to be effective?
A. No. However, the longer the hot water supply line, the longer the
system’s operating cycles. This, however, is of no consequence to the
system's effectiveness or system life expectancy.
Q. When I open the cold water faucet at the sink under which the
Autocirc® system is installed, what prevents hot water from the hot water
supply line from coming out that faucet?
A. The Autocirc1 pump housing has a built-in auto closure device
which prevents water from the hot water line coming through the cold water
faucet and vice versa. The warm water flow, however, will last only a very
short time and end once the water temperature in the hot water line reaches
95ºF, thereby shutting off the pump
Q. Since water from the hot water line is being pumped into the cold
water line, will there be any prolonged period of warm water coming out of
the cold water line?
A. No. Once the cold water faucet is opened any "warmish" water in the cold
water line takes a very short time to dissipate before the normal cold water
temperature arrives.
Q. What is the temperature of the hot water at the hot water faucet when I
first turn it on in the morning?
A. If the pump timer is set to allow the pump to go on before you turn on
the faucet the temperature will be between 95-100º F, which is basically
shower warm water. However, full temperature hot water will arrive only
seconds later.
Q. Will the other faucets in my home have hot water instantly
available?
A. Yes, if the Autocirc1 system is installed at the farthest fixture all the
hot water faucets directly on the main hot water supply line between the
water heater and the farthest faucet location will have instant hot water
available.
Q. My shower is a few feet downstream from the sink under which
the Autocirc® system is installed. Will hot water be available instantly
also at the shower?
A. Not Quite. Hot water will arrive once the few feet of cooled down
water that is in the hot water line between the sink and shower flushes
through the shower head -- literally in seconds as compared to your previous
lengthy wait.
Q. Does the pump cycle on and off frequently during the day?
A. Yes, the pump will cycle on and off from 1-2 times per hour during
the operating time period you set on the pump timer. On/off operation, no
matter how many cycles, is in no way harmful to the pump or to its expected
operating life, an advantage of the pump’s spherical, magnetic drive motor
design.
Q. Will I hear the pump during operation?
A. No.
Q. How much does the system cost to operate? A. Even if allowed to operate 24 hours a day, the total cost of
running the Autocirc® pump is less than $1.50 per year. If the pump is set
for 12 or 16 hours per day, the system may create a significant annual
water/energy savings. |
