Do you have a bathroom located in the far reaches of your home where it seems to take forever for the hot water to get there? Or maybe you are planning an addition to your home, or to convert basement or attic space into an in-law suite and you are concerned about the amount of time it will take for the water to get hot. These are common problems that can result in a huge waste of water while waiting for it to get hot.
If you have a bathroom or kitchen in your home that is located far away from the water heater, waiting for the water to warm up is not only annoying but also a waste of money and water. There are several options for addressing this situation. The right solution depends on your particular situation.
One option is to install a tankless water heater at the kitchen or bathroom to supply hot water to just that room. The hot water in the rest of the home will continue to come from your traditional water heater. This can be an excellent option for homes with a good location for the tankless water heater and access to propane or natural gas. Installing an electric tankless water heater in an existing home generally requires upgrading the wiring which can be a problem.
You could also install a second, small traditional water heater to supply the bathroom or kitchen. This is only a good option if you have the space for another water heater.
Finally, consider installing a hot water circulation system. These systems continuously cycle hot water through the pipes so hot water is instantly available at every tap. Less water is wasted, but your savings will be offset by the increased electricity usage to run the pumps.
