Understanding Recirculation Systems
A return circulation pipe, often paired with an inline pump, is used in hot-water systems to ensure hot water is readily available at distant fixtures. This system circulates water to maintain temperature, reducing wait times and cold water waste. However, uninsulated pipes can lead to heat loss, requiring the water heater to work harder.
Rheem HeatPump Water Heater and Recirculation Compatibility
Rheem HeatPump water heaters use proprietary software for efficiency. When integrated with a home recirculation system, considerations are necessary, as the incoming water temperature might not be sufficiently low to initiate a heating cycle.
Rheem does not specifically recommend using HeatPump water heaters with recirculation systems due to performance variability. Rheem provides the following guidance:
- Suitable if the recirculation pump delivers hot water without a significant continuous heating load.
- Incoming water temperature to the Rheem HeatPump water heater should be less than 15°F below the thermostat setting and not exceed 120°F.
- Recommended modes: "High Demand" or "Electric only".
- "Heat Pump only" mode may work but requires experimentation.
- "Energy Saver" mode is not recommended, as it requires a larger temperature drop (approx. 25°F) to activate.
Performance and Energy Savings
Using a recirculation loop can impact energy savings and may cause the unit to operate excessively. The heat pump component's output might not meet demand under certain conditions.
A diagram illustrates a typical recirculation setup with a water heater, pump, and valves.
