If you’ve been thinking about installing a tankless water heater in your home, you may have come across their inherent pitfall of not providing instant hot water. But an easy way to circumvent this issue is to install a recirculation pump. But how much will that run you?
With over 15 years of tankless water heater installation experience under our belt, we know that recirculation valves are worth the investment for people who need instant hot water and aren’t willing to compromise. There’s no getting around the additional investment, and installing a recirculation pump is a bigger job than it first leads on.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how much a recirculation pump costs, what affects cost, and when a recirculation pump is worth it. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of if a recirculation pump is right for you so you can make the best decision for your home.
Let’s jump right in by discussing the cost of a recirculation pump.
Cost of a Recirculation Pump Alone
Recirculation pumps on their own are an investment, at any rate. They vary in price and come in a variety of horsepower.
Typically, a recirculation pump runs between $350 to $750. Pricing depends on the horsepower of the pump. You can find options ranging from one to 15 horsepower. You’ll need a technician to properly size the pump in accordance with your home’s size.
Other factors that impact the cost of recirculation pumps include whether they have a built-in timer or Aqua Stat. Homeowners can choose a pump with a built-in timer to program when the pump is active or inactive.
If your chosen pump includes an Aqua Stat, this device will monitor the water temperature and turn the pump off when the water reaches a set temperature. When the water cools, Aqua Stat restarts the pump.
From here, things get considerably more expensive, though. As with anything tankless water heater-related, installation bears the brunt of the costs associated.
Cost of Recirculation Pump Installation
There’s no getting around installation costs with recirculation pumps. In fact, installing a recirculation pump is pretty involved if it isn’t a simple pump swap.
If you’ve already installed a recirculation pump, you can replace it for around $1,800 to $3,200, depending on the pump's power. But if you’re looking to put in a recirculation pump, things get more involved, as previously mentioned.
Putting in a recirculation pump means you’ll also have to install a recirculation line. This process is far more complicated than just hooking up a couple of pipes and requires technicians to install a whole new line to carry heated water back to the pump.
There’s no concrete answer to how much it costs to install a recirculation line, but let’s look at the average in Los Angeles County. Installing a recirculation line in a 1,800-square-foot home costs about $4,200 to $6,900.
Compared to the cost of the pump itself, installation is a considerably larger endeavor. So, then who would really benefit from having one put in? There are a couple of answers.
When is a Recirculation Pump Worth it?
Recirculation pumps are somewhat niche in their application. While tankless water heaters on their own don’t provide instant hot water, you usually have flowing hot water within seconds of turning on a fixture.
Recirculation pumps are ideal for those seeking that traditional comfort of instant hot water. In fact, comfort is such a big incentive for having a recirculation pump installed that it inspired Grundfos, a trusted recirculation pump manufacturer, to name its line of recirculation pumps “comfort pumps.”
The other main driver in homeowners adopting a recirculation pump is that they prevent water waste. Not having to wait for your water to get warm before stepping into the shower can save considerable amounts of water, making your home more environmentally friendly.
While both of these causes are narrow in scope, they are critical for some homeowners’ peace of mind. If you don’t mind waiting a few seconds for hot water, then a recirculation pump might not be the best for you.
Now You’re Up to Speed on Recirculation Pump Cost
We touched on the cost of recirculation pumps on their own and installed, what impacts their cost, and when they’re worth it. Now you have a better understanding of whether a recirculation pump is right for you and how it fits into your budget so you can better plan your tankless water heater installation or upgrade.
Installing a recirculation pump undoubtedly provides more comfort in our experience. But it’s not always necessary for every homeowner and is really best suited for those who are unwilling to compromise on their family’s comfort or are invested in going green. If this does sound like you and you live in the greater Los Angeles area, give us a call at (310) 853- 8690 or visit us online at our tankless water heaters page to book a consultation.
For those who are still on the fence about whether a tankless water heater, it’s best to give it a good think on whether a tankless water heater is right for you. If you’re interested in learning more about the hardware in general, go ahead and brush up with our Ultimate Tankless Water Heater Guide.
