Instant Hot Water vs. Recirculating System

Many folks confuse the very popular, on-demand water heater with what a recirculating system can only provide. An instant hot water system does what it says - heating water right when there is a request for hot water ie. when the hot water is turned on at a plumbing fixture. In other words, the water is not heated and stored, but instead heated as needed. However, if the sink or shower at which you want hot water is some distance from the instant hot water heater, then the hot water line still has to be drained of the remaining temperate water that has been sitting in the line cooling after it left the hot water heater. With an on-demand recirculating system that temperate water is recirculated back to the hot water heater instead of being pour down the drain. Then once the temperature of the water in the supply line reaches the desired pre-set temperature, it allows that faucet to open up and supply the hot water to the end user. Imagine the water savings when you no longer have to let all that cold water pass down the drain while you’re waiting for the hot water!!!