Hot water recirculation pump vs. electric water heater: running cost
A hot water recirculation pump is cheaper to run: about $39 a year versus $810 for an electric water heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $770 difference.
| Hot water recirculation pump | Electric water heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 25 W | 4,500 W |
| Watt range | 5–90 W | 3,000–5,500 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day | 4,500 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 219 kWh | 4,500 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.4¢ | 9.2¢ |
| Cost per day | 11¢ | $2.22 |
| Cost per month | $3.29 | $67.46 |
| Cost per year | $39 | $810 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $95 | $1,958 |
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What drives the difference
- Hot water recirculation pump: Recirculation pumps draw 5-90 W, but running 24/7 also forces the water heater to replace heat lost from the loop, often costing 3-10 times more than the pump itself.
- Electric water heater: A 40-50 gallon electric tank serving 3-4 people typically uses 4,000-5,000 kWh a year, including 400-600 kWh of standby heat loss. Water heating is often the second-largest electric load in a home.
Ways to cut either cost
Runs only when you push a button or open the tap.
See options on AmazonUses 60-70% less electricity, saving roughly 2,500-3,000 kWh a year.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a hot water recirculation pump or an electric water heater?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric water heater costs about $810 a year versus $39 for a hot water recirculation pump. That's $770 more, or 20.5× as much.
How many watts do hot water recirculation pump and electric water heater use?
A hot water recirculation pump typically draws 25 W (range 5–90 W). An electric water heater draws 4,500 W (range 3,000–5,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.