GE GeoSpring HPWH + Hot Water Recirculation Pump — Anyone Got This Working? (PH80S10BPY & Similar Gen Models)
Anyone here successfully running a hot water recirculation pump with a GE GeoSpring Heat Pump Water Heater (with the integrated electronic mixing valve)?
My house already has a dedicated hot water return line plumbed near the water heater. I recently replaced my old gas water heater with the GeoSpring, and I’m trying to figure out the best/safest way to connect the recirc pump return.
What I’m unsure about:
- If I connect the recirc return to the cold water inlet, will the GeoSpring throw errors because the incoming “cold” water is warm from recirculation? (thinking about the electronic mixing valve and temp sensors)
- Alternative idea: connect the return line to the drain port at the bottom of the tank. But I’m not sure if there’s an internal check valve or restriction that would prevent proper flow back into the tank.
If you have this working, could you share:
- Pump model
- Where you tied the return line back in
- Any check valves / bypass valves used
- Whether the HPWH complains or operates normally
- I understand recirculation increases energy usage and reduces HPWH efficiency a bit, but in this case I’m willing to trade some efficiency for comfort/convenience.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone with a working setup or lessons learned.
Thanks!