How to choose a circulation pump for a heating system

Updated: 04/22/2021 16:53:15

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Modern heating systems of private houses are equipped with circulation pumps. Thanks to this inexpensive device, it is possible to quickly and evenly heat the coolant in different parts of the house, saving heat energy. The main task of the device is to move liquid in a closed loop. The device operates from an electrical network, so the pump will only be useful if there is a current of 220 V. When choosing a circulation pump, you need to know several important points.

How to choose a circulation pump

1. Varieties
   . There are two modifications on sale that differ in design. Models with a dry rotor are distinguished by their high efficiency (up to 80%), but they require regular maintenance, their service life is short (3-5 years), and they produce a lot of noise during operation. Pumps with a wet rotor have an efficiency of 50%, but they do not require maintenance, their service life reaches 10 years, and the equipment is practically inaudible during operation. For those who are sensitive to noise, it is better to give preference to models with a wet rotor.
2. Productivity
   . Different heating systems require a pump with optimal performance. The homeowner needs to know the power of the boiler installed in the system. If a 40 kW heating device is operating in the circuit, then the pump must provide a throughput capacity of 40 l/min (2.4 cubic m/h).
3. Lifting height.
   The next important characteristic of the circulation pump is the pressure (lift height). Experts recommend sticking to a simple formula. For 10 m of pipeline, a pressure of 0.6 m is required. It is easy to calculate that for a heating main 100 m long, a circulation pump with a lift height of 6 m is suitable.
4. Adjusting the flow rate
   . A very useful option in the pump is the ability to change the speed of water movement. Some models are equipped with a mechanical switch for 2-3 positions. The user selects the optimal mode based on the room temperature. More modern devices are equipped with electronic regulators that change the speed automatically. The maximum rate should not exceed 1.6 meters per second.
5. Power
   . Each circulation pump has an electric motor with a certain power. The thinner the pipes in the heating system, the greater the motor power should be. Otherwise, the pump will not be able to overcome the hydraulic resistance in the line. For small circuits, power up to 100 W will be sufficient, and complex systems are equipped with models with motors of more than 150 W.
6. Coolant temperature
   . Each heating system has its own temperature regimes. If when using a gas boiler the water is heated to +80°C, then in systems with a solid fuel boiler the coolant reaches a temperature of +110°C. It is important to pay attention to the lower temperature limit in case of irregular heating of the house in winter. Homeowners fill the system with antifreeze, which does not freeze in cold weather. In this case, the pump must remain operational at -10°C.
7. Materials
   . In order for the pump to work for a long time to the owner’s delight, you should find out what materials the critical components and parts are made of. The body should ideally be cast iron, and the impeller and impeller should be made of high-quality plastic.
8. Connection size
   . When inserting a circulation pump into the main line, it is important to consider the diameter of the pipes. Straight pipe threads are designated in inches, for example G1, G2 or G3/4. The connecting size is also indicated in the pump characteristics.

We have selected 11 of the best circulation pumps for our review. All of them have received approval from the expert community and have earned high marks from consumers.

Grundfos UPS 25-40 180

​Photo: https://beru.ru

The Danish brand Grundfos is a recognized leader in the production of plumbing equipment. The compact and lightweight UPS 25-40 180 pump consumes only 45 W, while delivering a maximum head of 4 m and a flow capacity of 2.93 cubic meters. m/h. The model is equipped with an asynchronous electric motor and switch. The installation can operate in both horizontal and vertical positions. The device can be installed in both closed and open heating systems.

Circulation pump UPS 25-40 180 (45 W)

Advantages:

• quiet operation
• economical energy consumption
• versatility
• asynchronous motor

Flaws:

• high price

Rating of the best circulation pumps

WCP 25-80G

​Photo: https://beru.ru

The next circulation pump model is a worthy competitor to the most expensive luxury devices. What did he do to deserve such high ratings? Firstly, the device is equipped with a powerful motor (245 W), providing high productivity up to 8.5 m³/h. A high-quality pump, a reliable body and an aluminum motor - such a device will serve you long and reliably.

Circulation pump WCP 25-80G (180 mm) (245 W)

Advantages:

• high performance
• good pressure
• 3-stage speed control
• good engine power
• Durable aluminum motor and cast iron housing

Flaws:

• noisy
• low quality plastic

The best inexpensive pumps for the heating system

Low-cost circulation pumps can handle small heating systems or water supply lines. Among the inexpensive models there are many worthy examples. Here are the best ones.

VORTEX TsN-32-6

Rating: 4.8

A very tempting purchase for heating systems in a private home is the VORTEX TsN-32-6 pump. It perfectly combines affordability and excellent technical characteristics. Thanks to the high power of the electric motor (90 W), the pump creates a lifting height of 7.5 m, and the productivity reaches 9 cubic meters. m/h. The device can operate in a wide temperature range (-10...+110°C), it is durable and reliable. The cast iron pump housing is also reflected in the weight of the equipment (3.8 kg).

You can rarely find negative reviews on thematic forums; most often these are isolated cases of marriage. In general, domestic consumers are satisfied with the technical characteristics and low cost of the pump. The model becomes the winner of our rating.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• good pressure;
• high performance;
• reliable design.

Flaws

• Pump breakdowns are noted during the warranty period.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other device, circulation pumps have their pros and cons.

• Ignoring small flaws in the heating system, such as narrowed areas or the presence of counter-slopes.
• Higher heating speed: the system accelerates within a few minutes and constantly circulates the coolant, due to which the room warms up much faster.
• Reliability and stable operation - the working life of such water pumps is enough for many years.
• Easy to use.
• Increased heating system performance.

• Increased energy consumption.
• The device may stop working due to a power outage. In particular, in severe frosts, such a malfunction can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing a generator as well.
• additional costs for installation and upgrading of the device.

The best circulation pumps for heating in terms of price-quality ratio

Pumps with good pressure and performance are capable of maintaining the required level of coolant circulation in a one- or two-story house. The following models have the optimal combination of affordable price and good technical parameters.

GILEKS Compasses 32-80

Rating: 4.9

The circulation pump JILEX Compass 32-80 has an excellent ratio of cost and technical characteristics. Thanks to a powerful electric motor (245 W), the pump creates a maximum pressure of up to 8 m, providing a throughput of 8 cubic meters. m/h. The model works perfectly in heating systems of private houses (up to 3 floors). The kit includes fastening nuts protected from corrosion. A three-speed switch allows you to save energy by choosing the optimal mode for your heating system. Experts gave the model first place in our rating.

Users have no particular complaints about the operation of the pump; it has the best price-quality ratio. The device operates reliably, silently and efficiently.

Advantages

• saving heat and electricity;
• high-quality assembly;
• silent operation;
• reliability.

Flaws

• not detected.

WCP 25-80G (180 mm)

Rating: 4.8

The WCP 25-80G (180 mm) pump is practically in no way inferior to the rating winner. It is suitable for installation in single-pipe or two-pipe heating systems. The model is equipped with a powerful motor (245 W), which provides performance from 0.5 to 8.5 cubic meters. m/h and pressure from 0.5 to 8.0 m. The pump is well made, the cast iron body and aluminum motor make the device durable. Thanks to the three-position control, users can choose the desired operating mode. The strengths of the pump include its compactness, which simplifies its installation.

Overall, homeowners are pleased with the pump's reliability, affordability, and durability. The product failed to surpass the leader in the rating due to loud noise at maximum speed and low-quality plastic.

Advantages

• compact dimensions;
• light weight;
• three-position regulator;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• noisy work.

Selection by size

You've probably noticed that the range of companies includes units with the same characteristics, but different dimensions and pipe sizes. How to select external pump parameters:

1. For installation on pipelines, bypasses and mixing units of underfloor heating, standard blowers with a length of 180 mm are used. “Shorty” 130 mm are installed inside heat generators or on highways in very limited space.
2. The diameter of the connecting pipes is selected to match the cross-section of the main pipeline. Increasing the standard size is permissible, but decreasing it is strictly not recommended. That is, a unit with 32 mm fittings can be installed on a DN 25 pipeline.
3. Pumps with Ø32 mm nozzles are used on primary rings and boiler circuits, as well as in modernized gravity systems.

The performance characteristics of the pumps do not depend on their installation length - 130 or 180 mm

Note. The dimensions of ready-made bypasses sold in stores are adjusted to fit a standard pump with an installation length of 18 cm.

The number of supercharger speeds does not play a special role. At home, 3 modes are quite enough, the optimal speed is the second. The air from the units is bleed through the side screw, so you should not buy products with a separate air vent.

DAB EVOTRON 40/180

​Photo: https://beru.ru

The Italian circulation pump DAB EVOTRON 40/180 is designed to work in air conditioning and heating systems. The manufacturer has used advanced electronic rotation speed control. Thanks to this, the pump's performance can change automatically, which has a positive effect on energy efficiency. Sleep mode allows you to save electricity. Experts note the presence of thermal insulation of the housing in the kit and minimal power consumption (27 W). The maximum head is 4 m, and the throughput is limited to 4 cubic meters. m/h.

Circulation pump DAB EVOTRON 40/180X

Advantages:

• quiet operation
• automatic speed control
• low power consumption
• high-quality assembly

Flaws:

• high price

DAB A 110/180XT

​Photo: https://beru.ru

The Italian pump DAB A 110/180 XT finds the widest scope of application. It is installed in heating and air conditioning systems, in underfloor heating circuits. The model demonstrates high productivity (12.5 cubic m/h) and the highest head (11.1 m) among its competitors. These record-breaking figures are ensured by a powerful electric motor (403 W). The minimum coolant temperature can reach -10°C. The manufacturer used cast iron to make the body, the motor is made of aluminum, and the impeller is made of technopolymer. The circulation pump can operate in three modes, which is convenient when the weather changes.

Circulation pump A 110/180 XT (403 W)

Advantages:

• high performance
• high pressure
• quality materials
• three operating modes

Flaws:

• heavy weight

And this is where our review of the best powerful circular pumps of 2022 comes to an end, we hope that the information we provide will be enough for your right choice. Happy shopping!

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VORTEX CN-25-6

​Photo: https://beru.ru

Another model from the Vikhr brand made it into our rating. The TsN-25-6 pump stopped one step from the pedestal, despite the best price. The device consumes quite a lot of electricity (90 W), creating a lifting height of 6 m and a capacity of 3 cubic meters. m/h. But experts consider the main problem of this product to be the high noise level. The circulation pump can only be installed vertically in the heating system. The advantages of the device include a reliable cast-iron body and the presence of connecting nuts in the kit.

Circulation pump TsN-25-6 (90 W)

Advantages:

• low price
• reliability
• durability
• cast iron body
• good performance

Flaws:

• heavy weight
• noisy
• high energy consumption