As the heating season approaches, our utility costs increase. Have you ever encountered a situation where the radiators in the back room are cold, and the meter increases astronomical values? Is it possible to reduce electricity or gas consumption in a private house with water heating? Circulation pumps for heating systems successfully cope with this task. Let's look at their design, range and installation details.

In old houses where large-diameter pipes are installed, a heating system with natural coolant circulation is an extremely expensive option. The volume of water is considerable and, cooling in an extended heating circuit, it creates a maximum load on the boiler. You can replace the pipes with thin metal-plastic ones, but it requires a lot of effort and money. It will be much more effective to create forced circulation of the thermal fluid. This is the task of a household unit.

Its design is quite simple: in a compact housing there is an electric motor on which an impeller is installed. It captures the hot water coming from the boiler, accelerates it and pushes it into heating system. There are union nuts at the inlet and outlet of the housing, allowing you to quickly mount the circulation pump on the circuit. The motor has three operating modes, but the power consumption is extremely low. Modern models operate silently and control the pressure themselves.

Due to the fact that the liquid that quickly passes through the circuit does not have time to cool, it does not linger in the boiler for long, and the heat consumption for heating it is reduced by 20-30%. Heating a house using a circulation pump becomes economical when the power of the motor matches the volume of coolant. It is important not to make a mistake in calculating the hydraulic load when choosing one option or another. Circulation pumps are used for water supply, heating residential buildings and industrial facilities, they vary in power.

Types and device

There are “dry” and “wet” systems. In the first, the motor does not come into contact with the coolant and produces a lot of noise; they cannot be installed in the house. For domestic heating, an exclusively “wet” rotor mechanism is used, where water passes through a body made of a non-oxidizing alloy.

Models of the household series differ little. The main role is played technical specifications circulation pump and its reliability. Products of German brands have long established themselves in our market and are in constant demand. Grundfos UPS is perfect for private houses with one- and two-pipe heating systems.

Grundfos UPS products are renowned for their meticulous design, excellent workmanship and are made from reliable materials: cast iron or stainless steel. The impeller is made of ultra-reliable composite material, resistant to both mechanical wear and temperature changes. It can withstand heating of the coolant up to +110 °C. Silent operation is guaranteed by ceramic plain bearings, which differ from metal bearings in being particularly durable. According to reviews, Grundfos pumps have the lowest percentage of defects and breakdowns among analogues. Wilo is almost as good as them. Heating pumps of the Wilo-Star series are produced in housings made of gray cast iron and bronze. You can buy circulation pumps from this manufacturer with significant savings.

Compact dimensions are achieved by combining the pump-electric motor design into one monoblock. The asynchronous type motor is based on a “wet” mechanism in which the rotor is immersed in the pumped liquid. Due to hydraulic circulation, the unit as a whole is cooled and the working units are lubricated. The stator is insulated from moisture by a thin-walled sleeve.

Heating with pump circulation may turn off due to voltage surges and short circuits in the network, but Grundfos UPS are equipped with a protection and autostart system in emergency situation. You won't have to worry about them freezing if the power goes out suddenly in your home during the winter holidays.

Calculations and model selection

When deciding which circulation pump to choose for heating, determine the required amount of heat for your living space. European standards require 100 W per m2, for buildings with improved insulation this figure can be reduced to 30-50 W/m2. Next, the feed is calculated using the formula:

P = Q / (1.16 x ΔT) (kg/h), where:

• ΔT is the difference between the temperature of the return and supply pipelines (for conventional two-pipe systems it is assumed to be 20 °C; for heated floors - around 5.
• 1.16 – the value of the specific thermal capacity for water, dimension Wh/kg* °C.

The pump must provide sufficient pressure in the network for full circulation. To calculate it, you need to select the heating radiator farthest from the circulation pump in the house. To design a domestic heating network, Wilo specialists have proposed a simple formula:

J = R x L x k, where:

• k – coefficient responsible for increased load;
• L – section length (m);
• R – hydraulic resistance on a straight pipe section (Pa/m).

It is accepted that in heating structures without complex plumbing fittings k = 1.3; with a valve regulating the temperature k = 2.2; with both devices installed k = 2.6. The values ​​required for the calculation are given in the instructions for the circulation pump or in the reference literature. Based on the calculated flow and pressure indicators, you can build a pressure-flow schedule and select the most suitable model from the catalog of your favorite manufacturer.

Don't buy a pump that exceeds your needs. It will operate at idle speed, wasting electricity, and the cost of the unit increases in proportion to its power. Thus, the price of the Wilo Star-RS25/4-130 circulation pump is from 5.5 to 15.5 W, which is enough for heating country house, is about 7,000 rubles. And Wilo-TOP-S 25/7 at 90 W, suitable for a two-story cottage, costs twice as much.

Do not neglect the advice of experienced people and professional consultation if you are not very well versed in this issue. Choose time-tested brands of circulation pumps: Grundfos, Wilo, Unitherm. These brands guarantee quality, reliable operation, have company stores in all major cities of Russia and publish their catalogs on the Internet.

The digital marking under the name indicates two parameters: the connecting dimensions and the lifting height of the pressure column. Thus, Grundfos ALPHA2 25-40 is equipped with union nuts with a diameter of 25 mm (1 inch), and the height of the water column for it is 40 meters or 0.4 atmospheres. On everyone's body modern unit There is a plate of current consumption at different switching positions. Circulation pumps used for heating systems have three operating modes. Relay mechanical control located on the terminal box.

Let's compare popular brands of surface circulation pumps for clean water:

Do not save on the cost of a circulation pump for your heating system by purchasing it from dubious sources. There is always a risk of buying a fake or obviously low-quality product without a license. Manufacturing companies regularly hold promotions in their stores, where you will receive discounts and gifts.

Home installation

Having briefly examined what a circulation pump is, how to choose it, and having decided on the model, proceed directly to installing it in the heating system. Latest developments do not require any separate devices. In old manuals, the emphasis is on the inadmissibility of a vertical position. However, manufacturers of modern equipment indicate the possibility of any convenient position of the pump.

When choosing a connection point, keep in mind that it must be accessible for maintenance. It is installed both on the supply pipe coming from the boiler and on the return pipe. The circulation pump installation diagram includes two ball valves necessary for servicing and dismantling the device. They are located on both sides of the unit. The system is equipped with a filter to protect against clogging by scale and other particles.

A manual or automatic valve is mounted on top of the bypass to release air pockets. All connections are treated with sealant to prevent leaks. Carefully follow the sequence of fasteners in the heating chain. The coolant must be drained and the structure itself cleaned if necessary. Circulation pump cut in using the supplied nuts according to the plan. The fixed heating system is tested with water. If the connection is correct, it can be launched.

If we talk about modern systems heating cottages or small houses, first of all, we should probably note the heating boiler, which takes on the functions of heating the coolant, water to a certain temperature, produces heat for heating, etc. But, obviously, this is absolutely not enough to feel comfortable in the house, because this heated coolant must somehow be distributed through pipes, heat exchangers, radiators so as to achieve a constant required temperature. This is where the so-called “heart” of the heating system comes to the rescue - low power heating pumps.

The principle of operation of such pumps is approximately this: through the pump, hot water from the heating boiler moves through the stages of pipelines in the house (one or more), through radiators, thermal convectors or other heating devices, then it returns again through the pipeline to the heating boiler. When the water temperature drops to a predetermined level, the heating boiler is restarted and the process is repeated completely.

In fact, water in such a closed system moves in a circle, and the pump only overcomes friction. This explains the low power of circulation pumps used in domestic heating systems. The power consumption of these pumps is very low, approximately the same as that of a regular light bulb, 100 watts.

Modern circulation pumps from well-known companies, such as German Grundfos or Wilo, which are quite often used in domestic heating systems, are equipped with three power levels. Manual three-stage speed switches allow you to control the system even without the use of additional automation. If the house becomes hot and the pump continues to work at full capacity, it is enough to reduce the power of the pump, as the flow of coolant in the system will also decrease, and the temperature on the heating devices will drop.

It is also possible to connect the pump to the power line via a thermostat (temperature sensor). Then the operation of the pump will depend on the temperature in the rooms; it will turn on automatically only when the temperature in the house drops below the desired one. Despite his low power, pumps of this category can provide heat to rooms with an area of ​​200 to 750 sq. m.

Grundfos today also offers circulation pumps with built-in electronic control (Grundfos Alpha or Grundfos UPE). They are capable, depending on the needs of the system, of changing the rotation speed of the electric motor. Pumps of this generation save about 60% of electricity and reduce hydraulic noise in pipelines.

Other related articles

Circulation pumps are becoming more and more common modules in home heating systems. They ensure proper circulation of the coolant, which contributes to uniform heating of the entire household. Service life modern models reaches 10-15 years. Let's see how to choose and install the right water pump for heating a house and why it is needed in general.

The need for circulation pumps

Before we tell you how to properly install a circulation pump for heating your home, let's talk a little about why it is needed in a heating system. Thin plastic pipes appeared on sale quite recently. Their predecessors are thicker metal pipes large diameter. Possessing a solid margin of safety and increased throughput, they ensured the unhindered flow of coolant through the heating system.

Previously, water pumps were not needed, since thick pipes did not create serious hydrostatic resistance. It should also be noted the design of the old heating devices– their impressive internal volumes did not create any special obstacles to the flow of coolant. Only the circuits had to be mounted according to a special scheme:

• A high pipe was installed from the boiler, raising the coolant above all heating devices;
• An expansion tank was mounted at the highest point;
• The supply pipe was mounted at an angle so that the coolant flows freely towards the radiators;
• The return pipe had to be installed at an angle towards the heating boiler.

This scheme, which did not include water pumps, ensured excellent heating performance.

Problems were created only if it was necessary to heat big house. In this case, the coolant flows through the system with difficulty, since the large circuit creates high resistance. The longer the pipes and the more heating devices, the more obstacles there are. In two-story mansions, the resistance reaches the highest values. As a result, we observe:

The voiced problems can be solved in two ways - by more carefully designing the heating system circuit or by using a water pump.

• Uneven heating of the heating system;
• Cold branches;
• Boiler water overheating.

Features of modern heating systems

A water heating pump is a small device with an electric motor and an impeller that ensures normal coolant circulation in the system. In modern heating, you can do without it - a large number of bends, a small clearance of plastic and metal-plastic pipes, as well as the small capacity of heating devices affect it.

This number of obstacles causes an increase in hydrostatic resistance in the heating system. The abundance of additional elements also has an effect - these are thermostatic valves, manifolds, hydraulic arrows and much more. Many problems are created by the desire to hide all the pipes in the walls so that only the radiators are visible from the outside - in this case, you cannot do without a water pump for heating the house.

Adding fuel to the fire is the complete absence of slopes in modern heating - all pipes are located in a horizontal plane, without deviations in height.

Water pumps are in demand in heating systems closed type.Here the coolant flows in a closed circuit without contacting the atmosphere. To install the systems, thin plastic pipes are used, so it is simply impossible to ensure normal flow of coolant here - it is necessary to install a water pump for heating.

The pump can also be installed in the heating system open type, immediately after the heating boiler, but always before the expansion tank, and not after it.

Two pumps in the heating system or more

In order to ensure economical heating operation, we recommend purchasing more advanced energy-saving models of water pumps.

The water pump for circulating water in the heating of a private house is often not the only one in the system. Water-based heated floors have become a fashion in recent years. They provide heating for floor coverings, creating a comfortable atmosphere for people to stay. Since the basis for their manufacture is thin pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, independent circulation of the coolant in them is impossible. Therefore, an additional pump is installed in the system.

Underfloor heating systems require the installation of a water pump. It is placed in the junction box, next to thermostatic valves, after which it must be connected to the mains. It works only in the underfloor heating circuit, while the second pump circulates the coolant through the rest of the heating circuit.

There are also diagrams of heating systems with several heating circuits. When planning to create independent heating for floors and rooms, consumers think about how many pumps are needed to heat a private home. One electric pump is installed here as a common one, in the supply or return, then a separate pump is installed for each circuit.

How to choose a water pump for heating your home

A heating pump for a private home is selected according to several basic parameters:

• Productivity and pressure;
• Rotor type;
• Power consumption;
• Control type;
• Coolant temperature.

Let's look at how to choose water pumps for heating a private home.

Performance and pressure

Correctly made calculations will help you choose the unit that best suits your needs, which means it will help you save your family budget.

The performance of an electric water pump refers to its ability to move a certain amount of water per minute. The following formula is used for calculation – G=W/(∆t*C). Here C is the thermal capacity of the coolant, expressed in Wh/(kg*°C), ∆t is the temperature difference in the return and supply pipes, W is the required heating power for your home.

The recommended temperature difference when using radiators is 20 degrees. Since water is usually used as a coolant, its heat capacity is 1.16 W*h/(kg*°C). Thermal power is calculated for each household individually and expressed in kilowatts. Plug these values ​​into the formula and get the results.

The pressure is calculated in accordance with the pressure loss in the system and is expressed in meters. Losses are calculated as follows - losses in pipes are considered (150 Pa/m), as well as in other elements (boiler, water purification filters, radiators). All this is added up and multiplied by a factor of 1.3 (provides a small margin of 30% for losses in fittings, bends, etc.). There is 9807 Pa in one meter, therefore, we divide the value obtained by summation by 9807 and obtain the required pressure.

Rotor type

Home heating uses water pumps with wet rotor. They are characterized by a simple design, minimal noise level and no need for maintenance. They are also characterized by small dimensions. Lubrication and cooling in them is carried out using a coolant.

As for dry-type water pumps, they are not used in home heating. They are bulky and different high level noise, require cooling and periodic lubrication. They also require periodic replacement of seals. But they have a large throughput - for this reason they are used in heating systems multi-storey buildings and large industrial, administrative and utility buildings.

Power consumption

The most modern water pumps with energy consumption class “A” have the lowest power consumption. Their disadvantage is their high cost, but it is better to invest once to get reasonable energy savings. In addition, expensive electric pumps have lower noise levels and a longer service life.

Control type

Through a special application you can get information about the operation of the device wherever you are.

Typically, the rotation speed, productivity and pressure are adjusted using a three-position switch. More advanced pumps are equipped electronic systems management. They control the parameters of heating systems and allow you to save energy. The most advanced models are controlled wirelessly, directly from a smartphone.

Coolant temperature

Water pumps for heating a private home differ in their operating temperature range. Some models can withstand heating up to +130-140 degrees, these are the ones that should be preferred - they can cope with any thermal loads.

As practice shows, operation at the maximum temperature is possible only for a very short time, so having a solid reserve will be a plus.

Other characteristics

When choosing a water pump for heating, you need to pay attention to the maximum operating pressure for the selected model, installation length (130 or 180 mm), type of connection (flange or coupling), and the presence of an automatic air vent. Also pay attention to the brand - under no circumstances buy cheap models from little-known developers. The water pump is not a part you should skimp on.

Connecting the circulation pump to the heating system

Installing a circulation pump in the heating system of a private house begins with choosing its location. You need to decide where to make the tie-in - in the supply or in the return. The last option is the most common. In open-type systems, it can also be installed on the supply pipe, but only immediately after the boiler, before the expansion tank.

Also, the installation rules state that there should be no vacuum in the boiler heat exchanger - it is created by water pumps. Hence, optimal place placement is the return pipe, not the supply pipe.

Placing water heating pumps for a home in the return pipe has a very important advantage - the temperature of the coolant in this area is lower, which ensures good cooling of the electric pump. In the supply pipe it will operate at a temperature close to the maximum value, and this is already minutes.

In the case of warm floors the pump is mounted in a distribution cabinet. When using several circuits, water pumps are mounted as far as possible from the boiler, behind the hydraulic arrow - one pump for each direction. Placement on the supply pipe is also possible if the circuit does not branch, but it is too long - in this case the electric pump is placed away from the heating boiler.

Correct installation additional pump provides for its power supply and switching on separately from other pumps in the system.

Position of the water pump in space

We have already decided where to install the circulation pump for heating and have developed brief instructions– if the circuit does not branch, put it on the return line. In the case of several circuits, the connection diagram will be different - we install a pump on the supply pipes in each direction.

Regardless of where the water pump for home heating will be installed, its rotor axis must be located strictly in a horizontal position. Along other axes its position can be arbitrary. But his electrical diagram should not be located at the bottom, for which there is a completely logical explanation - if the unit fails, the electrical circuit will be flooded with coolant, which will cause a short circuit.

Carrying out installation work

The water pump is installed in the heating system through a bypass. Take a look at its drawing and familiarize yourself with the main elements:

The bypass connection diagram is good because it allows you to switch from natural circulation to forced. It will also help you replace the water pump without stopping and draining the entire heating system.

• The circulation pump (1) is the main “person” in the system;
• Shut-off valves (3) – disconnect the pump from the heating;
• Bypass valve (4) – ensures the flow of coolant only through the pump or along both channels;
• Dirt filter (2) – provides coarse filtration from large mechanical contaminants.

Let's see how to connect a pump to a heating boiler and what is needed for this. First, we inspect the installation site to find free space to place the bypass. At the next stage, we assemble the bypass elements, prepare the taps, nuts, drains and dirt filter. We will also need a set of keys to connect individual units, and seals.

Let's start assembling the bypass - we form a section with a water pump, screwing a dirt filter and taps to it. Next, we proceed to inspect the section of the pipe where the insertion will take place. We cut out a piece for the bypass tap, take the area with the pump, and cut holes for it. Next, we weld all the elements and only then tighten everything with wrenches threaded connections– this cannot be done before welding.

You can also install a check valve on the heating pump - it will help prevent the coolant from moving in the wrong direction.

Having connected the water pump to a floor-standing or wall-mounted boiler, we proceed to electrical work- connect to the terminals electrical wires with meals. Here it is recommended to install a separate RCD, choosing a 1 or 2 kW sample.

The next step is to start the water pump. To do this, you need to fill it with water, removing air from it. The air plug is removed through a built-in bleeder or through a plug screw. We open all the taps, open the drain or unscrew the screw plug, wait until the air comes out and water flows. After this, we seal the system and try to start the water pump. If the device is noisy, it means that not all of the air plug has come out - partially unscrew the plug screw and keep the system open until the air bubbles disappear.

Next, all that remains is to adjust the shaft rotation speed so that the productivity is slightly less than normal. There is nothing wrong with installing a water pump in a heating system with your own hands - you just need to know how to work with tools. If problems arise, consult with specialists.

Video

The question of why a circulation pump is needed in the heating system of a private home does not come up so often today. Consumers have long realized that this small device solves many problems associated with efficient work heating system as a whole.

Firstly, with its help the efficiency increases. Secondly, there is an opportunity to save on materials and heating elements. More on all this below.

Features of forced circulation

A circulation pump installed in the system creates a slight pressure inside. In this case, the coolant moves at a low speed, evenly distributing heat across all radiators.

Is it really impossible for the natural circulation of the coolant to distribute thermal energy evenly?

Maybe, but due to the fact that private country houses under construction are becoming larger in size, and accordingly, the layout of pipe lines is becoming more and more complex, it is increasingly difficult for the coolant to overcome the configurations of the pipe circuits. And in such houses you simply cannot do without a circulation pump.

Advantages

Under the action of the pump, the coolant passes faster through the entire circuit of the heating system, returning to the heating boiler. However, its temperature will not be low. This means that it will be easier to heat a coolant that is not very cool. Less fuel consumption costs.

For the natural circulation of the coolant, a large volume is required so that the bulk of it can maintain the required temperature. Accordingly, for normal operation of the heating system in a private house, you will need pipes with a large diameter, radiators with wide cavities, and shut-off valves to match the pipes.

For the system in which the pump is installed, there is no need to hold a large volume of coolant. Therefore, you can safely use pipes and valves with a smaller diameter. And this means a reduction in prices for all products and savings on materials.

Flaws

In principle, such heating has only one drawback - it is energy dependent. The device operates from electric current. Firstly, these are, albeit small, costs. Secondly, when the power supply is turned off pump unit stops working.

Of course, the craftsmen, taking this situation into account, install a bypass through which the heating begins to work on the principle of natural circulation hot water. And this is a decrease in operating efficiency, plus a decrease in efficiency.

Selection of device

The crucial point is to correctly calculate the power of the installed pump. Two indicators are taken into account here:

• volume of distilled water mass, m³/h;
• pressure measured in meters.

It is very difficult to make the correct calculation if you are not a specialist in this matter. Here we have to take into account the complexity of the pipe route layout, the number of radiators and shut-off valves, the power of the heating boiler, the materials from which pipes and other heating devices are made. Therefore, this stage is best left to a professional.

If you nevertheless decide to take responsibility, then it is best to purchase a pump in which you can switch the speed of movement of the coolant.

The ideal option is with automatic adjustment. Such a device costs several times more than a regular model, but you have peace of mind that you can adjust it yourself to the necessary parameters of the heating system at home.

Calculation example

Before choosing a pump, the following calculation must be performed. For example, a heating boiler is installed in the basement. Your house is a two-story building. The heating system is a single-pipe installation.

That is, it turns out that the highest point of the heating system is the upper edges of the radiators installed on the second floor. This is despite the fact that the house has a closed heating system.

Head calculation

From the return pipe that enters the boiler (this is the area where the device is installed), it is necessary to measure the distance to the upper edge of the second floor radiator. This will be the pressure of the pumping device. Essentially it will look like this:

• 2.5 m – basement height;
• 3 m – height of the first floor;
• two floors – 0.5 m;
• the distance from the floor to the top edge of the radiator is 0.6 m.

The sum is 6.6 m. This means you will need a pump with a head of 7 m.

To do this, you need to know the heated area of ​​a private house. For example, let it be 200 m². To keep a private house warm, you must adhere to the ratio: 1 kW of thermal energy per 10 m². That is, you will need 20 kW.

The next indicator is the temperature difference between the supply and return circuits. Experts recommend within 10 °C. That is, if at the outlet of the boiler the coolant temperature is +70 °C, then at the entrance it is +60 °C. Now carry out this mathematical operation: 20:10 = 2. This is the pump power, measured in m³/h.

As you can see, choosing a pump is not so difficult. Of course, this is a simple calculation without taking into account various nuances. But you can take it as a basis, adding 20% ​​just in case.

Installation

It is better not to install the circulation pump yourself if you do not know all the nuances of the installation process. But you need to familiarize yourself with the technology and the sequence.

Installation location

The pump is installed on the return line next to heating boiler. This is done with one single purpose - to reduce the temperature load on the seals, cuffs and gaskets that are used in the design of the unit itself. When exposed to high temperatures, they quickly fail.

There are two types of devices: with a wet rotor and a dry one. Usually the first option is low-power pumps used for heating small private houses. It is cut directly into the pipeline, connecting on both sides with threads. The second is a more powerful installation. Such pumps are most often connected using flanges.

Shut-off valves and filter

The pump is isolated from the pipe by two valves (ball valves), which are closed if repairs are necessary.

A bypass must be installed. This is a pipe that connects the pipeline, bypassing pumping unit. A valve must be installed on the bypass. It blocks the flow of coolant when the pump is running. And it opens when the device stops working or is in the process of being repaired. That is, the bypass works in emergency cases so that the heating does not stop if the pump itself stops.

Today, a coarse filter is often installed in front of the pump. He is responsible for the quality of the coolant.

Popular manufacturers

The question of how to choose affects not only the technical characteristics of the device. Most often, consumers understand this as a brand or manufacturer. Modern market offers a fairly wide range. There are both foreign and domestic analogues here. Here are just a few models.

Italian pump Aquario

Its model AC204-130 is one of the most popular. Used for small private houses. Its power is 2.4 m³/h, pressure up to 3 m, power consumption 0.64 kW, weight 3.4 kg.

The connection is flanged and has three speed modes.

Italian DAB device VA-VB-VD

It has a wide range of technical characteristics: pressure up to 6 m with power from 0.5 to 3.3 m³/h.

This sample is equipped with a special thermal relay that turns off the pump if it starts to overheat. Many experts advise choosing this particular model.

The Danish company Grundfos offers pumps in five modifications. In Russia, the UPS model has gained great popularity as the most economical in terms of electricity consumption (0.55 kW).

At the same time, its head is 3 m, and the volume of pumped coolant is 3 m³/h.

Russian models

Among domestic manufacturers, it is necessary to highlight the “Khozyain” brand pumps from Podolsk and “Tsirkul” from the company “Dzhileks”. Several technical characteristics:

• Owner 4.25.180 – head 4.2 m, power 3 m³/h;
• Owner 8.32.180 – head 8 m, power 9.6 m³/h;
• Compass 25/40 (pressure 4 m, volume 2.5 m³/h) - the smallest sample;
• Compass 32/80 (pressure 8 m, volume 3.2 m³/h) is the largest.

Both brands produce pumps that are connected to the pipeline with a flange connection.
So, knowing the brands and models offered by manufacturers, you can choose the right pump, taking into account not only its technical characteristics, but also the price.