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Circulation pumps for boilers ensure the circulation of water in heating systems, directly affecting heating performance and heating costs. The market offers a wide range of circulation pumps that differ in their functions and technical parameters. How do you choose a circulation pump for a family house that meets your needs?
Why is a properly sized pump important? A suitably chosen pump size for a family house ensures the correct temperature in the home, minimal operating costs, low failure rates, and long lifespan of the entire heating system.
Undersized pumps do not function adequately or reliably, resulting in insufficient heating, especially in more distant areas. Additionally, the pump may frequently overload, shortening its lifespan. On the other hand, oversized pumps increase the energy demands of heating, cause noise, and lead to faster wear of fittings and equipment.
If you are only replacing an old pump without changing the heating system or its volume (e.g., by adding an extension), the choice is simple – you need to purchase a pump with the same parameters as your original one.
For new builds and major renovations of family houses or when changing the parameters of the heating system, you must calculate the pump's properties. To determine the correct parameters, it is essential to know the volume of water being pumped and the distance the pump needs to move the water (length of the piping).
To choose a suitable circulation pump, you must calculate the flow rate and head
The flow rate is given in m³/h, so it is necessary to know the required volume of water being pumped over a specific time period. The flow rate indicates how much heating water circulates in the house and how quickly, directly affecting the thermal comfort in the home. For an accurate calculation, base it on the maximum required flow rate during the busiest period.
The calculation of the pump's flow rate is based on heat requirements and the temperature difference at the inlet and outlet. Heat requirements can be determined according to the building parameters of the house (floor area and ceiling height, thermal insulation, and heat loss of the house), as well as the minimum outdoor temperature in the given location.
The pump's head is given in meters or decimeters. This parameter indicates the distance over which the pump can effectively distribute heating water. Insufficient head causes distant radiators to heat poorly or not at all.
To calculate the pump's head, you need to know the length of the piping to the furthest point where the pump needs to deliver water. Hot water heating systems are closed, meaning there is no need to overcome a geodetic (height) difference. Therefore, only the length and internal diameter of the piping, pressure loss, and resistances (e.g., valves, pipe bends, fittings) are decisive.
For our model example, we chose an older family house with a 10×10 m footprint, 3 floors, and radiator heating in the Central Bohemian Region, i.e., in mild climatic conditions. The house has insulation and insulated windows. The inlet water temperature is 80 °C, and the outlet is 40 °C. The internal diameter of the piping is 32 mm, and the longest route measures 50 m. The radiators are equipped with thermostatic valves.
The minimum required flow rate according to the given parameters is 0.9 m3/h, and the pump's head is 3.5 m.
When selecting a circulation pump for a family house, besides the flow rate and head, several other parameters need to be considered. For proper installation of the circulation pump, it is necessary to choose the appropriate type and thread diameter as well as the pump's built-in length. Based on the heating system's properties, select the minimum and maximum temperature of the heating water and pressure. The pump should have protection against magnetic particles.
Performance regulation and other functions that help optimize the operation of the pump itself and the entire heating system are also important. Smart features are offered by electronic circulation pumps from Grundfos and Wilo.
Grundfos Alpha2 Circulation Pump
Modern electronic circulation pumps automatically regulate their performance according to the current needs of the heating system, so you don't have to worry about settings.
For example, the small and efficient Grundfos Alpha2 circulation pump offers a patented AUTOADAPT function, which automatically analyzes the heating system and current demands and optimizes the pump's performance settings, increasing the heating system's efficiency. This brings energy savings and comfort. This circulation pump is suitable for family houses with both radiator and underfloor heating and can also be used for DHW distribution.
Calculating the correct parameters of a circulation pump is quite demanding and should be handled by professionals. At BOLA, we offer free advice on selecting and calculating the optimal properties of a circulation pump for your house. For a non-binding consultation with our specialists, do not hesitate to contact us.
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