Maintenance of the Circulation Pump Before the Heating Season

The heating season is approaching, bringing with it the annual inspection and maintenance of the heating system. Besides the usual bleeding and functionality check of the system, don't forget about the maintenance of the circulation pump. This will increase its efficiency and extend its lifespan. Find out how to do it.

Circulation pumps ensure the circulation of water in heating systems, both radiator and underfloor. Their purpose is the quick and efficient transport of heated water from the boiler to the heating system, ensuring high heating efficiency and even heating of the entire property – thus providing thermal comfort and low heating costs. For the best effect, focus not only on the selection but also on the regular maintenance of the pump.

Selecting the Right Circulation Pump for Heating

If you are yet to choose a circulation pump, make sure that the model you select meets the needs of your heating system and household. Key parameters include the volume of the heating system and the number of radiators, or the area of underfloor heating, based on which you will select the appropriate performance or head of the pump. Too much power can consume more energy, while too little may not heat your home sufficiently.

For proper installation, it is also important to choose a pump with the appropriate connection thread. When selecting a circulation pump for heating, focus on reputable brands such as Grundfos and Wilo. Entrust the installation to professionals who will also choose the appropriate location for the circulation pump within the heating system.  

Consider Replacing the Old Pump

If your pump is old and inefficient, consider replacing it with a newer model with higher efficiency. Old three-speed pumps can no longer be manufactured or sold in the EU as they do not meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements. These pumps cannot respond to the changing needs of the household throughout the year and day. They operate constantly, thus unnecessarily consuming energy.

If you have this old type of pump, consider acquiring a modern electronic circulation pump. This type of circulation pump can be installed on old heating systems, and the investment will quickly pay off through savings.

Our Tip: Backup Power Source for the Circulation Pump

We recommend acquiring a backup power source for the circulation pump. This will ensure the pump operates in case of a power outage, allowing heated water to be drawn from the boiler without interruption. A backup power source thus protects the boiler from overheating and ensures even heating during a power outage.

Grundfos circulation pump with AUTOADAPT function

Setting the Pump

Set the desired performance on the pump to ensure it operates efficiently. Too high a performance increases the flow rate of water in the system, which can be noticed by noise in the pipes and high energy consumption. Conversely, low performance will not provide sufficient and even heating.

Some electronic circulation pumps from the Grundfos brand feature the patented AUTOADAPT function. Thanks to this function, you do not need to set the pump, as the smart software automatically evaluates which mode is optimal at any given time. These pumps also collect data on your average consumption throughout the day and can regulate their operation even more efficiently based on your individual needs. 

Bleeding the Circulation Pump

In addition to setting the speed, the pump needs to be bled. An air-locked pump does not operate efficiently and is noisy, causing significant discomfort in the household and higher heating costs.

Bleeding the pump usually involves setting the highest speed for about 30 minutes. Some models of circulation pumps can be bled using a bleed valve. The most modern pumps bleed automatically.

Cleaning the Mechanical Impurity Filter and Magnetic Filter

Mechanical impurities present in the pipes clog the pump, cause noise, and can even lead to the pump seizing. Clogged radiators also heat less efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended to install a mechanical impurity filter or a magnetic filter before the circulation pump.

However, the filter also needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent clogging. How to do it?

• Mechanical impurity filters contain a fine mesh that is cleaned by rinsing. Never use a brush or cleaning agents, as the mesh could be damaged.
• If you use magnetic filters, you need to wipe the impurities off the magnet with a cloth. If the magnet is outside the filter housing, remove it and let the impurities drain away with the water using a drain valve.

Preparing the Heating System

For the pump to function properly, it is necessary to focus on the maintenance of the entire heating system. First and foremost, ensure that the heating system is properly bled. As we have already mentioned, the circulation pump itself can also be air-locked.

Check the functionality of the boiler, and possibly also the flue paths – this is a legal requirement. Insulate the pipes, which will reduce heat loss and increase the efficiency of the pump.

Ongoing Inspection During the Heating Season

To ensure everything works correctly throughout the heating season, remember to regularly inspect the heating system. Check especially for:

• air-locks in the heating system and pump,
• any water leaks,
• correct pressure in the gas boiler and the entire system,
• water and energy consumption.

If there are any unusual fluctuations in the measured values, the heating is noisy, heats poorly, or unevenly, consult professionals.

And what to do with the circulation pump in case of a prolonged absence? It is not recommended to completely turn off the heating during the heating season; instead, keep the house at least slightly tempered. If you still decide to turn off the heating, protect the circulation pump from freezing, as this could cause irreversible damage.