There are two types of circulation pumps: dry and wet rotor. They perform the same tasks, but their internal structure is different.
Units with a dry rotor have high efficiency, which ensures lower energy consumption. They require constant maintenance, as solid particles get on the O-rings and break the seal.
This type is not very suitable for use in private homes. The wet rotor type has average efficiency. This type does not require maintenance. The lifespan is 5-10 years, depending on the type.
Models with a wet rotor are ideal for apartments and private houses.
To choose a specific model, it is important to study the advantages and disadvantages of each. The following is a rating of the best circulation pumps in terms of price/quality ratio. It will allow you to choose the best option.
Rating of the TOP 15 best circulation pumps of 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 3 best circulation pumps by price/quality for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Grundfos UPS 25-40 180 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Wilo Star-RS 25/4-180 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Elitech NP 1216/9E | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best circulation pumps for clean water | ||
| 1 | Wilo Star-RS 25/6-180 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Grundfos UPA 15-90 160 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Whirlwind Ts-25/6 | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best circulation pumps for heating systems | ||
| 1 | Whirlwind TsN 25-4 | Find out the price |
| 2 | UNIPUMP CP 25-60 180 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Wilo PB 088 EA | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best circulation pumps for heated floors | ||
| 1 | Grundfos UPS 25-60 180 | Find out the price |
| 2 | GILEX Compass 25/60 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Jemix VRS 25/4-180 | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best low power circulation pumps | ||
| 1 | Grundfos ALPHA1 L 25-40 180 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Wilo-Star-Z NOVA | Find out the price |
| 3 | DAB EVOSTA 2 SAN VORTEX 11/85 R | Find out the price |
Diameter of connecting pipes
The second important parameter when choosing a pump for heating a house is the diameter of the connecting pipes. The most popular are 6/4 × 1 inch (aka 1½ × 1).
The diameter of the pipes is critical when replacing an existing pump. That is why, if you do not want to buy unsuitable pumping equipment, it is recommended to inquire about this parameter in advance.
Regarding size and installation method, remember: any pump will not be able to operate effectively in any position other than horizontal. The rotor axis must always be horizontal. Otherwise, the pump may wear out prematurely and fail.
The correct installation option is shown in the figure below.
Here is an example of an incorrect installation option.
How to choose a circulation pump?
Each circulation pump has a number of parameters. The specific model is selected individually for the system’s performance. To select a pump for an apartment or private house, it is enough to focus on average technical parameters.
These include:
- pressure (lifting height) : to determine it, it is necessary to divide the total length of the system by 10 and multiply by 0.6;
- The performance of the device must be equal to the power of the installed heating boiler . If the boiler is 40 kW, then the pump capacity should be 40 l/min;
- It is worth selecting coolant models whose movement speed can change values . This will allow you to adjust the heat transfer depending on the outside temperature. The higher the speed, the more heat will be carried away;
- power is selected depending on the diameter of the pipes. The smaller the diameter, the greater the hydraulic resistance of pipes. Systems with small diameter pipes require stronger pumps;
- possible temperature of the pumped water . In high-quality devices it should be in the range from +110 to +130 degrees;
- the highest pressure at which the pump can operate . Normally it is 1.5-2 atm.;
- the material from which the body is made . The best option is cast iron;
- availability of protection . For pumps with a wet rotor, it is worth choosing options with dry-running protection. The motor is cooled by the moving medium. If there is no water, the motor overheats and breaks down. Overheat protection will cut off the power and stop the pump if the motor heats up to critical values.
The above figures are averages. If the house is located in a populated area, the indicators of which are very different, then adjustments must be made.
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.
Additional functions and capabilities of pumping units
What else will help you choose a circulation pump for heating? How to choose by additional features? Please note what additional functions may be available to simplify the operation of pumping units:
- Automatic operating mode . Devices with this function have an automatic system that starts the device depending on the specified parameters. For example, you can set the pump to start by time. So some people set the start for the morning before waking up so that the house warms up faster. However, the start of the automation must be coordinated with the operation of the heating boiler. In general, the automatic mode relieves the owner from constant contact with the device. Among the automatic ones, we would like to recommend the Grundfod ALPHA2 L 25-40 130 , which has excellent build quality and good performance characteristics. There are six varieties of this pump with different pressures and for different pipeline sections.
- Availability of display. The display shows the current water temperature, total system resistance, pressure and performance at a certain minute. Also, some models display messages about errors and problems in the pipeline. However, devices with displays are somewhat more expensive than their “simple” counterparts. If you want to always monitor the status of your heating system, then a model with a display is for you. Among the high-quality ones with a display and control panel, we would like to recommend Leberg Eco Line Star , which has the possibility of both horizontal and vertical installation.
- Twin design. If you are thinking about how to choose a circulation pump when the water has a lot of impurities, then you should pay attention to models with a paired design. There are two impellers here, which are connected in parallel. If suddenly the first fails due to damage from solid particles, the second continues to work. Models with a paired design are necessary for an uninterrupted supply of water (and, accordingly, heat). They are worth buying if, for example, your heating system is routed through an incubator or barn with “livestock”, and its abrupt shutdown will affect the death of the animals. For home use, such pumps are quite expensive, so it is better to take a closer look at their cheaper counterparts. If you suddenly need a twin-type circulation pump, then take the DAB D 56/250.40 T - it is relatively inexpensive and at the same time high-quality.
Brief description of the models included in the TOP list
Circulation pump "Valtec VRS 25/4-180"
is a joint project of Russian and Italian businesses in the field of plumbing and other engineering equipment for the home. Everything was conceived to fill the market with inexpensive and at the same time high-quality products, so to speak, universal accessibility. Judging by the situation today, the task has been generally implemented, and Valtec products are sufficiently well-known and popular.
Assembly facilities have been moved to China.
Quite reliable and relatively inexpensive circulation pump “Valtec VRS 25/4-180”.
Main characteristics of the model
- connecting diameter: 1 inch (25 mm), installation length - 180 mm;
— power consumption: 72 W maximum, 38 W – nominal;
— created pressure: up to 0.42 atmospheres or 4 meters of water column;
— productivity: 50 liters per minute or 3.0 m³/hour;
— pump weight: not included in the descriptions.
The pump is designed according to the most common “wet” design. Capable of operating in systems with maximum media heating up to 110 ℃, static pressure of 10 atmospheres (bar). Can only work with clean media.
The control unit provides the ability to select one of three operating modes based on performance and pressure generated.
pros
- An inexpensive model that works conscientiously for many years.
- High-quality cast iron housing with external fins for a larger cooling area.
- Ceramic rotor and bearing block parts.
- Availability of power cord with plug.
- Good quality American union nuts included.
- Availability of an emergency shutdown system in case of overheating.
Minuses
- The presence of the power cord is considered by some to be a disadvantage, since it is very short (1.1 m), and it still has to be changed if the outlet is located at a distance.
- There are quite a lot of complaints about leaks from under the air release plug.
- Quite noticeable noise during operation.
Circulation pump Valtec VRS 25/4-180
Circulation pump "Wester WSP 25-80 G"
The product of a Russian company that has design bureaus for the development and modernization of manufactured products, and its own production facilities. Plumbing devices under this brand have long conquered the domestic market and successfully compete with the products of leading Western concerns.
Without any special claims to exclusivity, but quite reliable and not particularly expensive - the circulation pump “Wester WSP 25-80 G”
The circulation pump model “Wester WSP 25-80 G” is well known and is widely popular for its optimal price-quality ratio. The device is reliable, durable, and fully copes with the tasks. Traditionally, modern equipment of this type has three stages in terms of productivity and generated pressure. “Wet” scheme, maximum pressure in the system is 10 atmospheres, coolant temperature is up to 110 ℃.
Main characteristics of the model
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length – 180 mm;
— power consumption – 245 W;
— created pressure – up to 0.8 atmospheres or 8 meters of water column;
— productivity – 141 liters per minute or up to 8.5 m³/hour;
“Wet” scheme, maximum pressure in the system is 10 atmospheres, coolant temperature is up to 110 ℃. Ambient temperature – up to +40 ℃.
pros
- Reliable, time-tested device.
- High-quality cast iron housing and aluminum drive parts.
- Excellent performance and pressure.
- Quite reasonable price with high quality.
Minuses
- Complaints about noisy operation under heavy load.
- There are complaints about the insufficiently high quality of the plastic - cracks appeared for no apparent reason.
Circulation pump Wester WSP 25-80 G
Circulation pump "UNIPUMP LPA 25-60"
This is the name of a Russian company specializing in the production and sale of pumping and plumbing equipment. It is considered one of the leaders in the domestic market of such products. Manufactures products of its own design.
Circulation pump “UNIPUMP LPA 25-60” - this model is classified as an energy-saving device.
We have before us a very interesting model, which has rightfully taken its place in the TOP list. The main “highlight” is the presence of an electronic control circuit, which, when properly adjusted, ensures minimal energy consumption with full operation of the heating system.
Main characteristics of the model
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length – 180 mm;
— power consumption – only 45 W;
— created pressure – up to 0.6 atmospheres or 6 meters of water column;
— productivity – liters per minute or 3 m³/hour;
The pump can be switched on to one of five operating modes most suitable for the heating system. “Wet” rotor, vertical/horizontal installation. Quiet operation – noise level is not higher than 43 dB.
pros
- Excellent build of the device.
- The bronze body is practically “indestructible”.
- Convenient settings that provide maximum energy savings.
- Quiet operation even at maximum performance.
Minuses
- Not a particularly wide range of performance.
- Quite a high price.
- An attempt to remove the cover to change the direction of flow led to the breakdown (licking of the hexagons) of three bolts. What is this, an advantage (build quality) or a disadvantage (tightened fasteners)?
Circulation pump UNIPUMP LPA 25-60
Circulation pump "Dzhileks Compass 25-40"
A rapidly developing Russian company specializing in the production of a wide range of pumping equipment of its own design. One of the leaders in popularity among domestic consumers.
Circulation pump "Dzhileks Compass 25-40" - domestic and model development, and its production
The presented model has long been in top demand. It has no special claims to any unusualness, but is famous for its reliability and low price.
Main characteristics of the model
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length – 180 mm;
— power consumption – 65 W maximum, 32 W – nominal;
— created pressure – up to 0.4 atmospheres or 4 meters of water column;
— productivity – 53 liters per minute or 3.18 m³/hour;
- pump weight - 2.9 kilograms.
The scheme is standard - “wet”. There are three operating modes.
pros
- He conscientiously copes with his task.
- Designed for 10 years of operation.
- The warranty service network of this brand is well developed.
- Good value for money.
Minuses
- The paint that covers the body has an unpleasant smell when heated.
- The air release plug is made of too soft metal, and the slot for the screwdriver began to “eat up”.
- There are many complaints about the rather noisy operation of the device.
Circulation pump Gilex Compass 25-40
Circulation pump "Speroni SCR 25/40"
Italian is one of the European “grands” in the production of pumping equipment. A lot of its products are imported to the Russian market.
A very popular model of Italian origin in the European Union is the Speroni SCR 25/40 circulation pump.
Our TOP list includes a reliable model of a circulation pump, suitable for most heating systems of medium-sized private houses. The pump is assembled according to a standard design and is highly reliable and efficient in operation.
Main characteristics of the model
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length – 180 mm;
— power consumption – 60 W;
— created pressure – up to 0.4 atmospheres or 4 meters of water column;
— productivity – 50 liters per minute or 3 m³/hour;
- pump weight - 2.6 kilograms.
Like most similar pumps, this model has three operating modes.
pros
- The pump has been working on the supply pipe at the outlet of the boiler (that is, in the most unfavorable conditions) for 8 years, and is not going to “give up”.
- For years it does not require any intervention - just turning it on and off.
- Quite quiet operation is noted.
Minuses
- Several cases of strong heating and rapid burnout after the first use. Apparently there is an interturn short circuit. By the way, the complaints about the models are made in China; there were no such problems with the original ones.
- The pumps are not equipped with union nuts - sometimes this is discovered only just before installation, and you have to make an additional run to the store.
Circulation pump Speroni SCR 25/40
Circulation pump "Wilo Star-RS 25/4 180"
The German company can also boast of high authority among manufacturers of pumping equipment. And the model shown is one of the most popular among Russian consumers.
Circulation pump "Wilo Star-RS 25/4 180" - usually never fails
This is explained by the “textbook” German quality and reliability. Such a pump should not fail even in the most unfavorable conditions. The cast iron body and stainless steel rotor parts are designed to last for many years without any intervention.
Main characteristics of the model
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length – 180 mm;
— power consumption – 48 W;
— created pressure – up to 0.4 atmospheres or 4 meters of water column;
— productivity – 50 liters per minute or 3.0 m³/hour;
— pump weight – kilogram.
This model could qualify for a higher rating line. The only things that stop us are the overly pronounced “simplicity” and low performance and pressure indicators. That is, insufficient versatility.
pros
- Reliability, durability, ability to work for years without interruption.
- The work is quiet, without disturbing noise.
- The model is quite reasonably priced.
Minuses
- But there were no complaints about the quality.
- Not very outstanding pressure and performance indicators.
Circulation pump Wilo Star-RS 25/4 180
Circulation pump "DAB EVOTRON 40/180"
“Silver” was given to the Italian-made model, but, it must be said, with some advance payment. Despite all the positive qualities, many users are put off by the high price. And we can only hope that over time it will nevertheless decrease to more acceptable values.
Representative of the “new wave” of pumping equipment is the model “DAB EVOTRON 40/180”
And so, of course, designers and technologists should outline ways for the development of such equipment for the near future. Electronic automatic adjustment of the rotor rotation speed is used, that is, the device itself selects the most optimal values of performance and pressure, right up to switching to “sleep mode”. The result is minimal wear and significant savings in energy consumption.
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length -= 180 mm;
— power consumption – only 27 W;
— created pressure – up to 0.4 atmospheres or 4 meters of water column;
— productivity – 67 liters per minute or 4 m³/hour;
A distinctive feature is the presence of thermal insulation of the pump housing, which further increases efficiency and almost completely suppresses the noise of the device.
pros
- Precise electronic settings, automatic adjustment of indicators during operation.
- Impeccable workmanship.
- Built-in overheat protection.
- Very low energy consumption.
- Almost completely silent operation.
Minuses
- There were no comments regarding the quality of manufacturing and operation.
- The cost of the model is too high, unaffordable for many.
Circulation pump DAB EVOTRON 40/180
Circulation pump "Grundfos ALPHA2 25-60 180"
The first place was given to the Grundfos ALPHA2 25-60 180 circulation pump, also as a representative of the new generation of such equipment, which, of course, is the future. The eminent Danish manufacturer did not disappoint in this matter. Although the price looks scary for now, it’s worth it.
The Grundfos ALPHA2 25-60 180 circulation pump is the most modern approach to the design and production of pumping equipment.
The electronic pump control circuit is extremely flexible. It is not without reason that the feature of this line is the “AutoAdapt” option, that is, automatic adaptation of the device to current, momentary values of temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc.
Main characteristics of the model
— connecting diameter – 1 inch (25 mm), installation length – 180 mm;
- power consumption - maximum - 18 W at nominal - only 3 ÷ 4 W!
— created pressure – up to 0.4 atmospheres or 4 meters of water column;
— productivity – 40 liters per minute or 2.4 m³/hour;
- pump weight - 2.1 kilograms.
The pump has several useful features that will make its operation even easier and more economical. The thermal insulation casing of the device simultaneously almost completely dampens the operating noise of the drive.
pros
- Protection system against idling and overheating - the pump will not burn out even if all the coolant leaks out of the system.
- It seems that the device operates without any energy consumption at all - the consumption is so low.
- Impeccable build quality.
- Easy to use even for beginners - the AutoAdapt system will determine the optimal mode itself.
- The device is expensive, but it comes with a full 5-year manufacturer’s warranty!
Minuses
- There were no reasons to complain about the quality.
- The price is high, but it is compensated by the length of the warranty and very reliable operation that does not require any intervention.
Circulation pump Grundfos ALPHA2 25-60 180
Video: Capabilities of Grundfos ALPHA2 circulation pumps
Calculation of productivity and pressure
The formula itself looks like this:
G = Q÷(DTX 1.16); in which G is the consumed thermal power of the room, DT is the temperature delta equal, with a conventional heating system, to 20 degrees Celsius by default, and 1.16 is the specific heat capacity of water, if other specialized liquids are used in the system, then their specific heat capacity you need to find out in the directory or in your passport when purchasing.
To simplify the experiment of calculating our calculations, let’s take a simple example of a room equal to 150 m2.
From the above, we obtain the heat consumption value of this room:
100 x 150 = 1500 Watts.
The heating system is normal, which means the temperature delta (DT) is 20 degrees. We enter the results into our formula: 1500÷(1.16X20) = 646.6 kg/hour. Then we convert it into cubic meters and get the result: 646.6÷971.8=0.665 m3/hour.
To calculate the pressure in the system, it makes no sense for us to resort to precise and complex surveys applicable in design organizations. We use a simple formula with average data: H = RxZFxL. Let's look at the formula.
L is the total length of all pipes in a heating system in a room already familiar to us, this figure for example will be equal to 12.25 x 4 = 49, i.e. the perimeter of the room will be equal to the length of the pipes of the entire heating system in principle.
ZF is a coefficient equal to 1.3 (previously mentioned 30%), provided that full bore fittings are installed in the system and there is no circuit break through the installed throttle or thermostat. Otherwise
R – resistance parameter in a straight pipe equal to 150 Pa/m, when converted to 0.015 meters per linear meter of pipe for ease of further calculations.
We enter our numbers into the well-known formula: 0.015 X 49 X 1.3 = 0.9555. The resulting figure is the pressure value in our heating system.
There are quite a lot of formulas for the necessary calculations, but they all lead to the same results. The more data we collect before purchasing a circulation pump, the more confidence we have in making the right choice.
