Forced water circulation is little sensitive to the configuration of the heating system. In addition, the installation of pumping equipment increases overall efficiency; experienced craftsmen know: the usual inertial scheme slowly warms up the pipes, which will create a threat to comfort. Modern technology is accessible and easy to use, therefore it is recommended for private houses, cottages, as well as for commercial and industrial buildings not connected to central heating. To choose a good circulation pump, users often turn to sellers, but in practice, deciding on a purchase is quite simple. And the rating from our editors will introduce you to the best circulation pumps from reliable and trusted manufacturers.
Rating of the TOP 15 best heating circulation pumps for 2021-2022
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 5 best circulation pumps for heating by price/quality for 2021-2022 | ||
| 1 | Grundfos UPS 25-40 180 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Wilo Star-RS 25/6-180 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Grundfos UPS 25-80 180 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Aquario AC 159-160A | Find out the price |
| 5 | GILEX Compass 25/80 | Find out the price |
| TOP 5 best powerful circulation pumps for heating | ||
| 1 | Grundfos UPS 32-80 180 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Wester WCP 25-80G (180 mm) | Find out the price |
| 3 | Wilo TOP-S 50/10 EM PN 6/10 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Wilo Star-RS 25/8 | Find out the price |
| 5 | Grundfos UPS 32-100 180 | Find out the price |
| TOP 5 best inexpensive circulation pumps for heating | ||
| 1 | VORTEX Ts-32/8 | Find out the price |
| 2 | ELITECH NP 1216/9E | Find out the price |
| 3 | VORTEX TsN-32-6 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Wester WCP 25-60G | Find out the price |
| 5 | VALTEC VRS 25/6-180 | Find out the price |
Which circulation pump to choose for heating a private home?
When choosing a circulation pump, technical characteristics play an extremely important role, on which the speed of heating the room and the performance of the equipment depend.
The main criteria include:
- Productivity . This criterion determines how much water the pump can pump over a certain time period.
- Napor . This indicator shows to what height the pump can lift a column of water. The larger the house and the heating system in it, the higher the pressure should be.
- Maximum permissible water temperature . Outdated pump models are capable of heating water to a maximum of 95 degrees. More modern models are capable of heating the coolant up to +110 degrees. This helps to quickly warm up the room, and the pumps themselves are characterized by increased safety, reliability and wear resistance.
- Dimensions . The complexity of its installation and ease of use depend on the size of the pump. For large pumps, you will have to provide a separate room, and compact models for one-story houses can be installed directly in the kitchen or bathroom.
TOP 5 best circulation pumps for heating by price/quality for 2021-2022
The high price of a circulation pump is far from the most important indicator of its quality. In the lines of many trusted brands there are models that successfully combine adequate cost, high reliability of design and ease of operation.
Grundfos UPS 25-40 180
This surface circulation pump is perfect for small private houses and cottages.
Its throughput capacity is 2.93 cubic meters of water per hour, and the maximum pressure reaches 4 meters. Power consumption is only 45 W, so the owner will not have to pay hefty electricity bills.
The pump has increased reliability and operational safety, since the maximum water temperature in the system reaches +110 degrees.
A set of nuts for connection is provided with the device itself, and the device itself can be connected both horizontally and vertically.
The device has overheating protection, so the user does not have to worry about the safety of the system.
Specifications:
- weight 2.6 kg;
- dimensions (W/H/D) 12.2x13.4x18 cm;
- maximum head 4 m.
pros
- body and fittings made of durable cast iron;
- detailed instructions in Russian;
- affordable cost;
- high operational safety;
- practically no noise.
Minuses
- not very high quality seal on the nuts;
- not intended for dry connection.
Wilo Star-RS 25/6-180
A compact, reliable and efficient circulation pump from a well-known brand is suitable for working with heating and air conditioning systems.
The device has increased throughput (3.8 cubic meters per hour) and a maximum pressure of 5.4 meters.
Thanks to these characteristics, the device can be installed even in two-story houses.
The device only works with clean and high-quality water, so additional filters will have to be installed at the inlet if the quality of the water supplied to the system leaves much to be desired..
The body is made of cast iron.
This material can withstand high temperatures and high pressure, so the pump itself has a long service life and is completely safe to operate.
Specifications:
- weight 3.16 kg;
- dimensions (W/H/D) 10.4x18x12.9 cm;
- maximum head 5.4 m.
pros
- excellent build quality;
- does not make much noise during operation;
- complete safety of operation;
- light weight;
- Suitable for vertical and horizontal installation.
Minuses
- not always on sale;
- Sometimes there is a manufacturing defect.
Grundfos UPS 25-80 180
A mid-price surface circulation pump is suitable even for large houses.
The maximum water pressure is 8 meters, so the pump is suitable even for large one-story and two-story houses.
But keep in mind that the power consumption is 165 W, so regular use of the pump will lead to increased power consumption.
The body of the device is made of cast iron, so the device can successfully withstand temperatures up to +110 degrees.
This ensures quick heating of the room without compromising the operating characteristics of the device..
The pump can be installed horizontally and vertically, but the design only allows for a “wet” connection.
Specifications:
- weight 5.1 kg;
- dimensions (W/H/D) 14.7x17.1x18 cm;
- installation length 180 mm.
pros
- practically no noise even at maximum load;
- compact dimensions facilitate installation;
- The kit includes nuts for connection;
- suitable for horizontal and vertical installation;
- comparatively low power consumption with increased productivity.
Minuses
- there is slight vibration of the case;
- Not very high quality nuts included.
Aquario AC 159-160A
Installing this circulation pump will help make your heating system work as efficiently as possible..
The device ensures continuous circulation of hot water in the pipes, and three operating speeds allow you to regulate the speed of movement of the coolant. There is also an additional function of manually increasing the pressure to improve the performance of the equipment.
The maximum water pressure is 9 meters, so the pump is suitable for installation even in large two-story houses with an impressive heating system.
The permissible maximum liquid temperature is no more than +60 degrees, so the operation of the pump will have to be monitored.
This nuance is considered a disadvantage for many users, but it is fully compensated by the compact dimensions and low cost of the device.
Specifications:
- dimensions (W/H/D) 12.6x16x10.4 cm;
- maximum head 9 m;
- power consumption 120 W.
pros
- affordable cost;
- acceptable build quality;
- operates completely silently;
- safe operation;
- suitable for large houses.
Minuses
- for large houses one pump may not be enough;
- Some users don't have enough pressure.
GILEX Compass 25/80
This inexpensive but high-quality circulation pump is a necessary device for any modern heating, air conditioning and ventilation system..
Thanks to this device, the coolant will constantly circulate in a closed heating system and provide high-quality heating of the room.
The throughput capacity is 12 cubic meters per hour, and the maximum pressure reaches 8 meters, so the device is suitable even for large houses.
The pump is made of cast iron and is highly reliable and safe to operate, so the maximum water temperature can reach +110 degrees.
In total, the device has three operating speeds, and the device can be installed both vertically and horizontally.
Specifications:
- noise level 45 dB;
- installation length 180 mm;
- power consumption 245 W.
pros
- very high quality materials and workmanship;
- works almost silently;
- pressure can be adjusted manually;
- suitable for large houses;
- adequate cost.
Minuses
- some users have difficulties with installation;
- hard to find on sale.
Kinds
There are only two types of circulation pumps; they differ in their design, namely in the type of rotors: dry and wet.
- Dry rotors are distinguished by a high level of efficiency (from 80%) with regular maintenance, have a fairly short service life (only 3-5 years), and produce a lot of noise during operation.
- Models with a wet rotor do not have very high efficiency, it does not exceed 50%, however, they do not require constant maintenance. In addition, such devices have a good service life (10 years) and are practically silent. Which option is better is up to you to decide.
TOP 5 best powerful circulation pumps for heating
High-power circulation pumps are usually installed in large houses with large-scale heating systems. Such devices have increased performance and allow you to maintain a stable temperature in the room.
Grundfos UPS 32-80 180
This model of surface circulation pump belongs to the middle price category and has optimal technical characteristics for installation in large private houses.
The throughput capacity is 11 cubic meters of water per hour, and the maximum pressure reaches 8 meters.
Due to this, the device will be able to provide stable heating, not only in residential but also in industrial premises.
Since the pump body and main structural elements are made of cast iron, it can successfully withstand temperatures up to +110 degrees.
Due to this, the device has a long service life and complete safety of operation, and does not require constant monitoring.
Specifications:
- weight 4.8 kg;
- noise level 43 dB;
- dimensions (W/H/D) 14.7x17.3x18 cm.
pros
- long service life;
- easy installation;
- durable cast iron body;
- fully complies with the stated characteristics;
- high performance.
Minuses
- some users think the price is too high;
- not always repairable.
Wester WCP 25-80G (180 mm)
This circulation pump model is designed to work with different types of heating systems, but the power resource of the device will depend on this.
The unit ensures continuous circulation of coolant in the system, thereby increasing heat transfer and warming up the room faster.
At the same time, the pump productivity is average and amounts to 8.5 cubic meters per hour, and the maximum water pressure reaches 8 meters . These characteristics allow the pump to be installed even in two-story houses.
The body of the device is made of cast iron, which significantly extends the life of the device.
The model also provides three-stage regulation of the hot water supply speed, so each user will be able to adjust this indicator according to their needs.
Specifications:
- installation length 180 mm;
- power consumption 245 W;
- maximum head 8 m.
pros
- increased power and performance;
- works without extraneous noise;
- durable cast iron body;
- ease of installation and configuration;
- Suitable for horizontal and vertical installation.
Minuses
- some users consider the pump not the most economical;
- not always on sale.
Wilo TOP-S 50/10 EM PN 6/10
This circulation pump model has acceptable technical characteristics for installation even in large houses.
A throughput capacity of 31 cubic meters per hour and a maximum head of 10 meters makes the pump suitable even for multi-storey buildings.
Power consumption is 820 W, so the owner should be prepared for the device to consume quite a lot of energy.
Another distinctive feature of the device is that it can withstand temperatures up to +140 degrees.
The device body is made of cast iron, and the unit itself is equipped with overheating protection, so operation of the device is completely safe.
Specifications:
- weight 17.8 kg;
- dimensions (W/H/D) 25x28x32.1 cm;
- maximum head 10 m.
pros
- optimal price/quality ratio;
- durable cast iron body;
- withstands elevated temperatures;
- suitable for vertical and horizontal installation;
- compact dimensions.
Minuses
- the cost is higher than that of analogues;
- impressive weight.
Wilo Star-RS 25/8
A relatively inexpensive, but quite powerful surface circulation pump, which, according to its technical characteristics, is suitable for installation in one-story and two-story private houses.
The throughput is not the highest, and is 5.8 cubic meters per hour, but the maximum pressure reaches 7.8 meters. Due to this, the device will successfully cope with the circulation of coolant in fairly large but closed heating systems.
Since the device body is made of cast iron, it can withstand temperatures up to +110 degrees.
The device has a “wet” type of rotor, so it is not recommended to even check the performance of the device with a “dry” connection.
Specifications:
- weight 3.4 kg;
- dimensions (W/H/D) 10x18x13 cm;
- power consumption 151 W.
pros
- affordable cost;
- light weight;
- easy connection;
- durable cast iron body;
- high-quality assembly.
Minuses
- there is a manufacturing defect;
- hard to find on sale.
Grundfos UPS 32-100 180
In terms of cost, this circulation pump falls into the middle price category . Wherein
its technical characteristics are suitable not only for one-story, but also for two-story houses.
Its throughput is 13.6 cubic meters per hour, and its maximum pressure is 9.8 meters.
Power consumption reaches 345 W. For some users, this figure seems too high, but due to the economical consumption of electricity, the owner will not have to pay hefty electricity bills.
The device has overheating protection, so the device is completely safe to use..
The user will also be able to independently set one of three rotation speeds, depending on the required operating conditions.
Specifications:
- weight 6.4 kg;
- installation length 180 mm;
- maximum head 9.8 m.
pros
- easy installation;
- compact dimensions and weight facilitate installation;
- affordable cost;
- suitable even for large houses;
- Three rotation speeds are provided.
Minuses
- hard to find on sale;
- Counterfeits are common.
Performance calculation
One of the control parameters is the performance of pumping equipment, which is calculated from the ratio:
– the amount of thermal energy consumed in a specific room;
— the performance value of the pumping device;
– specific heat capacity, if water is used as the coolant; for other types (transformer oil, antifreeze, etc.) the corresponding data are used;
- the temperature difference between the forward and return branches of the heating system, which can be:
- 20°C – with a normal heating system for residential areas;
- 10°C – temperature level in non-residential areas with low-temperature heating;
- 5°C is the temperature of the coolant in the floor heating system.
The performance indicator is a passport characteristic; in technical documentation it is reflected as cubic meters per hour. In order for the calculation result to correspond to the form we are familiar with, it must be divided by the specific gravity of water.
Circulation pump GRUNDFOS ALPHA
Let's give an example of a calculation: the area of the heated room is 200 square meters, therefore, to heat it, an energy expenditure of 20,000 W will be required. The room is equipped with a normal heating system with a temperature difference of 20°C. Using these numerical values in the given formula, we get:
20000/(1.16 x 20) = 862 kg/hour,
recalculation into usual values gives the result
862 / 971.8 = 0.887 m3/hour.
To heat the specified room, you will need a pump with a capacity of at least 0.9 m3/hour. This indicator must be looked for in your passport.
To calculate this characteristic, you can use the following formula:
G = 3.6Q/(cx dT) kg/hour, where
c is the specific heat capacity of the medium used in heating.
The easiest way to choose a pump is if the boiler power is already known. In this case, you can apply the relation:
Q = N x dT, where
Q – unit productivity;
N – boiler power;
dT – temperature difference at the boiler outlet and return.
The photo above shows the correct connection of the unit for a heating system using a bypass. This placement allows the liquid to flow in a roundabout way if it is necessary to carry out repair work or replace the pump without stopping the functioning of the heating system. See how to make heating in an honest house yourself.
Important! The rotor is only positioned horizontally! The direction of flow is indicated by an arrow on the housing.
TOP 5 best inexpensive circulation pumps for heating
If you need a reliable circulation pump, but the budget for purchasing equipment is limited, you should pay attention to budget devices. They are available in the lines of domestic and some foreign brands.
VORTEX Ts-32/8
At a cost of just over 4 thousand rubles, this surface circulation pump has all the necessary characteristics for full operation.
The throughput capacity reaches 10.2 cubic meters per hour, and the maximum pressure reaches 8 meters, so the pump can be safely installed even in large two-story houses.
The equipment can be easily connected to a fixed power supply, and the power consumption is 245 W, so the pump will not put too much strain on the home network.
The body is made of aluminum, so the equipment is very light. At the same time, the material itself is resistant to moisture and does not rust even after prolonged use.
Specifications:
- installation length 180 mm;
- maximum head 8 m;
- power consumption 245 W.
pros
- there are several operating speeds;
- increased power;
- there is a bolt for bleeding air and water;
- affordable cost;
- ease of installation.
Minuses
- not always on sale;
- Installation accessories are not included.
ELITECH NP 1216/9E
Another successful model of a surface circulation pump, which, at an affordable cost, has thoughtful functionality and excellent performance characteristics.
The throughput capacity is not the highest and amounts to 1.38 cubic meters per hour, but the maximum pressure of 9 meters allows the pump to be installed even in two-story houses.
The pump housing is made of durable, wear-resistant cast iron . Thanks to this, the device can successfully withstand coolant temperatures up to +95 degrees, without loss of performance characteristics.
Another advantage of the equipment is that it can be installed both vertically and horizontally.
Specifications:
- weight 2.65 kg;
- network cable length 1.3 m;
- noise level 35 dB.
pros
- optimal power for home use;
- gives good water pressure;
- adequate cost;
- high-quality cast iron body;
- two-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Minuses
- not always on sale;
- Some users have difficulty installing.
VORTEX TsN-32-6
One of the most inexpensive pumps on the domestic market . It is produced by
a reliable and proven domestic manufacturer, and the equipment itself is designed for use in the climatic conditions of our country.
The base of the device is made of durable and wear-resistant cast iron . It has increased resistance to wear, is not affected by rust and successfully withstands increased pressure in the system.
The pump has a “wet rotor” wire design, and a sealed sleeve reliably isolates the drive from the starter, which makes the device completely safe to use.
In addition, this type of design makes the equipment almost completely silent.
Also, the equipment can set the operating speed to ensure constant circulation of the coolant with reduced energy consumption.
Specifications:
- weight 3.8 kg;
- installation length 180 mm;
- power consumption 90 W.
pros
- affordable cost;
- durable cast iron body;
- you can adjust the speed of water flow;
- suitable even for large private houses;
- quick and easy installation.
Minuses
- There are often manufacturing defects;
- There is no layer of paint on the carving.
Wester WCP 25-60G
Inexpensive, but of sufficient quality and functionality, a surface circulation pump that will help provide heat to even a large private house.
The throughput is 2.7 cubic meters per hour, and the maximum pressure reaches 6 meters. Due to this, the equipment can be safely integrated even into the heating system of two-story houses.
The pump body is made of cast iron, so the device can easily withstand coolant temperatures up to +110 degrees.
Another advantage of the device is that it can be installed both vertically and horizontally.
This greatly simplifies installation, so even beginners can install the boiler.
The speed can be switched manually, and three pressure speeds allow you to select the optimal heating intensity.
Specifications:
- installation length 180 mm;
- power consumption 93 W;
- maximum head 6 m.
pros
- reasonable cost;
- works successfully even in two-story houses;
- reliable cast iron body;
- simple and quick installation;
- There are three operating modes.
Minuses
- noisier than analogues;
- Over time, it begins to make strange sounds.
VALTEC VRS 25/6-180
This compact circulation pump successfully combines affordable cost and acceptable performance characteristics.
The throughput capacity is also high, amounting to 3 cubic meters per hour, and the maximum pressure of 6 meters allows the pump to be integrated even into the heating systems of two-story houses.
The manufacturer has taken care to ensure that the equipment has the longest possible service life..
For this purpose, the body of the device was made of durable cast iron. It successfully withstands high pressure and is resistant to corrosion, and can also withstand coolant temperatures up to +110 degrees.
Like many other devices of a similar type, this boiler can be mounted vertically and horizontally . This greatly simplifies installation and saves space during installation.
Specifications:
- installation length 180 mm;
- power consumption 93 W;
- maximum head 6 m.
pros
- suitable for horizontal and vertical installation;
- body made of durable cast iron;
- withstands high coolant temperatures;
- easy installation;
- There are three operating modes.
Minuses
- not always on sale;
- Some users find the pump too noisy.
What to look for when choosing
Choosing a circulation pump will become much easier if you pay attention to the following parameters:
- Performance. Different heating systems require a pump with an optimal level of performance. Therefore, the home owner should know the power of the installed boiler. For example, if a device designed for 40 kW operates in the circuit, then the pump should have a throughput capacity of 2.4 m³/h.
- Lifting height. Another important characteristic that you should definitely pay attention to. Experts advise using this simple formula: for 10 meters of pipeline – a pressure of 0.6 meters. Thus, it is not difficult to calculate that a heating main of 100 meters will require a pump with a lift height of 6 meters.
- Stream speed regulation. A fairly useful option, due to which it can independently change the speed of water movement. Some models are equipped with a switch for 2-3 positions; more modern ones have electronic regulators that automatically change the speed. The main thing: the indicator should not exceed 1.6 m/s.
- Power level. Each pump has its own electric motor with a certain power level. The thinner the pipe in the heating system, the more power it should have later. Some models have a power of 100 W, more complex models - 150 W.
- Materials. Pay attention to what materials the parts and components are made from, because this is what affects the service life of the device. Ideally, the body should be cast iron, the impeller and impeller should be plastic.
Which company should you choose?
Another important criterion for choosing a circulation pump is its manufacturer . It is better to give preference to models produced by specialized manufacturing companies.
They pay increased attention to the materials and reliability of their devices, provide a guarantee on pumps, and the devices themselves are completely safe and easy to use.
The best circulation pumps are produced by Grundfos, Wilo, Aquario, Wester and VORTEX.
Devices from these exact brands are included in the selection.
