Small circulating pumps are a key component of all wet heating systems in the UK. They perform as standalone pumps or as integrated pumps in combi and system boilers and they keep the water circulating in underfloor heating systems and air conditioning units too. They are responsible for a much higher percentage of overall household electricity usage than many realise which is why old uncontrolled pumps were targeted by European legislation as a key way of reducing residential energy usage.
ErP legislation saw new demands on new pumps being installed and then in equipment that had an integrated pump as part of the technology. From January 2013 high efficiency pumps were demanded by EU Legislation and as 2013 unfolded and availability of anything other than high efficiency options declined, specifiers began to specify the high efficiency options. Now, three years down the line, high efficiency pumps have been accepted and are being purchased and specified in their thousands.
But does this mean that now in 2017 the problem of old uncontrolled pumps is behind us? The fact remains that whilst there are fewer – there are still many millions of old, uncontrolled small circulators operating in heating systems across the UK. So there is still huge potential to further reduce energy use and energy bills. But in many cases it will require the old pump to fail before it gets replaced.
The new generation of small circulators benefit from advanced technology - the vastly improved electronics and the arrival of electronically commutated motors (ECMs) for example.
Wilo’s series of glandless pumps - Wilo-Yonos PICO, Wilo-Stratos PICO and Wilo-Stratos – are seeing increasing popularity across the board. They are relevant for nearly all applications for heating, air-conditioning and cooling in the building services area.
To find out more about Wilo’s small circulating pumps, just click on to www.wilo.co.uk.
