Circulating Pumps: Uses and Advantages in Heating and DHW

Circulator pump: uses and advantages in heating and DHW systems

5 minutes of reading

By Mariona Griera

April 14, 2025

The circulator pump is essential in heating and DHW systems, ensuring uniform heat distribution and improving energy efficiency. With models from Grundfos and Wilo, immediate thermal comfort, energy and water savings, and a more efficient and durable installation are guaranteed.

The circulator pump is an essential component in modern heating and domestic hot water (DHW) systems. This device ensures the constant circulation of water in a closed circuit, guaranteeing a uniform temperature distribution, greater thermal comfort, and better energy efficiency. Its use is common in homes, buildings, and all types of professional installations.

In this entry, we explain what a circulator pump is, how it works, and what its main uses and advantages are in heating and DHW. We also introduce you to two leading brands you can find at GroupSumi: Grundfos and Wilo, synonymous with reliability, innovation, and variety.

What is a circulator pump and how does it work?

A circulator pump, or recirculation pump, is a device designed to keep hot water moving within a closed circuit. Unlike pumps that supply water from an external source, circulators work by recirculating the hot water already generated by a heating or DHW system, such as a boiler, heat pump, or accumulator.

These pumps have a small motor that drives an internal impeller. As it rotates, it pushes the water through the pipes, overcoming the hydraulic resistance of the circuit. Thanks to its action, it ensures that hot water reaches radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water consumption points quickly and with adequate pressure, without temperature losses or waiting times.

Modern circulator pumps are usually compact, quiet, and energy-efficient. They are manufactured in two main configurations:

Wet rotor: the motor is in direct contact with the water, allowing for quiet operation and good cooling. They are the most common in residential installations.
Dry rotor: the motor is isolated from the fluid and is cooled by air. They are used in industrial installations or with higher flow rates.

Typical applications: heating, DHW, and more

Circulator pumps are used in a variety of HVAC and plumbing installations. Below, we will see their most common applications in the professional sector.

Heating

In heating systems, the circulator pump is essential for the hot water generated by the boiler to circulate through radiators or underfloor heating. Without it, the water would lose pressure and temperature as it moves through the circuit, creating cold zones, insufficient flow rates, and higher energy consumption.

Thanks to a circulator pump, a homogeneous distribution of heat is ensured throughout the installation. Additionally, many current models are variable speed, which means they automatically adjust their power to the necessary flow at any given time, reducing electrical consumption and system wear.

Domestic hot water (DHW)

In installations with accumulators or long circuits, it is common to install a recirculation pump for DHW. Its function is to keep the hot water in constant motion within the circuit, so that when the user opens a tap, the hot water comes out immediately without the need to let liters of cold water run.

This improves comfort, prevents water waste, and reduces waiting time. Many DHW pumps have a timer, thermostat, or programming to activate recirculation only when necessary, further optimizing consumption.

Thermal solar energy and other applications

Circulator pumps are also used in solar thermal energy installations, to move the heat transfer fluid between the solar panels and the accumulator. Likewise, they are present in cooling systems, water-based climate control, or even industrial processes. In all cases, their objective is the same: to keep the flow in motion to maximize heat transfer and system efficiency.

Main advantages of using a circulator pump

Installing a quality circulating pump in a heating or DHW system brings numerous benefits, both for the professional installer and the end user. Below, we summarize the most notable advantages:

Immediate thermal comfort: in both heating and DHW, heat or hot water quickly and stably reach all points of the system.
Energy savings: modern pumps consume little energy and, if they are modulating, they adapt their operation to the actual demand, reducing electrical consumption.
Water savings: especially in DHW, it prevents letting the tap run until hot water comes out, which represents significant water consumption savings.
More efficient installations: good circulation improves the performance of boilers, exchangers, and emitters, reducing the overall wear of the system.
Reliability and low maintenance: pumps from recognized brands are designed to last, with robust motors and materials resistant to corrosion and high temperatures.

Grundfos and Wilo: two benchmark brands in circulator pumps

In the circulator pump market, it is essential to talk about Grundfos and Wilo, two leading manufacturers worldwide. They have established themselves as benchmarks thanks to the quality, innovation, and reliability of their products. Both brands offer a wide variety of models to suit the needs of each project, from small homes to large industrial installations. Below, we highlight what each offers:

Grundfos: efficient technology for all types of installations

Grundfos is a Danish brand recognized worldwide for the quality and innovation of its pumps. Their circulator pump models incorporate high-efficiency motors, intelligent electronic control and adaptable operating modes such as AutoAdapt, which adjust performance according to the thermal demand of the system.

Among its most popular ranges are the ALPHA series (for residential heating), MAGNA (for large installations), and Comfort (for ACS recirculation). All models are designed to offer reliability, low consumption, and ease of installation, making them the preferred choice of many professionals.

Wilo: German reliability in water circulation

Wilo is another benchmark in the market, of German origin, offering efficient and robust solutions for the recirculation of hot water in all types of installations. Their pumps are designed with advanced electronics, intuitive control, and a wide variety of configurations to suit the needs of each project.

Models such as the Wilo-Yonos PICO, Stratos or Star-Z offer energy efficiency, adjustable flow rates, blockage protection, and soft starts. They are especially valued for their durability and ease of maintenance.

At GroupSumi, you will find a complete catalog of Grundfos and Wilo circulator pumps, with updated stock, competitive prices, and professional shipping. Our technical team can advise you to find the ideal model for each installation.

Find the ideal circulator pump at GroupSumi

If you are looking for a circulator pump that is reliable, efficient, and suited to your heating or DHW installation, at GroupSumi we have the solution. We work with leading brands like Grundfos and Wilo and offer a wide variety of models for domestic, commercial, and industrial installations.

Visit our online store and discover the entire catalog of circulating pumps, available with fast delivery and personalized attention. Improve the performance of your installations with the best water circulation technology.

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