September 27, 2022, 9:09 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The circulation pump is often referred to as the “heart of the heating system” because it ensures the circulation within a heating system. However, outdated pumps often turn out to be hidden energy guzzlers. When it’s worth replacing them and how much you can save.
A circulation pump, also known as a heating pump, ensures that the heated water is transported from the boiler to the individual radiators. According to the Consumer Center, the pump operates about 6,000 hours a year—mainly during the heating season in winter. This can account for up to ten percent of the annual electricity consumption in a house. Especially in times of energy crisis, it is worthwhile to replace outdated heating pumps with modern, energy-saving high-efficiency pumps.
Why You Should Replace Old Circulation Pumps
Old heating pumps can be real energy guzzlers. According to the German Heating Industry Association (BDH), they consume about 100 to 150 watts—whereas modern high-efficiency pumps use only about ten watts. “Modern devices are electronically controlled and therefore adapt to the current heating demand,” explains Frederic Leers from BDH upon request from myHOMEBOOK. In contrast, old pumps always run at the same power. According to the heating association, a new heating pump can save up to 80 percent—while the Consumer Center estimates savings of up to 90 percent.
An example calculation from BDH: At a current electricity price of about 30.22 cents per kilowatt-hour, you pay about 181 euros a year with an old heating pump—while with a new one, the costs are about 30 euros per year. “With rising electricity prices, the savings also increase,” says Leers.
What Types of Heating Pumps Are There?
There are four different types of heating pumps. The least efficient is the single-stage uncontrolled heating pump.
- Single-stage uncontrolled circulation pump: This is the oldest model among the pumps, which cannot be adjusted and always operates at the same power. This means it does not adapt to the actual heating demand. They can have a power consumption of over 100 watts.
- Multi-stage uncontrolled circulation pump: This pump can be adjusted, but it then runs continuously at this set value. There is a switch on the pump to select the different power levels. Usually, there are three between 30 and 80 watts.
- Electronically controlled circulation pump: These models were mostly installed between 1998 and 2007. They automatically adjust their power to the thermostat setting on the radiators and the outside temperature. The power consumption is between 25 and 60 watts.
- High-efficiency pump: These are the latest types of devices with the lowest power consumption. The high-efficiency pump automatically adjusts its speed to the actual heating demand and can be continuously regulated. The power consumption is between 3 and 18 watts.
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How Do I Know If I Have an Old Heating Pump?
According to the portal co2online, the device type can usually be read directly on the housing of the heating pump. For single-stage uncontrolled heating pumps, a single value such as 80 is displayed—meaning the consumption is about 80 watts. Depending on the type of heating pump, several values may also be read.
According to BDH, there are still about 17 to 20 million outdated and replaceable pumps in use in Germany. “If all these old pumps were modernized, the electricity savings would roughly correspond to the capacity of four large gas power plants,” says Leers.
By the way: According to the Consumer Center, the rule of thumb for replacement is: about 0.5 to 1 watt of electrical power is needed for each radiator.
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What Does a Replacement Cost?
The cost of a new heating pump varies depending on the installation effort and heating system. According to BDH, they usually range between 350 and 500 euros, including installation. Additionally, the replacement of old heating pumps with high-efficiency pumps is financially supported by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Currently, the investment grant is 15 percent.
Can You Save Energy with an Old Heating Pump?
In general, replacing outdated pumps is worthwhile—since the savings potential is high and the costs for replacement are relatively low. However, according to co2online, there are also a few immediate measures you can implement if, for example, there are still a few months until the technician appointment:
- At the end of the cold season, you should set the heating pump to summer mode—otherwise, the heating would run day and night in the summer, and electricity consumption would continue to rise.
- Multi-stage heating pumps can be manually adjusted—and owners should do so. This can save up to 50 percent. The lowest setting should be sufficient so that all radiators become warm.