Choosing the Right Heating Pump for Your Building

Key Heating Pump Types & Their Applications

1. End Suction Centrifugal Pumps – High-Capacity Heating for Large Systems
   – Best for: Large-scale heating systems
   – Why: Robust & cost-effective, handles high temperatures (up to 350°C). These pumps are the backbone of large-scale heating systems, ensuring consistent and efficient heat distribution. Designed for heavy-duty performance, they work well in district heating applications and high-flow systems where durability and operational flexibility are essential. Available in fixed or variable speed allowing for greater operational flexibility and optimised energy consumption based on system demand. These are simple, efficient and reliable pumps that handle extreme temperatures, making them perfect for demanding heating systems.
2. In-Line Circulator Pumps (Glanded) – Reliable Flow for Medium-Scale Heating Systems
   – Best for: Secondary heating systems.
   – Why: Efficient circulation, reduced wear & tear, flexible single/twin configurations. In-line glanded circulator pumps are designed to circulate heating water within various heating systems ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. They are commonly used in primary, constant, and variable temperature systems, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. Their mechanical seal and motor-driven design offers exceptional reliability and durability. These pumps are ideal for medium flow rates and are available in both single and twin-head configurations to suit different system requirements. Many modern options also feature built-in inverters (VSDs), allowing for enhanced energy savings and smart system control.
3. In-Line Circulator Pumps (Glandless) – High-Efficiency, Compact Pumping Solutions
   – Best for: Smaller heating loops, energy-efficient retrofits.
   – Why: Compact, low maintenance but slightly lower lifespan than glanded pumps. In-line glandless circulator pumps are an excellent option for compact applications. They offer high efficiency with minimal maintenance. Most modern glandless pumps operate on variable speed control, making them ideal for dynamic heating systems. These pumps are ideal for secondary, constant and variable temperature systems and are available in both single and twin-head configurations to suit different system demands. Featuring a canned motor without a mechanical seal, they offer a compact, low-maintenance design.
4. Hot Water Service (HWS) Pumps – Ensuring Safe, Continuous Hot Water Flow
   – Best for: Facilities requiring high water quality.
   – Why: Prevents stagnation & Legionella risk, made of corrosion-resistant materials. Hot water pumps (HWS pumps) are used on the secondary side of a heating system and are designed to circulate hot water to taps and maintain temperature in the hot water loop. Unlike the cast iron pumps used in the primary heating system, these pumps are available in both glanded and glandless designs, depending on system requirements. HWS pumps must be bronze or stainless steel to maintain water quality and prevent corrosion. When used in a duty/standby configuration, these pumps require regular duty swapping to prevent stagnation and reduce the risk of Legionella, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

The Bottom Line: Why Proper Heating Pump Selection Matters

Selecting the appropriate heating water pump isn’t just about meeting immediate heating demands—it’s about ensuring long-term reliability, energy efficiency and cost control. Poorly specified pumps can lead to excessive wear, increased maintenance costs and inefficient system operation, driving up energy bills unnecessarily.

In hospitals, universities and correctional facilities, factors such as building size, height, hot water demand, energy efficiency and the specific needs of the facility should guide the choice of pump systems. This is where expert advice and bespoke solutions are needed which Dura Pump can provide.