Circulator Pumps
Pumps have a spinning shaft called a rotor that is rotated by a magnetic field created by coils of wire that surround it. The spinning rotor circulates water through the boiler distribution system.
Traditional circulator pumps run at one fixed speed and use some electricity to magnetize their rotor. Electronically commutated motor (ECM) circulator pumps can modulate their speed and use permanent magnet motors that don’t require any electricity to have magnetic properties. ECM circulator pumps provide a number of advantages:
Advantages
| # | Feature | Function | Benefit |
| 1 | Low price after instant discount | Cost less than traditional circulator pumps. | Save money up front |
| 2 | High efficiency motor | Reduces operating costs 85% compared to traditional circulator pumps | Save $320 over its life* |
| 3 | Permanent magnet motor | The rotor does not consume electricity to act as a magnet. | Reduced electric bills |
| 4 | Variable speed | Speed adjusts to match the load. If only one small zone needs heat, then the pump can run slowly. If a large, distant zone needs heat, the pump can speed up to keep a constant flow or pressure. Only the power that is needed is used. | Reduced electric bills and possibly longer life |
| 5 | Variable power | To avoid jams caused by sediment collecting after prolonged periods without use, some ECM pumps are programmed to start at full power and then ramp down to match demand. This can clear sediment that could otherwise jam the pump. | Reduced service calls |
| 6 | Variable direction | If sediment causes a pump to jam, some ECM pumps can automatically reverse themselves temporarily to attempt to clear the jam. | Reduced service calls |
* This example assumes replacing an 87.7 watt PSC pump with a 14.4 watt ECM pump running for 1,374 hours per year for 20 years at a cost of $0.16/kWh. Your savings may differ.
Click here for our Introduction to ECM Circulator Pumps brochure.