January saw parts of the UK drop to -10°C, with freezing fog, snow and ice seen throughout the month, with many peoples’ heating systems and pumps breaking down as a result of the plummeting temperatures. The problem is more prominent in larger, older properties, and with systems which have not been turned on for long periods of time, allowing sludge and debris to build up in pipes and components. 

Wilo is now encouraging installers who are fixing or upgrading heating systems to not install ‘like-for-like’ fixed speed pumps, and instead seek higher efficiency models to help their customers save energy this winter and beyond.

For example, based on a cost of 34p per KwH for electricity, and the heating being on 24 hours a day, an old, fixed speed 100W pump could cost 82p to run. In comparison, a modern pump with an electronically commutated (EC) motor works from as low as 4W to a maximum of 40W, meaning a 60% reduction in electricity usage, and bringing running costs down significantly to approximately 33p per day. If the pump operates at a lower speed, these costs can be reduced even further, by as much as 80%.

Andy Thompson, national sales manager for plumbing and heating at Wilo UK, said: “Many homeowners, especially those who live in older or larger houses, often find that their heating systems break down at extremely inconvenient times, such as the height of a cold snap.

“While this is an inconvenience, it is also a chance for installers to help homeowners upgrade their system. There are many high-efficiency heating circulator pumps available on the market now, like those from our Yonos PICO range. These typically offer up to 80% better performance in terms of energy efficiency owing to EC motor technology, and many smart features like working only on demand to save homeowners money.”

Alongside being able to help homeowners in the cost-of-living crisis and to be more sustainable with energy usage, choosing modern pumps can help installers save time in both fitting, commissioning and maintenance.

“One of the big challenges that our plumbing and heating industry faces is that there just aren’t enough installers,” says Andy. “We know there’s a skills gap and installers are some of the most time-poor trade professionals. Attending a call-out can also be unpredictable, as fitters won’t know what they’re facing in airing cupboards until they get to site.

“That’s why choice of materials really matters. Products like ours in the Yonos PICO line have been designed with a small footprint to fit into tight spaces, with tool-free wiring for simple and faster connection. The range also uses features like pictograms to make the commissioning stage is much simpler and quicker.'