How Do Central Heating Pumps Work?

The central heating pump is an integral component within your central heating system. Essentially, it acts as the heart of the home, pumping the hot water from the boiler through the pipework and towards radiators and taps. but how exactly does the central heating pump do this? Let's take a look below...

Before understanding how central heating pumps work, it first helps to know the components involved. A central heating pump is comprised of various components, all of which work together to pump hot water to radiators and taps. Each central heating pump is made up of: a water flow inlet and water flow outlet, a disc impeller an electrical connection and a pump pressure adjustment controls. Pump pressure adjustment essentially controls the speed of the disc impeller, which in turn adjusts the water pressure by means of centrifugal force. Let's learn more...

Central Heating Pumps work by using something called a centrifugal design. The word 'centrifugal' may sound complex, however it is simply used to refer to the force created by any object that is moving in a circle. For example, if you were to take a bucket of water and spin it in a vertical circle at a certain speed, the water would not fall from the bucket. This is centrifugal force at play. Another example of centrifugal force is the simple playground roundabout; if a child goes fast enough on tone of these, they will feel as if they are stuck to the side of it. This is again centrifugal force at work.

In a central heating pump, the centrifugal force is created by a rotating disc impeller. The impeller sits fully submerged in water, next to a water flow inlet. when the impeller rotates, the water surrounding it is thrown outwards and the water at the centre of the disc is easily drawn in through the inlet. This process causes pressure to rise and thus water is pushed out of the pump at a higher speed than it entered.
 

Central Heating Pump Function step by step:

Step one:

Water heated from the boiler enters the central heating pump.

Step Two:

The submerged disc impeller inside the central heating pump rotates. This pressurises the water by means of centrifugal force and causes it to flow through the water outlet,

Step Three:

Pressurised, hot water exits through the outlet valve and flows through your homes pipework and makes its way towards your radiators and taps.