Will adding an ‘on/off’ switch to my floor heating manifold pump save money?
There is no doubt that the sky-rocketing cost of energy has focused consumers on energy efficiency. We all want to save money! Adding a floor heating manifold pump ‘on/off’ switch sounds like a logical way to improve efficiency. If the pomp is turned off its not using energy. However, consumers should be aware that adding an ‘on/off’ switch is not recommended for all manifolds, specifically a manifold that has a modern energy efficient pump. In fact, adding an ‘on/off’ switch to a system that has an energy efficient manifold pump can lead to unexpected costs.
Should I add an “on/off” switch to my pre 2015 manifold pump?
Floor heating installed prior to August 2015 will most likely have an older type inefficient manifold pump. Adding an on/off switch to this type of pump can significantly improve energy efficiency. However, there are some things to consider before you do. The average lifespan of a manifold pump is between 15 and 20 years.
If your pump was manufactured prior to 2015 and has been in service less than 15 years and is in good condition, then adding an “on/off” switch can significantly improve energy efficiency.
If your pump was manufactured prior to 2015 and has been in service longer than 15 years, your money is better spent replacing the old pump with a new energy efficient model.
If your pump was manufactured prior to 2015 and is a proprietary model that is difficult to replace, or the manifold is in poor condition, we recommend replacing both the manifold and the pump.
Should I add an “on/off” switch to my post 2015 energy efficient pump?
Floor heating manifolds that were manufactured and sold in the Netherlands after August 2015 are required by law to have an energy efficient pump. These pumps are classified as A-label pumps and have sensitive integrated electronic components that regulate the speed and output based on demand. A-label pumps can reduce energy consumption van 70-90% in comparison to the older pre 2015 models. The improved efficiency translates into a savings on your energy bill of 80 to 120 euros annually.
The savings gained by adding an on/off switch to an A-label pomp are negligible. You might generate a savings on your energy bill of 2 -3 euro over the entire year. It will be several years before you recover the cost of installing the switch. Unfortunately, the unintended consequences of adding the switch can be significant. The electronics components that control an energy efficient pump can be damaged by constantly powering it on and off. In some cases the use of this type of switch in combination with an A-label pump may void the manufacturer warranty! Check the manufacturer recommendations for your manifold and pump before you install one.
Most modern heating manifolds are equipped with a Wilo Para or a Grundfos Alfha pump by the manufacturer. These pumps have been specifically chosen by manifold manufacturers for their price-quality ratio and efficiency specifications. These twp specific pumps are not normally sold separately and only come in one size. If your looking for a replacement pump we recommend installing a Wilo Yonos Pico or the Wilo Stratos Pico pump. These two pumps come in many sizes and are part of the Premium Energy-Efficient Underfloor Heating Pumps from Wilo.
Conclusion
The “on/off” switch can significantly improve energy efficiency to an older model floor heating manifold pump that is not ready for replacement. The ‘on/off’ switch is not recommended for modern energy efficient manifold pumps as the savings gained is negligible and it could damage the electronics in the pump. Your money is better spent upgrading an old pump to a new energy efficient model instead of adding a an ‘on/off’ switch to an older pump that is due for replacement. Most importantly, replace an old pump before it stops working. If the pomp quits you will find yourself in the cold until you can source a new pump and someone to install it.