Secondary return advice

[Dan Masey]

A family friend has asked me if its worth installing a secondary return on their megaflo. The bathroom is quite far from the cylinder (in the garage) and takes 20/30 seconds for the hot to reach it. His only concern was the cost in electric to run the pump constantly? Is there a way of controlling the pump so its not being wasted during the day when the house is empty... Any help / advice would be great. Ta

 

[Reg Man]

I would not concern your self about the running cost of the pump as the new ones are quite efficient. You will require the more expensive bronze pump as it is on domestic side of the system. I would concentrate on a high grade of lagging to ensure minimum heat loss on the secondary loop. It will most likely save you money in the long term if your wasting 30 seconds of hot water every time you run the tap.

 

[Dan Masey]

Yea all the pipes are well lagged with armaflex. I see your point regarding the cost in the long run saving money but what would be the best way to control it if they wanted?

 

[Howsie]

30 seconds is on the limit. The secondary return pump can be on a timer to run during normal usage hours.

 

[Reg Man]

May be better to fit an aquastat rather than a timer. Then the pump will only run when it needs to.

 

[Dan Masey]

May be better to fit an aquastat rather than a timer. Then the pump will only run when it needs to.

Do you mean a pipe stat? Like at the furthest point to the cylinder?

Howsie, what programmer / timer would be best for running a single pump then?

 

[Howsie]

Any single channel timer would do it or even a simple plug timer.

 

[Reg Man]

Do you mean a pipe stat? Like at the furthest point to the cylinder?

Howsie, what programmer / timer would be best for running a single pump then?

Its a bit like a pipe stat, it electronically controls the pump through changes in temperature. So to cold and it will kick the pump in; Hot enough it will turn the pump off.

 

[vern]

Dan grundfos do one with built in timer but its not cheap, or do what I did, wire a bronze pump via P.I.R's wired to kick the pump in these have overrun times you can set via dip switches, so can run on if required after last movement, they can be IP rated if in bathrooms and very discreet, you see them in commercial toilets like shopping centres etc a lot, I did this for a guy who is a geek lol

 

[AWheating]

Dan grundfos do one with built in timer but its not cheap, or do what I did, wire a bronze pump via P.I.R's wired to kick the pump in these have overrun times you can set via dip switches, so can run on if required after last movement, they can be IP rated if in bathrooms and very discreet, you see them in commercial toilets like shopping centres etc a lot, I did this for a guy who is a geek lol

ive always wanted a pir that operates a device that warms my toilet seat and toilet paper.

 

[vern]

ive always wanted a pir that operates a device that warms my toilet seat and toilet paper.

Lol this guys blinds and curtains were on timers with light sensors!

 

[Reg Man]

Pal of mine, can do the blinds, open windows, turn the heating on an off, reset the burglar alarm, remotely from any where he is with an Ipad. That's nuts! Lives in Hampstead North London, say no more.

 

[Dan Masey]

Lol, love the idea of the PIR sensor. My only concern is, if I popped into the upstairs toilet for a tinkle, would the pump kick in quick enough before iv finished to get hot water to the basin tap.

 

[Ermintrude]

Pir is a nightmare. Don't always see u. Toilets in office new builds had solenoids to shut off water....... Designer forgot that cisterns take a bit longer to fill than 25seconds.

 

[Dan Masey]

Oops. Lol. I think I'll just use a programmer and have it come on for the times when the hot water is normally on. Only and hour in the morning, evenings and weekends. Can't cost that much in leccy can it.

 

[Kev the gas]

Just dont use plastic pipe !!

Can of worms !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[vern]

PIR are sound as long as they are good quality, like any thing else

 

[AWheating]

Lol, love the idea of the PIR sensor. My only concern is, if I popped into the upstairs toilet for a tinkle, would the pump kick in quick enough before iv finished to get hot water to the basin tap.

you wash your hands??