C · Glossary
Circulating pump
A circulating pump is a pump that moves water or heat-transfer fluid around a heating, hot-water or heat-pump circuit so heat can be carried between components.
A circulating pump is a pump used to move water or heat-transfer fluid around a closed heating, hot-water or heat-pump circuit. In home heat pump documents, it may appear as a heating circuit pump, domestic hot water pump, circulation set, integrated pump or pump inside an indoor unit or hydraulic module. The term identifies fluid movement in the system; it does not mean the pump produces heat, proves the heat pump is correctly sized or shows that an extra pump can be added safely.
Category
Heat pumps and heating
Applies to
Heat pumps & AC
Last reviewed
03 Jun 2026