North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

What are the two types of water circulating pumps used in hot water heating systems?

1. Manual and automatic

2. Intermittently and continuous

3. Intermittently and constant operating

4. Electric and gas

The correct answer is: Intermittently and constant operating

In hot water heating systems, the two types of water circulating pumps are intermittently operating and constant operating pumps. Intermittently operating pumps are designed to turn on and off based on the heating demand. They will activate when there is a need for hot water, such as when a thermostat senses that the temperature has dropped below a certain level. This type of operation can be more energy-efficient, as the pump only runs when necessary, reducing overall electricity usage. Constant operating pumps, on the other hand, continually circulate water regardless of demand. This can ensure that hot water is readily available at all times, which might be particularly beneficial in larger systems where immediate access to hot water is desired. However, this can lead to higher energy consumption since the pump operates continuously, making it less efficient in terms of energy use. Thus, the distinction between these two types revolves around how they manage the flow of water in relation to heating demand, impacting both efficiency and availability of hot water.