Understanding Taco Pumps: The Ultimate Guide for HVAC Professionals
- Corey Mullikin
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Every successful hydronic heating or chilled water system depends on reliable, efficient circulator pumps. Taco, Inc. has been a leader in pump innovation for over a century, offering models suited for residential, commercial, and light industrial applications. This guide dives into Taco’s history, product lineup, selection criteria, and maintenance best practices to help you choose and care for the perfect pump for your project.
A Legacy of Innovation
Taco, Inc. began in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1920 as the Thermal Appliance Company. Under the White family’s stewardship, Taco developed one of the first tankless water heaters and advanced tempering valves, setting industry standards for reliability and performance. The introduction of the original 007 circulator in the 1970s cemented Taco’s reputation for durable, easy-to-service pumps.
Key Product Lines
Residential Circulators: 007 Series
The Taco 007 series is tailored for single-zone hydronic heating. Its integral flow check (IFC) feature eliminates a separate check valve, saving installation time and cost. The replaceable cartridge design and three-year warranty make it a favorite among homeowners and contractors alike.
High-Efficiency ECM Pumps: 00e & VR Series
The 00e series is Taco’s most popular hydronic circulator. Equipped with a high-efficiency ECM motor, models offer low, medium, or high head options, delivering up to 65 ft of head and 320 GPM of flow. This flexibility suits diverse system demands and maximizes energy savings.
The VR series builds on the 00e foundation with self-sensing variable speed control, adapting on-the-fly to maintain system pressures while reducing electricity use by up to 85 percent compared to fixed-speed pumps.
Specialty Models: Bumble Bee & Vertical Inline
Taco’s “Bumble Bee” wet-rotor circulators automatically adjust speed to meet heat load, optimizing whole-house comfort and cutting energy consumption nearly in half compared to legacy models. Vertical inline pumps like the KV and KS series provide space-saving solutions for commercial building loops and chilled water applications.
How to Choose the Right Taco Pump
Selecting the proper Taco pump hinges on two primary factors: required flow rate and system head.
Calculate the system’s heat load in BTU/hr and the desired temperature drop.
Determine total head loss from friction and elevation changes.
Consult Taco’s Pump Curve Charts to match flow and head with a pump curve.
Ensure voltage compatibility (standard models run at 115 V/60 Hz) and consider options like Modbus or BACnet communication for building management integration.
Installation and Ongoing Maintenance
Proper installation and routine care extend pump life and preserve efficiency:
Verify shaft alignment and secure foundation quarterly.
Inspect and clean impellers, seals, and piping to prevent clogs.
Replace wear components via Taco’s cartridge seal kits, avoiding full-unit swaps.
Implement a preventive maintenance schedule to catch minor issues before they escalate.
Regular maintenance not only sustains quiet, efficient operation but also safeguards your investment by reducing unexpected downtime.
Training and Technical Support
Taco backs its products with extensive training and support:
The Taco Tuesday webinar series delivers one-hour, PDH-accredited sessions on pump curves, variable speed controls, plate heat exchangers, and more every other Tuesday at noon EST.
Online selection tools, technical bulletins, and factory-led education ensure your team stays current on pump technologies and best practices.
Working with a Taco manufacturer’s representative grants you direct access to application experts and custom-fabricated solutions for complex challenges.
Model Comparison at a Glance
Choosing a Taco pump means partnering with a century-old innovator committed to product quality, ongoing support, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re retrofitting a single-family home or designing a large-scale commercial system, Taco offers the right circulator to keep your hydronic system running smoothly and economically.