Why Water Treatment Is Important in HVAC Systems

HVAC systems utilize water as their primary heat transfer fluid. Water is economical and efficient, but when left untreated can cause many headaches. Treating your water will increase efficiency, prolong equipment life and save money on operating costs.

 Prevents Scale Buildup

Scale buildup is one of the most common occurrences in HVAC water treatment. Hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium can settle out of solution and coat the surfaces of heat exchangers.

Scale creates a thermal barrier between the heat transfer surfaces and the water itself. This makes it harder for heat to be transferred, causing higher energy use and lower efficiency. Left unchecked, a small amount of scale can greatly decrease your system's efficiency. Water treatment keeps these minerals in solution or removes them from the water altogether.

  Mitigates Corrosion

Corrosion is another common issue. Oxygen, dissolved solids (salts), and pH level outside the desired range can corrode metal components within HVAC systems including pipes, pumps, heat exchangers, etc.

Corrosion can cause:

1.Equipment failure 

2.Maintenance headaches/downtime

3.Leaks throughout your system

A water treatment program should contain corrosion inhibitors and pH control.

  Controls Biological Growth

HVAC systems are conducive environments for bacteria, algae and biofilm growth, particularly cooling towers. If left untreated, microbes will contaminate the whole system.

Biological growth can:

Cause blockages and reduced flow rates

Impact heat transfer efficiency

Impact health & safety. Biological contaminants include bacteria such as legionella.

Water treatment removes/control microbial activity through biocides and filtration.

  Enhances Energy Efficiency

Fouling, scaling, and corrosion from untreated water cause your system to operate inefficiently. The more inefficient your system is, the harder it must work to reach your desired temperature setting. This results in an increase in energy usage.

A water treatment program allows your HVAC system to:

1.Operate at maximum heat transfer efficiency

2.Use less energy

3.Decrease utility expenses

Systems that use less energy help you save money and are better for the environment.

  Prolongs Equipment Lifetime

HVAC units are expensive investments. Hard water quality will wear down important pieces much faster.

Water treatment allows you to:

1.Preserve interior surfaces

2.Limit mechanical erosion

3.Limit repair and replacement services

This all adds up to prolonging the life of your HVAC unit itself.

  Helps Ensure Consistent System Performance

Poor water quality can cause system operation to be erratic. Pressure drops, heat transfer inefficiencies, and unplanned shutdowns can result from dirty water.

An effective water treatment program helps maintain:

1.Uniform water quality

2.Consistent system performance

3.Minimized operating risk

Conclusion

HVAC Water Treatment is Mandatory. Proper water treatment is essential for HVAC systems to operate efficiently, reliably and safely. Scale control, corrosion control and biological growth management can extend equipment life, reduce operating costs and maintain system performance.