WATER TREATMENT


www.heatingandventilating.net


Why water quality is the hidden driver of heating system efficiency


Mike Green, ADEY’s head of channel, explains why a total care approach to heating system protection and maintenance should be established to improve efficiency, protect asset life and support long-term performance


W


ater quality is a core driver of heating system performance, efficiency and long- term reliability. However, as contamination


can develop gradually, with no immediately obvious symptoms, problems may go unnoticed until performance has already been compromised or damage has occurred. Water quality should consequently be treated as a primary consideration throughout the design, installation and maintenance of a heating system.


The cost of poor water quality


Many organisations make significant investments in boilers, heat pumps and other system solutions, and it’s essential that these are protected to ensure system reliability and limit the chance of costly breakdowns. If a heating system is installed without the proper attention being paid to the water quality its performance and reliability could be compromised from the outset. The quality of water in a heating system affects


every component. The most common issues related to poor water quality are a build-up of magnetite sludge, corrosion and scale. As sludge builds up, it will gradually limit heat emitter output, while scale reduces heat transfer efficiency and poor water flow increases system run times. Even low-level


contamination can affect system efficiency long before failure occurs. Simply put, poor water quality can force boilers and heat pumps to work harder and consume more energy while delivering less effective heat output.


Protecting your investment


The knock-on effects of a damaged or contaminated system are wide reaching. With reduced energy efficiency comes an increase in bills, not to mention the extra maintenance costs when a system is experiencing problems like reduced flow and localised overheating. Ultimately, these issues will all contribute to


an increased likelihood of system breakdown as well as potentially limiting the boiler or heat pump lifespan. The long-term impact of reduced asset life also needs to be taken into account, along with the overall disruption that could be caused by a system that isn’t working as it should. Focusing the quality of the water will not only improve the performance of a heating systems but also to protect the investment that’s been made.


Best practice for best results


Ensuring long term water quality and providing effective system protection requires a best practice approach incorporating water testing, appropriate cleaning and chemical treatment, effective filtration and ongoing monitoring. Water testing should always come first as it


provides the evidence needed to understand the condition of the system and determine the appropriate course of action. For example, elevated levels of dissolved aluminium can indicate corrosion of aluminium components and boiler heat exchangers as well as highlight possible pH issues with system water. Identifying this at an early stage allows the correct preventative treatment to be specified before deposits begin to accumulate.


Ongoing testing then ensures any deterioration


can be identified and addressed quickly, helping to reduce the likelihood of component failure and the associated repair and replacement costs. The role of filtration is also key, as this helps to remove circulating debris and magnetite build up before it can build up in critical components. While addressing an existing water quality issue is important, adopting a best practice approach from the outset is where the biggest impact will be felt. This will help protect water quality over time, ensuring a high level of energy efficiency, reducing the risk of breakdowns and supporting long-term system performance


Setting up for success


It’s clear that water quality should be one of the first considerations when working with any heating system, no matter what the size and scale of the project. With the proper proactive approach from the beginning, organisations can ensure the efficiency promised at specification is delivered, breakdowns are mitigated and a significant investment is protected.


24 October 2026


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