4 Ways Hard Water Damages your System

Hard water can harm your boiler and lead to a variety of issues. The large number of minerals in hard water can also cause problems with your plumbing pipes due to corrosion. One of the main reasons that hard water is a significant issue is that it turns the minerals into solid scale particles once the boiler heats the water. Ultimately, these minerals can build up and negatively impact your equipment. Over time, this buildup of minerals can lead to significant repair costs.

Interested in learning more? Here are four more ways that hard water impacts your boiler.

#1 Reduced Energy Efficiency

One of the main problems with hard water is that it reduces the energy efficiency of your boiler. The boiler's elements must operate longer due to the buildup of particles that makes it much more difficult to heat the water. Over time, the reduction in energy efficiency can quickly add up and cost you a lot of money, while also causing additional stress on your heating system.

#2 Additional Maintenance

Another common issue with hard water is that it often leads to more frequent maintenance. You will need to schedule preventative maintenance regularly to maximize the lifespan of your equipment and avoid costly repairs. An HVAC tech can help you determine if scale accumulation is an issue and how many times you should flush your system to reduce the buildup of minerals.

#3 Loud Noises

You may also notice that your boiler is making a rattling or clanking noise. These additional sounds happen due to the minerals being knocked around inside the tank. Over time, the pressure in the tank will continue to grow due to the increasing number of minerals. Fortunately, modern-day boilers have safety components that will shut the system down before the pressure becomes too strong. However, you will be without heat and will need to contact an HVAC company as soon as possible for repairs.

#4 Decreased Lifespan for Equipment

Poor water quality can eventually result in element failure and require you to hire a technician to repair or replace your boiler. The buildup of these particles may also eventually cause a rupture that leads to significant repair costs. 

Understanding the common side effects of hard water on your boiler system is important to help you avoid expensive repairs. Low-quality water often reduces energy efficiency, requires additional maintenance, creates more noise, and lessens the lifespan of your equipment. However, knowledge is key in remaining proactive to help your system operate efficiently. An HVAC company can also help monitor your boiler on a routine basis to avoid any significant issues and save you money in the long term.

Interested in learning more about why we always recommend installing a water filtration component to your home's boiler?

Contact The Oil Boys today for more information!