Your hydronic heating system is essential for comfort and efficiency, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. Neglecting maintenance and water quality can lead to costly failures and energy waste.
The Risks of Poor Maintenance
Hydronic systems rely on water to transfer heat. When that water isn’t properly treated, oxygen and minerals attack metal components, causing corrosion that leads to leaks and premature equipment failure. Scale and sludge buildup are equally damaging. Minerals form hard deposits on heat exchangers, while rust and debris clog pipes and radiators. This reduces heat transfer, forcing boilers to work harder and driving energy costs up sometimes by 30–40%.
Air trapped in the system creates cold spots and noisy pipes, while low-temperature systems can develop microbiological growth, forming biofilm that restricts flow and further reduces efficiency. These issues don’t just affect comfort—they shorten equipment life and increase downtime.
The Cost of Neglect
Ignoring these fundamentals can double your energy bills and cut equipment life in half. A boiler failure in mid-winter isn’t just inconvenient, it can disrupt operations, damage tenant relationships, and lead to emergency repair costs that far exceed routine maintenance.
Protect Your Investment
Schedule annual hydronic maintenance that includes lab analysis of hydronic fluids. Use demineralized water for new installations and monitor glycol levels regularly. Partner with an HVAC professional, like Pleune, who understands water chemistry as well as mechanical parts.
Bottom line: Proactive maintenance and water treatment keep your system efficient, reliable, and long-lasting. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of failure.
Ready to protect your system? Contact Pleune Service Company today for a comprehensive hydronic maintenance program.
