AQVOCLIMA Insight

Water Quality & Heat Exchangers: A Simple Survival Guide

Bad water kills heat exchangers slowly and expensively. Filtration, scaling control, and correct flow are not optional.

AQVOCLIMA Technical Team · Updated 21 August 2026

Checklist

  • Install strainers and clean them periodically.
  • Prevent scaling with proper treatment where needed.
  • Keep flow within the recommended window.

Why fouling and corrosion reduce performance

Deposits add thermal resistance between the water and heat-exchanger surface. Corrosion products can also restrict narrow passages, increase pressure drop and reduce heat transfer.

Filtration and dirt separation

Install accessible strainers or dirt separators in the hydraulic circuit and inspect them after commissioning. Existing systems should be flushed before the heat pump is connected.

Water treatment must match the system materials

Test the fill water and follow the manufacturer’s limits for hardness, pH, conductivity and treatment products. Confirm compatibility with the heat exchanger, pipework, seals and any glycol mixture.

Flow, air removal and commissioning records

Verify design flow and pressure drop, remove trapped air and record the initial water condition. A commissioning record makes later maintenance checks and fault diagnosis more reliable.