There are many types of glycols, but the ones common in heating and cooling systems are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Glycol is used in the winter as an antifreeze due to its ability to intervene with hydrogen bonding, lowering the freezing point of water. In HVAC systems, glycols are used with water to create a heat-transfer fluid. Using glycol allows these systems to operate effectively under various temperatures making it versatile for multiple types of climates and applications.
However, as with any other system, a glycol-based system requires regular servicing. Neglecting your glycol system can lead to inefficiency, high operating costs, and potential breakdowns. Regular maintenance ensures that the system remains in good working condition and continues to operate at its best.
So why perform maintenance on the winter antifreeze in summer? While it may seem counterintuitive to focus on maintenance when the demand for heating decreases, servicing your glycol system during the summer months brings numerous benefits that directly impact its performance and longevity.
From mitigating water stagnation to preserving glycol quality and preventing bacterial contamination, its important to understand why summer service is a must for your glycol system.
Reduction In Use Leads To Stagnation Of Water
During the summer season, the demand for heating decreases, resulting in less circulation of the glycol solution. This reduction in use can cause water stagnation within the system. Stagnant water poses a risk of corrosion, which can damage components and reduce system efficiency.
Regular summer service, including system flushing and circulation checks, helps mitigate water stagnation, ensuring the glycol solution remains fresh and corrosive elements are removed.
Keep Glycol Homogeneously Mixed
Glycol systems rely on a homogenous mixture of glycol and water to cool your environment effectively. Over time, however, this mixture can become imbalanced and separate, especially during times of reduced usage.
When the glycol isn’t mixed correctly, the system’s cooling capacity can be compromised, leading to less effective cooling and increased strain. By servicing your glycol system in the summer, you can ensure that the glycol mixture remains balanced and that your system continues to cool your space effectively.
Keep Inhibitors Fresh
Inhibitors are crucial components of glycol systems, as they help prevent corrosion and scale formation. However, these inhibitors can degrade over time due to exposure to oxygen and contaminants.
During summer service, it is essential to assess the condition of the inhibitors and replenish them as needed. Fresh inhibitors help maintain the system’s corrosion protection, preserving the integrity of components and extending the overall lifespan of the glycol system.
Potential For Bacterial Contamination In Summer
Warmer temperatures during summer create favorable conditions for bacterial growth in glycol systems. Bacterial contamination can lead to fouling, biofilm formation, and system inefficiencies. Summer service offers an opportunity to implement preventive measures, such as biocide treatments and system inspections, to control and eliminate bacterial growth.
By addressing potential contamination risks, you can ensure the glycol system operates at its optimal performance and maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
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Be Proactive With Your System
Servicing your glycol system in the summer is an approach that can save you time and money in the long run. Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining your glycol system during the off-peak season. It helps prevent water stagnation, maintain the homogeneity of the glycol, keep inhibitors fresh, avoid bacterial contamination, all in preparation for the cold weather.
As you consider the importance of maintaining the glycol in your system, remember that selecting the right partner for your water treatment needs is just as crucial. If you are looking for a trusted provider to inspect, test, and service your glycol system, Tower Water can help.
We are committed to providing companies and building managers a one stop shop for all their water treatment needs. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships through customized solutions to address your specific issues.
To learn more about our water treatment services, contact Tower Water at 212.518.6475 or schedule an online consultation. We are ready to provide the expert help you need to ensure that your glycol and other water systems remain in top-notch condition.
