Outdoor boilers also known as outdoor wood furnaces are great investments for home owners looking to go green with home heating which in turn lowers utility costs. We see them use wood as fuel to produce even and reliable heat which is a great fit for rural or off grid settings. But despite all the benefits which these have, outdoor boilers also present issues that many owners don’t pay enough attention to.
The #1 issue they have is that owners ignore water treatment.
May not seem like a big deal at the time but not treating your boiler water properly can end up costing you a lot in repairs and also do permanent damage. In this piece we will look into the importance of water treatment, what the results of neglect can be, and how Certified Liquid Armor Water Treatment provides a simple and effective solution to keep your system performing at the best level.
Also included will be a look at the different types of water treatments out there and what to look for in a quality product.
Why Is Water Treatment Important for Outdoor Boilers?
As explained in this article, Outdoor boilers use water as a means to transfer heat from the firebox into your home. This water moves through a network of pipes, it absorbs heat and delivers it where it is required. But water is not just a passive element in this process.
Untreated water may have dissolved minerals, oxygen and impurities that play an active role in degenerating your boiler system over time. As you apply heat, increase pressure and extend the time water is in the system, what was once non-threatening water can become the main source of large issues.
Water treatment performs many important tasks:
- Prevent Corrosion: Oxygen and salt in the water cause rust and break down the inner systems of the boiler.
- Control Scale Build Up: Minerals such as calcium and magnesium leave behind a scale that decreases the heat exchange performance.
- Maintain pH Balance: Water which is to extreme in its acid or base content can damage the metal elements and reduce the life of the system.
- Improve System Efficiency: Treated water allows for better heat transfer and also puts less strain on the pumps and valves.
Without these interventions the system is run under a stress that is sure to result in failure.
What Happens When You Neglect Water Treatment?
Invest in a high performance outdoor boiler which ends up with:
- Premature failure of heat exchangers
- Frequent pump replacements
- Leaks and weld failures
- High fuel consumption and low efficiency
These are the results of a system that has internal corrosion or mineral buildup. Also once corrosion sets in it is a permanent issue which you can only deal with at great expense.
One of the most common and devastating problems is pitting corrosion which sees untreated water eat at metal surfaces in very small but very intense spots. Over time these pits turn into full scale holes which cause leaks and in the end force you to replace major parts or even the entire boiler out.
Also we see scale accumulation in pipes and heat exchangers. A small layer of scale can reduce heat transfer by over 10% which in turn makes your system burn more wood and run longer for the same results.
So the real question is: Can this all be prevented with a simple water treatment?
Yes it can.
Meet Certified Liquid Armor Water Treatment
Today’s most trusted solution is Certified Liquid Armor Water Treatment. We have designed this for outdoor wood furnaces and put in it what we felt were the best solutions to the issues you‘re dealing with.
Key Benefits:
- Corrosion Inhibitor: We put in protection for all metal parts from rust and break down.
- Scale Control Agent: We included this to prevent mineral build up and to keep your heat exchange surfaces clean.
- pH Buffer: We put in a element to maintain that ideal pH level for long term system health.
- Non Toxic & Safe: We have it certified for safe use and it is also compatible with a variety of boiler brands.
We also see to it that regular use of Liquid Armor extends the life of your boiler and in many cases will preserve your warranty as many manufacturers require water treatment to maintain that.
We also include a do it yourself water sample test kit at home, so you can see what is going on in your system’s chemistry and make adjustments as needed.
How Often Should You Treat Your Boiler Water?
A very common issue we see is that owners don’t know how often they should be checking and treating their boiler water which we will address:
- Upon install or when performing a fill up– always treat the water.
- Quarterly Check Up – we recommend using water test strips every 3 months to check in on pH, nitrite and hardness levels.
- Annual Report Card – at a minimum once a year do a full flush out and put in fresh, treated water.
Not maintaining these intervals is a sure fire way to see your systems health decline — a few months of neglect may see you dealing with issues for years to go.
Are you aware of what your present water chemistry is? If not, get testing.
What Questions Should Outdoor Boiler Owners Be Asking?
When it comes to protecting your outdoor heating system, information is your first line of defense. Ask yourself:
- When was the last time I tested my boiler water?
- Do I have enough Liquid Armor on hand for a full treatment?
- What is the pH of my system right now?
- Is my warranty still valid, and have I met the treatment requirements?
- Have I noticed higher wood consumption or longer heat times lately?
These questions can help you catch small issues before they become expensive problems.
Real-World Consequences: A Cautionary Tale
In the case of a homeowner in Minnesota which is going without water treatment for three winters thinking the cold would take care of it. By the 4th season leaks were seen in the heat exchanger and an issue with a pump due to hard scale built up. The repair price tag? Close to $1,800 also which did not include down time over peak winter.
Also compare that with the cost outlay for a bottle of Certified Liquid Armor Water Treatment: under $50.
That is the choice put to you.
Conclusion: Protect What Heats You
Your outdoor boiler is the heart of your home’s heat – just as you put oil in your car you should be putting water treatment in your boiler. We see the top mistake outdoor boiler owners make is in not using water treatment at all.
The #1 issue outdoor boiler owners face is not using water treatment.
But you have the knowledge now to change that mistake fully. With the easy, affordable option likeCertified Liquid Armor Water Treatment you can do:
- Prevent large scale repairs
- Extend your boilers life
- Improve performance
- Keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid
Don’t wait for there to be a problem. Act now.
Check your water. Treat your system. And enjoy warm, efficient comfort all season long.
Want more tips and products to protect your system? VisitOutdoorBoiler.com for expert advice, maintenance guides, and everything you need to keep your outdoor furnace running strong.
FAQS
1. Why is water treatment important in boilers?
Boiler corrosion – water has oxygen which causes the thin out and pitting of the metal parts. This in turn interferes with the heat transfer in the boiler and also the water quality. Right water treatment for boilers will get rid of the oxygen from the water and help to put off corrosion.
2. Do all boiler systems require water treatment?
Water is the base for a boiler system — but also is the biggest enemy to its performance and longevity. In the absence of treatment or poor treatment water deposits minerals, fouls pipe work, and brings in contaminants into the steam system.
3. What is the main purpose of water treatment?
Water treatment is to remove impurities and to reduce the concentration of what remains so that the water is fit for what you want to do with it. This is a health issue for people which also extends to the use of that water for irrigation. At Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C.
4. Is water treatment worth it?
Though the initial price of a whole home water filtration system is high the long term savings in bottled water use, reduced soap use, and extended life of appliances and plumbing is a good pay back.
5. Can vinegar be used to purify water?
We did some research and found out that by adding diluted acetic acid (vinegar) to affected water (at the site) causes bacteria to grow which changes the make up of the chromium compounds thus making them safe.
