boiler feed water the hardness of the water

[hawks13]

We have an old boiler system that heats the hot water to heat the house. I was reading that for boiler feed water heaters that the hardness is very important. Is this true? and if so should the water be hard or soft?

Thanks,

[Andrew]

Hardness is not really a huge issue with forced hot water hydronic systems, because it is a closed loop system. You fill it once, and except for servicing, you leave it alone. You will not build up solids, because you are not continuously adding water.

As you inferred, with a domestic WATER HEATER, hardness is very much a factor. Soft water will make the water heater last much longer, preventing a build up of lime and calcium. Remember, you are constantly adding new water to the tank, which you are not doing with a heating boiler.

I defer to others on hardness for a steam system, as I have less experience there.

[Ed Imeduc]

Like said for the boiler you dont put in that much new water in it. For a hot water coil in it for the home hot water .Yes if the water is hard do something about it. But you can clean this coil out now and then if you have to

ED ;)