In today’s high-performance environments, HVAC excellence begins at the source. Proactive water quality monitoring reduces maintenance costs, minimizes downtime and supports long-term sustainability goals. Advanced digital technologies provide real-time insights, enabling facility managers to identify issues early and take corrective action before degradation occurs—helping HVAC networks run cleaner, longer and more efficiently.
From Source to System Expert Interview
Tony Lopez is a Sales Manager at Badger Meter with extensive experience helping commercial, industrial and institutional customers optimize building systems. In this interview, he explores how advanced water quality monitoring, intelligent data integration and flow measurement technologies are helping facilities reduce corrosion, enhance efficiency and extend the lifespan of HVAC infrastructure.
What role does water quality play in optimizing the performance, efficiency and longevity of HVAC systems?
Water quality directly affects how efficiently an HVAC system transfers heat and maintains performance. Corrosive or mineral-laden water damages internal components, restricts flow and increases energy demand, while balanced water chemistry supports consistent operation and longer equipment life.
Monitoring parameters such as pressure, pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) allows operators to detect imbalances before corrosion, leaks or heat transfer issues occur. Left unchecked, these imbalances can escalate into major repairs, reduced heat transfer efficiency or even health concerns such as microbiological growth within the system.
When paired with flow and energy data, water quality insights provide a complete picture of system health—helping operators optimize the entire hydronic network, not just individual components.
Why is water quality gaining prominence as a key priority across the HVAC industry?
Water quality is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in meeting modern energy and sustainability standards. Poor water chemistry leads to corrosion, scaling and reduced efficiency—issues that shorten asset life and increase operational expenses.
The shift toward connected, data-driven systems is transforming how facilities manage these challenges. Advanced water quality monitoring technologies now provide live visibility into system chemistry, allowing engineers to make precise, timely adjustments. As HVAC systems become smarter and performance expectations rise, continuous monitoring has become essential for maintaining efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
What steps can be taken to prevent corrosion and scaling while extending the HVAC system's lifespan?
Preventing corrosion and scaling starts with proactive water management. Monitoring dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and pressure helps maintain chemical balance and identify early signs of deterioration. Continuous data allows operators to adjust treatment programs and flow conditions before damage occurs—protecting efficiency and equipment life.
This approach is especially valuable for mission-critical facilities like hospitals, clean rooms and data centers, where stable water conditions are essential for uptime and performance. By implementing automated monitoring and alerts, operators can detect and resolve issues early—reducing maintenance costs, improving reliability and extending system lifespan.
What are the most common warning signs of water quality issues in HVAC systems?
Common warning signs include pressure fluctuations, reduced heat transfer efficiency, inconsistent temperature control, discolored water or visible buildup in strainers and filters. In severe cases, corrosion byproducts such as rust or pitting may appear on heat exchangers and pipework.
By the time these symptoms are visible, efficiency losses have likely already occurred. Continuous, data-driven monitoring helps operators detect these issues before they escalate, preserving both performance and equipment life.
Why are building designers and water quality consultants opting for the MetriNet®?
Mechanical service designers and water quality consultants are increasingly turning to MetriNet for its ability to deliver live, continuous monitoring across both open and closed-loop HVAC systems. While originally developed for potable water networks, MetriNet has since been specifically adapted to meet the unique demands of building services, where maintaining stable water chemistry is essential for system performance, longevity, and compliance.
Its modular design allows facilities to monitor up to eight water quality parameters simultaneously. Facilities can configure MetriNet to focus on key HVAC parameters or expand to include additional metrics for deeper operational insight. The system can also be retrofitted to existing infrastructure, offering a straightforward path to modernizing legacy systems with real-time digital visibility
Which parameters are most beneficial to monitor within an HVAC system?
In chilled and low-temperature hot water (LTHW) circuits, monitoring dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and pressure provides the strongest foundation for maintaining stability and efficiency. These parameters help identify early signs of corrosion, scaling and additive imbalance that can impact system performance.
For facilities with broader monitoring goals, additional parameters such as turbidity and biocides (including bromine, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone and hydrogen peroxide) can offer deeper insight into water quality and treatment effectiveness. However, if budgets are limited, focusing on dissolved oxygen and pH delivers the greatest return—helping prevent corrosion and preserve equipment life across HVAC networks.
How can facilities transition from manual to digital water quality monitoring?
Many facilities begin their transition to digital water quality monitoring by integrating smart, modular sensors, like MetriNet, during planned maintenance or retrofit projects. Its flexible design allows quick installation on existing HVAC infrastructure—often delivering live data within 30 minutes of setup. Starting with key measurement points, such as chiller loops or heat exchanger circuits, provides immediate insight into system health with minimal disruption. Over time, additional sensors and data tools can be seamlessly integrated into a Building Management System (BMS) or cloud platform, creating a connected monitoring network that enhances visibility, control, and long-term performance.
Final Thoughts
Water quality is the foundation of HVAC system excellence. By leveraging innovative technologies like MetriNet from the BlueEdge™ suite of solutions, facilities can detect issues early, prevent degradation and drive long-term efficiency. Together, intelligent water quality monitoring and advanced flow measurement help engineers build smarter, cleaner and more sustainable HVAC networks.
