Which Heat Transfer Fluid is best for my HVAC system?
When it comes to choosing the right Heat Transfer Fluid for an industrial HVAC system, the choices are many and varied. From simple distilled water formulas to innovative chemical mixtures that utilize glycols and ethanol to improve heat transferability and prevent freezing, making the right choice for your system is vital. The best fluid depends, of course, on the requirements of the HVAC system in question. Here, we’ll look at the factors to consider when choosing a HTF for a HVAC system, uncover the complications that can arise with the wrong choice of fluid and recommend the most suitable options for common HVAC applications.
If you’re looking for advice on which Heat Transfer Fluid is the optimal choice for your HVAC system, contact a member of the CORECHEM team today.
What to consider when choosing Heat Transfer Fluids
The right Heat Transfer Fluid for your system should offer long-term reliability and optimum performance. One of the most important choices, which generally narrows down the field of options, is the operational temperature range. For most, maximum operating temperature is key while those that operate in extremely cold climates will also consider the minimum operating temp. You may also wish to consider the environmental impact, the toxicity, viscosity and susceptibility to biofouling amongst other things.
Why use water in a HVAC system?
The majority of HVAC systems utilize a water-based formula. Water is cheap to use, has a high thermal capacity and low viscosity making it perfect for use in HVAC. But, it is susceptible to contamination from bacteria and other organisms which can lead to system damage and it is difficult to manage and largely unstable at temperature. In short, water can be used in a HVAC system but to operate at an optimum level, a chemical compound that utilizes ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol as well as deionized water will improve the efficacy and lifespan of your system.
Are glycols or alcohols most effective in a HVAC system?
Glycols, including ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol) and Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) are chemicals that prevent water from freezing. Used in many cooling and heating applications, Propylene glycol, in particular, has low toxicity and is suitable for use in systems that are likely to come into contact with humans, animals and wildlife, such as open-loop systems.
When compared with glycols, alcohol-based fluids such as ethanol and methanol have excellent heat characteristics and less viscosity at lower temperatures. They are, however, flammable which makes them primarily suitable for closed-loop systems
Why is choosing the right Heat Transfer System so important?
Heat Transfer Fluid is a vital part of the puzzle in the smooth and effective operations of any HVAC system. The wrong HTF can make your HVAC system vulnerable to corrosion, freezing and system break down, while the right HTF will ensure optimal efficiency and can extend the life span of your system.
The best Heat Transfer Fluid for geothermal systems
We recommend an ethanol based HTF for geothermal applications. Ethanol is less viscous at lower temperatures than propylene glycol meaning the fluid is easier to pump and requires less energy to power. It’s often used at a 20-25% concentration making it a cheaper alternative to propylene glycol. At CORECHEM, we advise our customers to use Exo Endosol+™ 101, a premium ethanol-based geothermal fluid which has a long life expectancy and excellent heat transferability. Exo Endosol+™ 101 is a non-toxic geothermal fluid that requires less maintenance than glycols and it is available for CORECHEM customers in:
- 5 gallon carboys
- 15 and 55 gallon drums
- 275 gallon totes
- Full bulk tank trucks
Get in touch to find out more about HTFs for geothermal systems
The best HTF for closed-loop systems
A closed-loop HVAC system is a sealed unit which continuously circulates a fixed volume of fluid. While the system is likely to be more costly to set up than an open-loop alternative, the same Heat Transfer Fluid will be used on a loop so less HTFs are required on a long-term basis. At CORECHEM, we advise our customers to use GlycoChill+ E200 Inhibited Ethylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluid for their closed-loop HVAC systems. This innovative chemical compound contains Ethylene Glycol and corrosion inhibitors to protect against degradation and corrosion. It has excellent heat transfer capacity and less issues with viscosity at low temperatures. It is worth noting though, that this product is toxic to humans and wildlife so is not recommended for open loop systems or those that may encounter potable water. Personal Protective Equipment should be used when handling Ethylene Glycol products. At CORECHEM, we send two highly experienced staff members to all bulk fill installs of GlycoChill+. GlycoChill+ E200 is available to CORECHEM customers in:
- 5 gallon carboys
- 15, 30, & 55 gallon drums
- 275 & 330 gal totes
- Full bulk tank trucks.
- This product is also easily customized with options such as custom dye, dilution, and/or packaging.
Want to know more about GlycoChill+, our exclusive line of inhibited glycols? Get in touch with a member of our team today.
Which is the best heat transfer fluid for Safety & Environmental concerns?
For many, the appeal of Geothermal energy lies in its sustainability. Geothermal energy is renewable, reliable and undoubtedly has less impact on the planet than use of traditional fossil fuels. For customers concerned with environmental factors, our number one recommendation would be our GlycoChill+ P200 Inhibited Propylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluid. This Propylene Glycol HTF contains corrosion inhibitors to protect against system degradation and is the safest and most popular of our HTFs. It is non-toxic, easy to handle and the majority of it will be plant derived making it a great choice if the health of the planet is your primary concern. The GlycoChill+ P200 series comes in:
- 5 gallon carboys
- 15, 30, & 55 gallon drums
- 275 & 330 gallon totes
- Full bulk tank trucks.
- As with all of our GlycoChill+ products, the P200 series is easily customized with options such as custom dye, dilution, and/or packaging.
If you have question regarding which Heat Transfer Fluid is right for your HVAC system and we haven’t answered them here, please get in touch with us today and speak to a member of our expert team.
