HVAC Water Testing Services
The water that circulates through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy efficiency, protecting equipment, and ensuring a healthy indoor environment. From cooling towers and chillers to closed-loop heating systems, the quality of HVAC water can influence corrosion rates, scale formation, and even air quality within a building.
"*" indicates required fields
Why Test HVAC Water?
HVAC systems often rely on water as a thermal transfer medium. Over time, this water can accumulate impurities—from minerals and dissolved solids to biological growth. Left unchecked, these contaminants can cause:
Reduced Efficiency
Corrosive conditions, scaling, and biofilm formation impair heat exchange and force systems to work harder, raising energy bills.
Premature Wear & Downtime
Corrosion weakens pipes, valves, and heat exchangers. Scale deposits lower system efficiency and can lead to costly repairs or early equipment replacement.
Legionella & Microbial Risks
Cooling towers and other open-loop systems can foster bacteria, including Legionella, posing serious health risks if not properly monitored and managed.
Non-Compliance with Standards
Many jurisdictions and industry guidelines (e.g., ASHRAE 188 for Legionella management) recommend or mandate periodic testing to ensure the safety and efficiency of HVAC systems.
Key Testing Parameters & What They Reveal
pH and Alkalinity:
Why Test:
Proper pH balance is critical to prevent corrosion and scaling. Alkalinity levels guide water treatment decisions, ensuring optimal
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Conductivity & Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):
Why Test:
High TDS can indicate excessive mineral content, which leads to scale buildup, reducing heat transfer efficiency.
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium):
Why Test:
Hard water minerals precipitate as scale on heat exchanger surfaces, increasing energy consumption and wear on equipment.
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Corrosion Indicators (Iron, Copper):
Why Test:
Elevated metal concentrations suggest corrosion of pipes or equipment. Early detection enables targeted corrosion
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Microbial Activity & Legionella Testing:
Why Test:
Biofilms and bacterial growth reduce heat exchange, raise health risks, and promote corrosion. Routine microbial testing and
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Inhibitor & Biocide Residuals:
Why Test:
Many HVAC systems use chemical treatments—corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocides—to maintain water
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Real-World Applications
Commercial Office Buildings:
Maintain comfort and energy efficiency by preventing scale buildup in chillers and ensuring that cooling tower water meets recommended microbial standards.
Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
Minimize Legionella risk with routine microbial screening, supporting patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Data Centers
Improve heat transfer efficiency and system reliability by optimizing the chemical balance in high-stakes cooling systems that protect sensitive equipment from overheating.
Industrial Complexes
Preserve expensive mechanical components by controlling corrosion and scaling in steam and hot water loops critical for process heating and climate control.
From Data to Actionable Insights
At PITS Environmental, we don’t just provide numbers—we interpret results in the context of your system’s design, operating conditions, and regulatory obligations. We help you:
Fine-Tune Treatment Strategies:
Adjust chemical dosing or filtration systems to maintain stable water chemistry that prevents corrosion, scaling, and microbial growth.
Implement Preventative Maintenance:
Use test data to anticipate issues before they become expensive problems, scheduling cleaning, flushing, or component replacements proactively.
Validate Upgrades & Retrofits:
Monitor water quality before and after introducing new equipment or changing chemical regimens to confirm improvements in efficiency and longevity.
Quality Assurance & Expertise
Accredited Testing Protocols
Our laboratory adheres to industry-recognized standards and undergoes regular proficiency testing to ensure accurate, reliable results.
Consultative Approach
Our team of water treatment specialists, chemists, and microbiologists partners with your facilities or maintenance staff to design testing schedules, interpret
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Adaptive Solutions
As buildings grow smarter and more interconnected, we stay updated on emerging guidelines, advanced corrosion inhibitors, and innovative water
Read More
Read More
Read Less..
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I test HVAC water?
Frequency depends on the system and its complexity. Many facility managers test monthly or quarterly, while others opt for continuous monitoring of critical parameters. We can customize a schedule based on your equipment type, local regulations, and operational goals.
Is HVAC water testing required by law?
While not always mandated by law, many local guidelines and standards—particularly regarding Legionella control—strongly recommend routine testing. Insurance providers and accrediting bodies may also require documentation of water quality management.
What if we find Legionella or other pathogens?
Our experts help you respond swiftly and effectively. We can guide you through shock chlorination protocols, system flushes, improved filtration, or the adoption of alternative biocides to restore safe conditions.
Can I integrate testing data into our building management system?
Yes. We can present results in formats compatible with building automation systems, enabling real-time data visualization, trend analysis, and proactive alerts for abnormal conditions.
Does testing apply to closed-loop systems as well?
Absolutely. Even closed-loop heating or chilled water systems benefit from monitoring for corrosion, pH shifts, and inhibitor depletion. Early detection helps you maintain equipment efficiency and prevent costly downtime.
Contact Us
Your Environment, Our Priority
Have questions about environmental testing? Whether it’s water, air, or more, we’re here to help you ensure safety and compliance. Contact us today to schedule your test or learn more about our services!