Does Hard Water Cost More To Heat?

The cost-of-living crisis has been on everyone’s radar for the last couple of months, and Brits have already seen their household bills soar. So, it might be interesting to know those living in hard water areas could be spending more on heating their water than everyone else.

Hard water is distinguishable from soft water as it has a high mineral content, typically consisting of calcium, magnesium, and limestone. The reason for this is it is the water that has filtered through chemicals, such as chalk or gypsum, found in soil. 

This then causes a build-up of limescale on the heating elements or other parts of boilers, inhibiting its ability to heat up efficiently. As a result, it takes more energy to heat water to the same degree, meaning homeowners spend more on their heating bills. 

Real Homes explains: “The main problem with limescale is that this build-up acts as a physical barrier or insulator, making your boiler and entire heating system work harder – that is, using up more gas in order to heat your pipes to the same desired temperature.”

This does not just affect your heating appliances, but washing machines, kettles and showers too. 

Buildings.com revealed figures from the American Society of Plumbing Engineers stating that 1/16-inch of limescale can raise energy consumption by 11 per cent. 

Another report by the Water Quality Research Council found it cost 29 per cent more to heat water that was untreated. 

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