On Tue, 19 May 2009 20:05:29 +0200, "Edgar"
wrote:


"Brian Whatcott" wrote in message
.. .

For what it's worth: in major regions of Europe (where air conditioning
against the heat is not the problem) they use circulating heated water
radiators in each room. They find that calcification is not a major issue,
if the closed water system does not leak and so need make up water in hard
water areas.

Brian W

Yes, and the same goes for closed circuit engine cooling systems. Even if
you have to use hard water for the initial fill the amount of deposit that
comes out will not significantly affect heat transfer.
Once it has made its initial deposit 'hard' water will no longer be able to
make further deposits unles there is a leak and you have to keep topping up,
thereby bringing further hard water into the system, resulting in continued
build-up of solids..
Even without leakage if you drain and refill every winter the build-up will
continue until it poses a problem, so it is better to winterise with
antifreeze rather than draining every year, unless you have a good soft
water supply available. Even then the antifreeze is good because it also
protects against corrosion.

You don't ever put hard water in your engine. Distilled for both the
battery and the radiator.

Casady