Why is glycol often used in heating systems?

Glycol is commonly used in heating systems primarily because of its ability to prevent freezing in low-temperature applications. In environments where temperatures can drop significantly, the inclusion of glycol in heating fluids helps maintain fluidity and prevents the system from freezing, which could cause damage to piping and other components. This property is critical in ensuring that the heating system operates efficiently even in cold conditions, thus extending the lifespan of the equipment and ensuring consistent heating performance.

While the boiling point of water can be relevant to heating systems, glycol’s primary function in this context is to lower the freezing point rather than to manipulate boiling temperatures or improve other properties like electrical conductivity or taste, which are unrelated to the main purpose of a heating system.