Are you facing difficulty when choosing the correct water softener for your home? Do you want to know the main things to know before choosing a water softener? We understand how difficult a task it is because there are so many water softeners and salt alternatives on the market.
This will put you in a difficult situation and you will be confused when it comes to picking the best one for your needs. Having that said, you shouldn’t worry at all because we’ve got you covered with our extensive guide.
In this article, you will learn how to choose the best water softener for your home without any issues at all. Moreover, we will also tell you about some common mistakes that most beginners make while buying such systems.
If you are interested in discovering all the facts before buying a water softening system then keep on reading!
How To Choose The Best Water Softener For Your Needs?
The process of choosing the right one is not that easy. There are so many things to keep in mind before buying it. Let’s take a look at all of those important points below.
1. Different Types of Water Softeners
The first thing you should know before purchasing a water softener is the types of such systems. There are two main types: salt-based and saltless softener. If we compare both, then saltless ones are better in terms of health and the environment.
They don’t use sodium (salt) to treat the water. On the other hand, salt-based softeners are cheaper but they can affect your health in a negative way.
2. How Much Water Do You Use on A Daily Basis?
You should think about how much water you use on a daily basis. This will allow you to know if you need this type of system or not. For example, if you use a lot of water without taking a shower then it’s time to invest in such a softener.
3. How Hard Is Your Water?
The next thing you need to know is how hard your water is and the associated problems with that factor.
If your water has high levels of minerals then you need a water softener. It will prevent limescale build-up in your home appliances.
Also, you can clean the dishes with softened water more effectively because it contains fewer minerals.
4. Maintenance of Your Water Softener
This is quite important especially if you are not mechanically inclined. You should know how much time, effort, and money you will need to maintain your water softener. Salt-based systems are cheap but they require maintenance that’s why they are not a good choice in most cases.
5. Your Water Softener Budget
And lastly, you should know how much cash you want to spend on it. As mentioned before, saltless systems are more expensive that’s why an average household can’t afford it.
6. What Is The Water Softener Capacity?
Once you’ve made your choice between salt-based and saltless softeners, you should think about its capacity. Mainly, water softeners have a one-time capacity for gallons of water they can process during the cycle.
For example, if you have a small home then you should find 4-5 gallon per minute water softener which is enough for an average family of four members.
7. Do You Need A Water Softener For Your Whole House?
This is another important factor to take into account before buying your next softener. The answer is simple: if you have hard water in your entire house then it’s time to invest in a home softener.
On the other hand, if you only need the system for your laundry room, kitchen or bathroom then there is no need to spend additional cash on such systems.
8. Do You Need A Water Softener With No Salt Technology?
If you want to protect your appliances, your health and the environment then you should purchase a saltless softener. They are not that expensive but they are highly efficient in terms of saving money on electricity bills. Also, salt-based systems contain harmful chemicals which are bad for your health.
9. Do You Want A Salt Free Water Softener With A High Flow Rate?
Another important thing you should pay attention to is the flow rate. This term shows how many gallons of water a system can treat per minute. In other words, it helps to know whether you need a slow or fast softening process.
If your home has hard water problems in all areas (laundry, kitchen, bathroom) then you need a faster system.
10. Will You Have Enough Space For Your New Water Softener?
As a rule of thumb, it’s better to measure the space before purchasing a water softener. The unit should have enough space behind it because this is where the drain line goes. Also, you should check the dimensions of the system to ensure that it will fit properly in your home.
11. Do You Need A Carbon-Based System Or a Salt-Based One?
Salt-based water softeners use sodium while carbon units use potassium and for this reason, they are pricier than salt-based ones.
However, carbon-based systems use less salt which is a good thing. On the other hand, salt-based systems require regular maintenance which is not an affordable option for many people.
12. What Is The Warranty Period?
In case you have hard water problems in your home then it’s time to purchase a water softener. However, finding the right system that will fit into your budget and needs is a difficult task.
If you have questions or need more information, feel free to visit the official websites of the best water softener brands. And remember – no matter what model you choose, make sure it has at least a 1-year warranty period.
Last Minute Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far then it means you’re serious about buying a water softener. And that’s great because purchasing the right system is an investment in your home and future. It can provide better overall health, save money on bills and protect your appliances.
Before you make any final decisions make sure to read some reviews, take your time and talk to your friends and family members. They might help you make the right choice!
All in all, water softeners may seem complicated to buy but it’s not. Simply know your needs and clear some space for this appliance. Also, shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
Hopefully, this article has given you enough information about hard water treatment methods and did its job.
Thank you for Reading!
