If you’re considering installing a water softener, you may be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn’t vouch for the benefits of having one. However, there’s definitely more than meets the eye when it comes to their use. In this blog post from Douglas Cooling & Heating, we’ll dive into the water softener pros and cons—allowing you to make an informed decision about investing in one for your home. Read on for expert insight so that your investment is guaranteed money well spent!
What Does a Water Softener Do?
Water softeners work by removing the high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions in hard water from your entire plumbing system. The ion exchange process takes place inside the softener, where sodium ions are exchanged with calcium and magnesium ions that make water hard. In a water softening system, water sits in a brine tank that is filled with salt. This is where the calcium and magnesium changes take place. The resulting softened water has fewer minerals, which is preferred by many homeowners.
Water Softener Pros and Cons
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to install a water softener system in your home. The water softener’s pros and cons can vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top water softener pros and cons.
PROS:
- Softened water can extend the life of your pipes and appliances by preventing mineral buildup
- Softer fabrics and less soap are needed for laundry
- Soap and shampoo lather better and skin feels softer after bathing
- Soft water eliminates mineral deposits which cause spots on glasses and stains in toilets and other appliances
- Coffee, tea, and vegetables boiled or steamed in water will taste better
CONS:
- Potential maintenance concerns if not properly installed or maintained
- Some people prefer the taste of hard water
- Additional cost for installation and annual maintenance
Benefits of Soft Water
Now that you know some of the key water softener pros and cons, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of softened water. One of the biggest benefits is that it can help extend the life of your pipes and water-using appliances like washing machines. This is because softened water prevents calcium and magnesium minerals can buildup in appliances which can eventually lead to clogs and other problems.
Softened water also saves money on laundry costs by allowing you to use less soap and resulting in softer fabrics. And, because soap lathers better in softened water, you’ll use less soap overall which can save you money in the long run. Laundry and general cleaning will be generally easier with softer water. Dishes washed in softened water will come out cleaner and glassware will be spot-free. Hardness minerals that appear in toilets and other appliances that come from your hard water supply will disappear when you have a water softener installed.
If you enjoy drinking coffee or tea, you’ll notice that it tastes better with softened water as well. Overall, there are many potential benefits to installing a water softener in your home. Weighing the pros and cons carefully will help you decide if a water softener is right for you.
Are You Ready for a Water Softener? Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating
When it comes to water softener pros and cons, overall, the pros of water softeners outweigh the cons. The benefits of softened water make it a worthwhile investment for many homes–especially those with hard water. If you’re considering a water softener for your home, Douglas Cooling & Heating can help. We are experts in installation and maintenance and would be happy to answer any questions you have about softened water. Give us a call today!
