It’s estimated that around 85% of homes in the United States are supplied with hard water. Hard water is essentially water with a lot of minerals and metals such as iron and calcium. While there is no danger in using hard water, it could still cause a range of problems when used with appliances or for cleaning. A water softener dilutes the mineral concentration of hard water, making the water safe to use and offering several benefits for homeowners. Here’s a look at the benefits using a water softener can have, courtesy of http://softwaterlab.com/.
Easier Cleaning
Washing clothes and dishes in hard water can cause them to be cuffed with streaks, white spots, and soapy residue. Softening water helps to rinse the soap residue better, leaving behind cleaner clothes, dishes, hair, and skin. Soft water can also reduce how much detergent or soap is needed for cleaning, which helps save money. Cleaning a bath, shower, and sink thoroughly to remove soap scum and film means that they stay cleaner for longer and easier to maintain. Take a look through some water softener reviews to find the right one to get these benefits.
Appliances Last Longer
The minerals packed into hard water build up inside appliances, which damages them and reduces their operating lifespan. The North Dakota State University say that using a water softener can extend the life of any appliance that uses water such as a washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater. Increasing the lifespan of appliances last helps to save money because there’s less need to replace them. A longer appliance lifespan is also good for the environment because it reduces waste and preserves the energy and materials used during the manufacturing process.
Water Heats Faster
Water heaters are able to heat up soft water much faster than they can hard water. The best water softener can increase the efficiency of electric water heaters and gas-powered heaters by 22% and 29% respectively. This improved efficiency means that less energy is used during the heating process, which means smaller utility bills.
Keep Plumbing Systems Clean
Hard water can leave behind scaly deposits in the plumbing system. The deposits continue to build up, causing corrosion and clogs that can reduce the lifespan of the plumbing system in a home. Water softeners reduce mineral deposits to minimize the build-up and risk presented by clogs and corrosion, improving the efficiency and lifespan of home plumbing systems. The Water Quality Association estimates that hard water can kill a shower head in a matter of two years.
Summary
Many homes in America are dealing with hard water, which causes a lot of damage to the plumbing and heating systems. Installing a water softener can eliminate the problem by diluting hard water. With all the choice out there, another problem presents itself in choosing a good water softener. Check out some water softener reviews to find the best water softener.
