Water Softener Benefits
What are the real water softener benefits? A softener removes the calcium and magnesium that cause limescale, and that has a few practical knock-on effects around the house. Here's what you can realistically expect.
Household Appliances Last Longer
Hard water leaves scale inside kettles, coffee machines, washing machines, dishwashers and boilers. Scale makes heating elements work harder and can shorten an appliance's life. Glasses and crockery also stay free of white marks. How much difference it makes depends on how hard your water is, so check the hardness in your area with your local water supplier.
Save Money
A softener can cut some running costs. Soft water lathers more easily, so you typically need less soap, shampoo and detergent. You also need fewer descalers and harsh limescale cleaners. Bear in mind the softener itself has running costs: salt, occasional servicing and the water used for regeneration.
Compare Water Softeners
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Prevent Skin Problems
Some people with dry skin or eczema find that hard water makes it worse, and that soft water feels gentler on the skin. Many also find their hair feels softer. Results vary from person to person, so if you have a skin condition, talk to your doctor too.
Want to know which types of water softener there are? Read more here.
Less Use of Harsh Cleaners
Using less detergent and fewer harsh cleaning products means fewer chemicals going down the drain. Appliances free of scale can also run more efficiently. On the other side, salt-based softeners use salt and some water for regeneration, so set yours correctly for your water hardness to avoid waste.
Lower Energy Bills
Scale on heating elements and inside boilers acts as an insulating layer, so the appliance needs more energy to heat water. Soft water prevents new scale from forming, which helps appliances heat efficiently. How much you save depends on your water hardness and how much hot water you use.
There are different types of water softener. The most common work by ion exchange. Hard water causes limescale to form around your heating elements and the elements in your household appliances. This makes those elements work harder to heat up. Soft water prevents this, so you save significantly on your energy bill.
Need tips for comparing quotes effectively? Read here how to choose the best quote and specialist in 6 steps.
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