Did you know your water can be prone to a lot of harmful bacteria and particles? This is called hard water and the particles in it can wreak havoc on your health and home. Luckily, hard water can be eliminated by installing a water softener. Water softeners can help sort out a lot of problems that you may have regarding cleaning, plumbing, and much more. Here you will learn all about water softeners and the benefits they bring.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Water softeners remove minerals in water using salt in a process called ion exchange. Ion exchange occurs when negatively charged resin beads in the softening tank capture positively charged calcium and magnesium ions, removing them completely. The water exists the water tank as soft water, and then goes on throughout the rest of the home’s plumbing.
What Are the Benefits?
1. Saves Money
Hard water is prone to mineral buildup in your plumbing and water-using appliances. This buildup narrows the waterflow, requiring higher pump pressures with an energy increase. The wear and tear over time can not only cause higher energy bills, but can cause costly repairs and replacements. The scale buildup inside water-using appliances can also lead to a shorter lifespan. So it’s best to invest in a water softener to keep your plumbing and appliances effective for as long as possible, and save money in the process!
2. Better Tasting Water
Tap water can often have an earthy taste. Hard water is full of minerals and may have traces of metal. A water softener pulls those minerals out of the water and replaces them with sodium and potassium. This causes the bitter, mineral taste to disappear. The slight trace of sodium usually goes unnoticed and the new taste is widely preferred.
3. Softer and Cleaner Clothes
Clothes after a wash may not be as soft as when you first bought them. Hard water is the culprit of this. It leaves mineral buildup on the fabric, and can leave deposits that cause color to fade over time. Soft water, on the other hand, preserves the fresh look and feel of the fabric. It dissolves the detergent more effectively into the clothes, leaving the clothes softer and more vibrant, no softener needed!
4. Cleaner, Spot-Free Dishes
Spotty dishes right after a clean? That’s because of hard water. It doesn’t matter what kind of dishwasher detergent you use, the minerals will create buildup on your dishes and give them that “spotty” look. Water softeners can remove these minerals before the buildup occurs, leaving you and your family with clean dishes that are free of any possible food contamination.
5. Healthier Skin & Hair
Any dryness after taking a shower is also the cause of hard water. Skin and hair is where it is the most noticeable. The minerals in hard water can irritate and dry out your skin. Same goes for your hair. A water softener will prevent excess dryness.
Get Water Softeners at Poorman’s Heating & Air
Your locally and family-owned HVAC experts at Poorman’s sell and install water softeners. We primarily sell the brand Sterling. Sterling provides all the necessities you need when it comes to cleaner, healthier water. You can browse their selection and specs by clicking here. Call for a free estimate (260) 422-3534.