Why have a water softener?
Will I really benefit from a water softener?
This is the first question we get asked whenever a customer approaches us about getting a water softener. A water softener is an investment and you need to be sure of the benefits you can expect.
If you do live in a hard water area the chances are you have been plagued by limescale build-up, from the chalky white film on the shower screen and draining board, to the crusty deposits around your taps and shower head.
Top Benefit
Most people buy a water softener to save time and energy cleaning.
So what are the benefits?
Say goodbye limescale
A water softener works by removing the calcium and magnesium minerals that are dissolved in hard water. When hard water evaporates, deposits are left behind and this is what we see as limescale. Also wherever hard water is heated, limescale builds up. With these minerals removed from the water, limescale can no longer be formed.
Easier cleaning
Less time and energy spent cleaning has to be our customers number one reason for installing a water softener. Some limescale damage can be almost be impossible to remove fully, and requires lots of chemicals we’d rather not be using and frequent cleaning to stay on top of the problem. With no limescale forming this will save you time, money and effort when it comes to keeping your home sparkling.
Prevent hidden damage
Whilst limescale is unsightly, the visible effects of hard water are just one part of the problem. Hard water also affects lots of areas that you can’t see in your home. All appliances can suffer from limescale build up, your kettle, washing machine and dishwasher all have heating elements which can be damaged by hard water over time. Other areas such as boilers, hot water tanks and inside your shower valves can also be impacted by limescale. Having a water softener can prolong the life of every appliance and cut down on repair bills. We always say to our customers that if the softener increases the lifespan of your appliances and hot water system, that alone is a considerable money saving decision.
Save energy
Water softeners are endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust as they prevent the build up of limescale in your boilers heat exchanger, water tank and pipes. As limescale has insulating properties a build up can lead to reduced efficiencies and higher energy and maintenance costs. In 2014 the Energy Saving Trust calculated that, in hard water areas, using a water softener could reduce maintenance and water heating costs by £50 per year and £580 over the lifetime of a boiler.
Water softeners not only save you money – they have added benefits for the environment
Better for the environment
As well as energy savings, reducing the amount of cleaning chemicals, shampoos and shower gels all help contribute to a healthier environment. With soft water all soap based products will lather up more effectively, meaning a smaller amount of almost every product is needed. This means you also cut down the amount of plastic waste associated with these products.
Better for skin and hair
Soft water can be of benefit for a range of dry skin conditions including eczema. The Minerals in hard water are left on the skin after we wash and in some cases add to irritation. With the hardness removed the soft water can help relieve such problems. Again for many people soft water improves the condition of their hair, this is mainly due to the fewer products needed when the water has been softened.
As you can see there are many benefits of installing a water softener.
To understand more about how a water softener works or how to select the right water softener for your home simply get in touch using the form below.
Have you got a question? We’d love to help you out.
At Shires Water we want to guide epeple when consdiering a water softer. Please pop your question in the box below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
