Buying a new water softener is a big investment worthy of some long forethought. And with so many options on the market today, your thought process can extend well-beyond the time you expected it would take to come to a decision. One such option is a saltless water softener. You are likely familiar with the conventional, salt-using versions; in fact, you might currently have one. But salt-free water softeners are much different, and not just because they don’t use salt.
Continue below to learn some important facts about saltfree water softeners that can help you make the smartest decision for your home or office.
What is Saltfree Water Softening?
Conventional salt-based water softening uses ion-exchange technology that replaces hard mineral ions like calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) with softer minerals, like potassium chloride, also known as salt. Saltless water softeners use a different system to abate the negative effects of Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) in hard water. Rather than eliminating hard mineral ions by exchanging them and flushing them out of the unit, saltfree water softeners keep them, but change their form so that they cannot cling to any surfaces. This process is called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which is more similar to water conditioning, not softening.
Which System Should I Get?
Since both water softening systems work well to remove the threats and effects of hard water, your decision to choose one over the other will depend on some specific factors that are unique to your lifestyle.
Salt-based water softeners are usually the better option for homes and properties with higher levels of hard water. If you suffer from dry, cracked skin, dingy laundry, spotty dishes, and other signs of hard water, it is best to abate the mineral intake and flush them out on a routine basis.
In regions with naturally softer water or water with lower levels of hardness, a salt-free water conditioner could be the right choice. Are you a renter? They are great compliments to your landlord’s water softening system. Furthermore, saltless water softeners are low-maintenance, so they will not require much in terms of electricity, wastewater disposal, and chemicals.
Overall, saltfree water softeners are more like water conditioners, so they work well as a basic form of water purification. For moderate to high cases of hard water, water softeners are the best method of softening. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis soft water plumber for advice on hard water removal and abatement.
Are you ready to improve the quality of your property with a budget-friendly water softening plan? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener sales and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a selection of water softeners and water filtration systems for both residential and commercial clients, and provide installation, repair, and service for them all!
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