The very sight of scales, the scum and the stains on your bathroom tiles and in your kitchen is driving you mad. You have decided to do something about it and have realized that a good water softener will solve most of your problems. However, there is a catch, how do you decide which water softener will solve your problems as almost all manufacturers make tall claims about their products being the best.
The best way to get out of this problem is to be aware of the different systems that are sold in the market. One way to do this to read as many product reviews and product descriptions as you can lay your hands on. The first thing that you need to look for is the manufacturer’s track record. The second most important thing when you read the reviews and product description is to check the type and quality of the valve used in the water softener. The valve is the most important part in any water softener; it is also the most expensive part in the water softener. The valve can be rightly called the heart of the water softener as it is responsible for the regeneration of the resin bed that traps all the hardness causing minerals.
The next thing that you need to watch out for is the “regeneration”. Regeneration is the process by which the water softener replenishes itself. There are two types of systems, one that is timer based and the other which is demand based. The demand based systems are more efficient and can handle larger volumes and is ideal when the number of people using water is more. Demand based systems are also more expensive than the timer based ones. However, they more than make up for the additional cost by saving you lots of money spent on salts and other consumables.
Ease of installation is also one aspect that you should compare when deciding on a system. If the system is easy to install and the manufacturer is ready to install it at no extra cost then that system should be preferred.
Guarantees and warranties are equally important. Generally a good system should last you for years and give you trouble free service. A system that is prone to breakdowns will cost you more in terms of replacements and spares. So, check a few forums and look for reviews written by users. You may also ask for referrals from friends and relatives. You may also post your question and ask for recommendations for the best water softener that will suit your requirements.
The last and most important thing that you have to remember is that never trust the salesman who gives you an excellent sales pitch. Do not buy a water softener that has features that you will hardly need. Also don’t go by claims of technological breakthroughs advertised in the media. What you want is a water softener that will only remove the hardness and filter you water.
Comparison shopping is the best way to decide a water softener as you will have to change it only after a decade or so. Therefore choose a simple model that is easy to maintain and one that will not cost you the earth.