Water Softener vs. Water Conditioner: Which One Is Right for You?

If you are having issues with hard water, if you are noticing water scale around your home (white and yellow spots around drains and faucets), or if you want to improve the taste of your water, it might be time to consider a water softener or water conditioner.

But which one is right for you?

Water droplet

Water Softeners

Water softeners remove hard minerals including calcium and magnesium, two of the main culprits in causing hard water. This system uses ion exchange to pull the minerals from your water and replace them with sodium ions. Water softeners eliminate most issues associated with hard water, including itchy or dry skin, spots on dishes, water scale, and dull clothing after being washed. However, water softeners also require more maintenance because salt must be added every 6 to 8 weeks. Also, water softeners have some added costs because they require electricity and use more water due to the ion exchange process being slower than the process used in water conditioners.

Water Conditioners

A wide range of water conditioning systems are available to improve the water quality in your home. They are available for your entire home or just one area, such as mounted underneath a sink. These systems can be less expensive and generally require little to no maintenance. They will reduce hard water, but not as thoroughly as a softener.

Which is Right for You?

Not sure which system to pick?

Many factors go into determining the best solution for each individual household. Give Haldeman Mechanical a call to discuss your options. We offer testing for hardness, iron, acid and chlorine, and will obtain lab results for water requiring additional tests.

Contact us today!