How Much Do Home Water Softeners Cost?
Home water softeners can be a great way to make your hair, skin, and clothing softer, keep dishes, clothes, and appliances from wearing out, and save on your utility bill. But how much do they cost?
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Installation, testing, and maintenance costs vary depending on the type of system you choose. For example, a dual-tank system could be more expensive to install than a simple under-the-sink model. You should also consider the size of your home, the level of hardness in your water, and the brand you choose.
Whether your water is from city or well, you should have a test done to determine the current level of hardness and iron content. This can be done at a local municipal office or you can hire a water treatment specialist to do it on-site.
Once you know the current state of your water, you can compare different brands and systems. This will help you decide which system is best for your needs and budget.
One of the most popular options is the ion exchanger, which uses a resin bed to “swap” hard minerals like calcium and magnesium in place of sodium ions. These systems are less expensive to purchase and install, but they also need you to change the salt in the unit regularly.
Another up-and-coming option is the magnetic water softener, which attaches to your existing plumbing and creates an electrical field that reverses mineral ions in order to prevent buildup. These systems are relatively new and unproven, but some users report that they work well.
The most important factor to consider when determining the cost of your water softener is your household’s water usage. The average adult consumes about 90 gallons of water per day, so the more people you have in your household, the higher the installation cost may be. If you use more than that, you’ll need a larger system with a greater grain capacity.
Next, you’ll need to consider how close your water softener is to your water main. This will impact your total installation cost if your plumbing isn’t accessible or if you need to trench a new line.
You’ll also need to consider the power your water softener needs to operate. If you have to hire an electrician to run power, this will add to your installation costs as well.
Lastly, you’ll need to take into account the brand and type of water softener you choose. Some systems are more efficient than others, so they can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs.
A high-efficiency model from Culligan, for instance, can save you about $600 in the first year alone compared to other systems. It’s also an eco-friendly choice that doesn’t discharge any chemicals or salt brine into the environment.
The average water softener installation costs between $1,000 and $3,000, but it depends on the size of your home and the system you choose. The amount you spend to buy and install your water softener will be directly impacted by your family’s water usage and the water quality of your home’s supply.