B.caroleA water softener drastically reduces the presence of limescale. In this our buying guide we explain how it works, the types, the advantages and some models on the market.
A softener is a device that drastically reduces limescale in the water, improving its quality.
Extend the life of your appliances it is just one of the advantages of installing such a device in your home or business.
There are many models available on the market. To make the best choice it is useful to know how a water softener works, the types on the market, the possible benefits of such a purchase, the average selling prices.
In this guide you will find all the useful information to choose the best water softener for your daily needs.
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Water softener operation
How does a water softener work? It is a process based device of ion exchange in which the calcium and magnesium particles are captured, releasing those of sodium. The water therefore comes into contact with special resins whose function is retain limescale. At this point the salt intervenes and proceeds to the correct washing, generating a chemical reaction that involves a net reduction.
How to choose a water softener
In choice of a softener it is important to evaluate some parameters. We mainly refer to the value of water hardness and the maximum capacity expressed in cubic meters. These are the criteria for proceeding with a correct one sizing of the system. To this end, it is useful to make an estimate of the daily consumption of water in the house. Once in possession of these data, we will move on to select the model of softener that best suits your needs.
THE selection criteria specifically they include:
- Degree of water generation: indicates the quantity to be used every day. That’s why you need to choose a capacity that is suitable for the number of components in the house.
- Installation: evaluate the ease of installation or not. For example, electronics require less effort in this regard.
- Digital configuration: the latest generation water softeners allow you to set various parameters digitally. If you are on the cutting edge, you can opt for one of this type.
- Maintenance: whatever your choice, minimal maintenance is required. That’s why you have to evaluate which are the most convenient, with an eye to the expense that you will have to incur annually.
Types of water softeners
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There are many types of water softeners available on the market. However, there are two most popular models: timed and volumetric.
THE timed have more affordable costs. They stand out for the regeneration of resins which occurs at predetermined intervals, regardless of water consumption. More solid than other models, they adapt to hardness and consumption.
The models volumetric they are characterized by a more careful regeneration and for this reason they are the most delicate during the sizing processes. Equally common on the market, they provide for a procedure based on the volume of water subjected to treatment.
However, remember that in general i consumption and water hardness are the main elements to be examined in choosing the most suitable model.
Water softeners advantages
From what we have seen so far, it is clear that there are different advantages of installing a water softener. The main one is safeguard the plumbing over time, to say goodbye to limestone in the sink, boiler and kitchen pots, extending the life of your appliances. A saving in the consumption of detergents for washing machines and dishwashers, as the quantity required increases as the water hardness increases.
An advantage for the your physical appearance, since the detergents used in contact with water will have a greater degreasing power, with more shiny skin and shiny hair. Maintaining the beneficial properties of water helps reduce health risks.
An economic convenience as well as it allows a considerable amount reduction of consumption for heating (at least 18% according to the latest estimates), as well as in the purchase of detergents and detergents, thus amortizing the initial cost of the device.
Are there any disadvantages? The price for some much more expensive solutions to install.
Leroy Merlin water softener
In stores and on the site Leroy Merlin, a well-known bricolage and do-it-yourself brand, there are many water softeners in the catalog. A good selection of products starting at € 399.00. Among the devices in evidence, we point out the Green water softener with a maximum flow rate of 0.75 m³ / h. Volumetric type, equipped with a capacity 10 liters, a valid solution for up to 4 people in the house. Compact in size, you can find it for sale at price of € 599.00.
Culligan water softener
The Culligan water softeners represent a valid solution for reduce limescale in domestic systems. The company offers a wide range of devices, to benefit from sanitary ware without more encrustations, brilliant taps, longer life for the boiler and appliances, less use of detergents, well-being for skin and hair. In practice, all the advantages seen above deriving from the use of these devices.
Among the most efficient we point out the “Avenew” model, a compact system designed for installation in small rooms. It stands out for a single body that encloses the container of resins and salt. You can choose between the 9-liter variant or the larger 20-liter variant. Prices for Culligan lifts start at € 1,400 + VAT.
Water softener price
As you just saw from our examples, the expense for a water softener it is very different according to the model, capacity and functionality. They are generally found on the market in specialized shops and major DIY chains. Prices start from € 300 / € 400, up to € 3000 or more for the more expensive models.
Image gallery
Below is a complete gallery of images on the water softeners covered in this article, they will be useful when you decide to install one in your home.
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