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Water Softener Buying Guide |
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Written by Administrator
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This single page guide will help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a water softener.
To download the single page Water Softener Buying Guide in .PDF Format, please click here:
Before You Shop:
Calculate your average water use using the following:
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Total
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Number of people in your household
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Average use per person per day in North America (in Liters)
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400
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*Multiply the number of people in your household by the average water use to get the average use per day
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AVERAGE USE PER DAY OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD:
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*To get your value in U.S. Gallons, divide final number by 3.78
Find your Hardness Level in GPG (grains per gallon) or mg/L CaCO3 by:
- Calling your local municipality water department
- Bringing your local water equipment supplier a sample of tap water in a clean, sealed container (or using a sample container your supplier will provide)
The two numbers provided in the steps above will allow your water equipment supplier to properly size your softener.
Softener Features to Look For:
- Timed regeneration so unit does not regenerate during times you need soft water.
- Combine above control with flow paced regeneration so you do not waste water regenerating when the unit does not need it.
- Twin tank softeners are more expensive but allow uninterrupted soft water supply 24/7/365. If one tank is regenerating the other will provide soft water.
- Some units combine softening with odor reduction from chlorine and other odor causing substances in your water. These units provide excellent water for showering and bathing.
- Some manufacturers use non-electric control valves. These units provide good reliability. Electric controllers often need complicated programming and will stop working when the electricity cuts out. As well, some settings may be lost during black outs requiring re-programming.
*Water softeners work by ion exchange. This means that they replace hardness particles with sodium. Excesses of sodium may cause health issues if consumed. Have a non-softened line plumbed to your kitchen for drinking and cooking purposes, or seek other sources of water, rather than consume soft water.
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