Like many people, I look at the return on investment (ROI) on most everything.
I’ve analyzed (and purchased) the energy-efficient light bulbs that pay for themselves in energy savings. I’ve convinced my husband to install the “high-efficiency” showerheads that reduce water flow rates, to lower water usage and water heating bills. Then there’s the rechargeable batteries and the programmable thermostat—all have quickly paid for themselves.
When it came to investing in a water softener or conditioner, it made sense to analyze the ROI, as well.
Here are a few ways I discovered the cost of a water softener or conditioner can pay for itself—quickly!!
With a water softener/conditioner:
- Dishwashing soap can be reduced by as much as 70 percent.
- Laundry detergent can be reduced by 50 percent.
- The life of household water-using appliances can be greatly extended.
- Clothes maintain their colors and last longer.
- Fixtures & showerheads can be free of hard water buildup and scaling.
- Softened water can dissolve mineral scale buildup in pipes and improve water flow.
- Less shampoo and soap is needed to create even greater lather.
- No need to buy “rinsing agents” for spot-free glasses and dishes.
All of the above help to save a tremendous amount in a household budget.
In fact, the cost savings associated with a longer life span of our water-using appliances was enough to convince me.
For instance, in the case of instant tankless water heaters, hard water caused them to entirely fail to function after only 1.6 years of simulated use, because of scale or mineral buildup associated with hard water.
That is about a tenth the normal life of the appliance!
Lower Energy Useage Means BIG Savings
One of the paramount ways a water softener can save a household money is in ENERGY SAVINGS!
A study conducted by the Battelle Institute* found that when gas water heaters were operated with soft water, they managed to maintain 100 percent efficiency over the simulated 15-year lifespan.
Gas water heaters are the second highest energy-using appliance in most households. On the other hand, water heaters operating with hard water saw a 25-48 percent loss of efficiency—an incredible loss of energy, which result in significantly higher costs.
Water Softeners Make Financial Sense
The investment of a water conditioner will depend on:
- what is in your water
- the capacity required for your family size
- the type of equipment your budget allows
A water treatment professional can help you understand all options availabe and ensure your water treatment system is sized and installed correctly for your home. After installation, they will help you understand how to correctly use and maintain your system.
If you’re thinking about buying an inexpensive softener from a Big Box Store in order to save money, you may want to reconsider. Investing in a high-quality softener that is backed by an outstanding warranty can save money in the long run. (Yep, think ROI again).
Not sure if you have hard water?
Your local authorized WaterTech dealer can provide you with a free, in-home water test to determine the hardness level of your water.
*The Energy Savings Study was conducted in 2009 in conjunction with the Battelle Memorial Institute and funded by the Water Quality Research Foundation. The Detergent Savings Study was conducted in 2010 in conjunction with Scientific Services S/D, Inc. and funded by the Water Quality Research Foundation.