The quality of the water in your home matters. You clean with it, drink it, cook with it, and bathe in it. This week, let’s discuss what hard water is and why water quality matters. Next week we’ll discuss water softener options available to you (we have some really good options: Water Tech Reionator Water Softener System, Water Tech SoftMax, and Water Tech BlueMax).
What is hard water?
You’ve heard the terms soft water and hard water, but do you know what those terms really mean? It’s actually not very complicated. The level of mineral content determines whether water is considered hard or soft. About 85% percent of homes and businesses in the U.S. have hard water. Don’t worry, hard water doesn’t mean the water is polluted or unsafe to drink. It simply means it has minerals in it. Minerals are good, right? Aren’t we supposed to get our vitamins and minerals? Well, let’s talk about what minerals in your water can mean to your home.
Appliances and fixtures
If you have hard water at your home, take a peak inside your dishwasher. Do you see a build up of film? Or maybe you’ve noticed your dishwasher isn’t getting things sparkling clean? Yep, those are common signs of hard water. A water softener may be right for you.
Now take a look around your sink. Do you see any whitish residue by the faucet or the nozzle? I’m sorry to say that it’s hard water. A water softener may be right for you.
Is your shower head not running at full blast or is it spraying in all directions? Mineral deposits love shower heads. A water softener may be right for you.
Even your hot water heater is not immune. A scaly buildup on your heating elements can rob your water heater of 30% of its efficiency. A water softener may be right for you.
The bottom line is that you have thousands of dollars invested in appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher, water heater) and fixtures – hard water hurts their performance, appearance, and lifespan. You guessed it: a water softener system may be right for you.
Water spots and laundry
Are you a fan of water spots on your shower doors? If you have a glass shower door, I bet it’s not nearly as clear as it was when it was brand new. Most shower doors have spots and caked-on calcium deposits. When it comes to your dishes, any spots you see on glasses or silverware are likely from calcium carbonate micro deposits. You won’t have those spots with a water softener.
Hard water is kind of like secret assassin when it comes to your wardrobe. Not only does hard water leave behind mineral residue on fabrics, it actually decreases the life of fabrics by 15-20%. Clothes simply wear out faster because of the harshness of hard water – a water softener system can help!
Contact the pros at Ashley Heating, Water & Air
Have a question about your water or a water softener system? The specialists from Ashley Heating, Air & Water Systems can answer your water treatment questions and talk you through your options. Call us at 208-378-9445.
Ashley professionals know all about installing water softener systems. If a water softener is right for you, leave the work and worry up to Ashley, and we’ll provide a rewarding start-to-finish experience.
Next week’s blog will also discuss water softener systems more in depth. Ashley proudly offers premium Water Tech products: Water Tech Reionator Water Softener System, Water Tech SoftMax, and Water Tech BlueMax.