A Review of Popular Water Softener Products
Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2005
by Kent Pinkerton
With so many types and brands of water softeners to choose from, how does a consumer decide what is right for their needs? How does one compare water softeners and find the one that will work the best for them? When it comes to buying water softeners, being an educated consumer is the best policy. Explore different types and manufacturers. Compare prices. Other things to consider are what type of environment the water softener will be set up in, size, installation, construction of the unit, convenience, and water softener rating which indicates the amount of minerals that can be removed before the unit needs to be recharged.
Kinetico water softeners are favored for their convenience however, they are expensive in terms of the unit’s cost as well as the price of upkeep. They recharge based on volume, eliminating the need for a schedule. Kinetico water softeners are also non-electric units.
Culligan services residential customers, offering purchase and rental options for their water softeners. They also offer a salt delivery service with the purchase of a water softener. Culligan is favored for its durability, but some have trouble with salt refills and strength of some of the components. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.
Kenmore, in addition to being known for its air filtration and other household appliances, offers a range of water softeners, from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.
General Electric, or GE, founded by none other than Thomas Edison, offers a diverse line of products, including water softeners. The business is run on the principles, "imagine, solve, build, and lead." GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.
There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems. To find the best water softeners is a daunting task, but a good start might be to visit your local hardware store. You can also get information from people around you such as neighbors or coworkers.
Water Softeners provides detailed information about magnetic and ionic exchange water softeners, home water softener systems and kits, product reviews and comparisons, water softener salt, and more.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)I'm just starting my search for a new water softening system (mine is 30+ yrs. old) and this appears to be a good "Jumping off" site. I appreciate the links to more in-depth sites.
I think Mr. Pinkerton does not know his water softners very well. The Kinetico system is VERY LOW MAINTENANCE with NO or Little expense in repairs, IF and when needed. They have a 10 YR FULL PARTS WARRANTY. I have had one for 12 yrs and no problems.
Great information. I was looking for water softner in my house, never had before and choosing the one is daunting task.
Looking for replacement parts seems the Black Contorler part is broken. However, my system is 15 years old. Worked for years with out any problems. Going to replace the resin anyways.
This discussion is so shallow it is of no value.
Every little piece of information helps.
thanks. This was a great primer on water softeners!
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