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Are Water Softeners Worth the Price?

What do water softeners, hot water tanks, and reverse osmosis systems all have in common? A majority of homeowners are unaware of the total costs and benefits associated with each. Thankfully, Ohio Valley Pure Water professionals are here to diminish any mystery surrounding these appliances!

In this blog, we’ll discuss water softeners and the price points you may be looking at for a new system. It’s our hope that with these tips, our customers stay informed about the major appliances they’re installing in their homes and how they operate. Let’s take a closer look!

What is a Water Softener?

Before we discuss what a water softener is, you first need to understand what hard water is. Hard water is a water supply that is high in mineral content—calcium and magnesium. While hard water is healthy to drink, it can cause a myriad of problems within your home. Due to its high mineral content, hard water can create limescale buildup within your pipes and appliances, causing them to break down quicker than the expected lifespan. Additionally, you may experience excess use of water and detergent when washing the dishes and doing laundry as a result.

Water softeners work to replace these minerals found in hard water with sodium and potassium. Water softeners help you solve many common water-related problems around the house and save you money in the process. If you’d like to learn more about how a water softener operates, take a look at our Everything You Need to Know blog.

Varying Costs

Purchasing a water softener is an upfront investment, but the benefits will save you money on appliances, fixtures, clothes, and more in the long run. Depending on the brand, model, and tank size you decide to purchase, you could spend anywhere from $500 to over $6,000 on a new water softener.

The most popular water softener in households is an ion exchange system, which can have one or two tanks and must be refilled with specified salts periodically. These water softeners can cost you $400 to $10,000, depending on the number of tanks your home requires. Additional cost breakdowns (minus the installation costs) are as follows:

Magnetic: $200 to $600
Reverse Osmosis (point-of-use or whole house): $100 to $15,000
Salt-free Conditioner: $500 to $5,000
Water Distiller: $1,200 to $4,000

It’s important to note that these prices are just general estimates. Total costs will vary depending on where you purchase your water softener and the grain capacity.

The Benefits of Investing in a High-Quality Water Softener

If you’re concerned about hard water, one of the first things you should do as a homeowner is to have the water tested. With a water quality assessment, you can determine just how hard your water is, and a treatment plan can be put into place.

By investing in a water softener, you can experience a variety of acknowledged benefits, including:

Reduced wear and tear on your appliances
Extended lifespan of your pipes and appliances
Reduced cleaning time
Improved skin conditions

In addition to the benefits listed above, you’ll also find that a water softener installation does not affect your energy bills. Contrary to popular belief, a water softener doesn’t use as much energy or salt as homeowners are led to believe. The total energy required to run a water softener over a year is the same as an alarm clock used in that same year. Newer water softener systems are regenerating, meaning they only circulate water and energy use when you need them, putting minimal (if any) strain on your energy bill.

Water softeners are designed to work in tandem with your hot water heater, so your new water softener could extend your heater’s life. Since a water softener reduces calcium, limescale, and sediment buildup inside a water heater, you may get more years out of your water heater than usual.

Purchase Your Next Water Softener From OVPW

Ohio Valley Pure Water offers high-quality American-made whole-home water softeners at wholesale prices—50-75% less than our competitors. Our high-efficiency salt-based water softener comes in three different models to choose from and starts at $2,498, including a standard installation.

We always say this is the last water softener you’ll ever purchase, and we mean it! If something breaks down, we’ll replace the part, not try to sell you an entirely new system. Our water softeners should last you an average of 25 years as long as you take good care of it and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for annual maintenance! Experience clearer skin, softer hair, and lower utility costs when you trust OVPW for your water softener needs.

A Family-Owned & Operated Water Treatment Provider in Cincinnati, OH

For over 30 years, the team at Ohio Valley Pure Water has proudly served Cincinnati families with the highest quality water treatment options available. Call us today at (513) 231-5531 for a water quality assessment, or contact us online to get your very own water treatment plan.