Modern Ion Exchange Water Softeners Are Good for Your Home
Water is the basis of human life. We use water every day in a myriad of different ways, and our survival is dependent on it. However, not all water is created equal. The Sarasota, Florida, area is known for its hard water, which can wreak havoc on your home’s appliances, your clothes, and even your hair and skin. What can you do about hard water? Adding a water-softening system to your house is the best solution for combating hard water. Let’s explore the benefits of investing in water softeners.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains a high amount of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. When water comes to the earth through the process of rainfall, the water is naturally soft. But, as the water makes its way through the soil — and especially soil that is already high in calcium like in Southern Florida — the water picks up bits of minerals.
When the water is pumped out of the ground, those traces of minerals remain. For drinking purposes, hard water is tasty, and some feel that it may have some health benefits. However, the minerals in the water will eventually build up in your home’s appliances, such as humidifiers and water heaters, as well as your water pipes. In addition, hard-water deposits will eventually build up on your hair and skin. If your home shows signs of mineral buildups — like spots on your dishes and lots of residue on your bathtub — it may be time to invest in a quality water softener.
Softened Water and Ion Exchange
Softened water is water that has gone through ion exchange. Within the water softener’s tank, hard ions (calcium and magnesium) are exchanged for salt (sodium) ions. The water softener’s tank is made of resin, and when water goes through this tank, contact is made with small resin beads that are covered in salt ions.
When hard water comes in contact with the resin beads that have salt ions, the hard ions of calcium and magnesium exchange places with the salt ions. The resin beads with hard ions attached will eventually be discharged, and the salt ions are integrated into the water system. This process eliminates the minerals that cause hard water.
Is a Water Softener Right for Your Home?
A water softener is a good investment for your home for many reasons. Let’s look at some of the benefits of installing water softeners.
Your Clothes Will Last Longer
Tiny particles of undissolved calcium that are found in hard water can damage the small fibers that make up the fabric of your clothes, towels, and bedding. Washing your laundry in soft water can help to keep your clothes looking and feeling beautiful for years to come.
Your Skin and Hair Will Feel Amazing
When washing your body with hard water, the undissolved particles can coat the shafts of your hair, giving it a dull, lifeless appearance. Also, dissolved minerals in hard water make it harder for soap to dissolve, and this can leave a film or residue on your skin. This residue can lead to clogged pores and create skin conditions. With water softeners, you will not need to purchase products to restore the luster to your hair and skin.
Your Appliances Will Need Less Maintenance
Hard water can create mineral buildup in the lines that go to your water-using appliances. Hoses and connections can become clogged, and your washing machine, dishwasher, humidifier, and electric water heater will begin to run less efficiently, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Your Dishes and Glasses Will Be Spot Free
Hard water leaves unsightly spots on your silverware, glasses, pots, and pans. With a water-softening system in your home, you will not need to buy spot removers or spend endless hours polishing glasses and flatware.
Ion exchange water softeners are complex systems that must be installed by a professional. Call Arctic Air Services, Inc. today at (941) 283-7532 or request an appointment to have a water softener installed in your Sarasota, Florida, home.