Recently, we’ve seen a rise in homeowners turning to high-performance appliances to cut down on those hefty utility bills. You probably know that the majority of energy is consumed by the appliance trifecta: refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher. But instead of upgrading your appliances all at once, what if we told you that investing in a water softening system can treat the problem at the source? Installing a water softener in your home will eliminate hard water problems like limescale buildup and increase energy efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
How can a water softener lower your utility bills?
The effects of hard water aren’t always easy to see, but they can seriously impact how your appliances operate. If you live in an area with hard water, as many Americans do, the minerals in the water can build up, break down, or block crucial systems in your household.
A recent study by the Water Quality Association shows that consumers who invest in high-energy appliances before addressing hard water issues may be canceling out the benefits of the new appliances. According to the study, using hard water in household appliances— even newer H.E. models— significantly shortens the working lifespan.
What are hard water problems?
Hard water in high-efficiency appliances resulted in:
- Tankless water heaters failed prematurely, due to limescale blockages in the plumbing system. These failures happened after only 1.6 years of use.
- Gas storage tank water heaters lost 24% efficiency.
- The heating element in electric water heaters failed prematurely, caused by high operating temperatures due to mineral deposits.
Enjoy the benefits of soft water
Conversely, using soft water can transform appliance performance and longevity. And for owners of high-efficiency appliances, or those interested in upgrading, a water softener can elevate efficiency even further.
Using soft water in appliances resulted in:
- Both tank and tankless water heaters maintained the original factory efficiency rating for over 15 years.
- Tankless water heaters recoup the cost of the water softening system and operating supplies in one year.
- More effective stain removal in washing machines, and with only half the detergent.
Lower your utility bills with a water softener from Conner Water Systems
If you own high-efficiency appliances, installing a water softener is crucial to getting the most out of your investment and helping reduce energy usage. Consider water softeners with advanced, eco-friendly features such as Water Efficient Technology (W.E.T.) that uses less salt and water in regeneration. WiFi additions like Wripli monitor your water usage, adjust to your household habits, track savings, and receive system alerts.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your appliances, it could be more beneficial (and cheaper!) to address your hard water issues first. A water softener can lower your utility bills, deliver long-term savings, and improve your appliance performance across the board. Contact us today to determine if you could benefit from a water softening system!
