What Do I need To Know To Choose A Water Softener?
Here are some good tips to keep in your mind while you search for the proper water softener:
Choosing a Water Softener
Capacity
- GPG = Grains per Gallon of hardness minerals in your water
- Multiply your daily gallons of used water by its GPG to calculate optimal size
- Water softening capacity, not tank size
- Dual-Tank water softeners for large capacity requirements
example:
5 people use 75 gallons each per day = 375 gallons
GPG = 10
Capacity used per day = 3,750
Controls
- What controls the regeneration cycles
- How long each cycle takes
- How much cash water and salt are used for recharging
- Even fully automatic types require occasional refilling with salt
- Two main control types, Timer and DIR (demand-initiated regeneration)
- Time: Electronic timers automatically recharge your softener at a collection time/day, based around your avg usage
- DIR: More sophisticated and efficient. Senses when to recharge resin, either electronically or with a usage meter
Lease/Own
- Leases range from $15 to $50 per month
- Lease provisions vary, pay attention to monthly fees, install costs, and unit specs
- Ownership annual cost can be $150
- Price to purchase new is $400 - $2,500
- Compare offers for perks like replacing exhausted units with charged units
Will it be harmful to mix salts within my water softener?
It is usually not harmful to blend salts in a water softener, but there are types of softeners which are designed for specific water softening products. Whenever using products which aren't recommended, these softeners will likely not function well.
One pair of salts you do not want to mix would be evaporated and rock salts. Mixing these two salts isn't recommended, as this might clog the softening reservoir. Its recommended that you allow your system to completely empty of one type of salt before adding another to avoid the occurrence of any problems.
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Which is best, rock salt, evaporated salt, or solar salt for my water softener?
Rock salt contains a lot of matter that will be not water-soluble. As a result, the softening reservoirs need to be cleaned much more regularly, when rock salt can be used. Rock salt is cheaper than evaporated salt and solar salt, but reservoir cleaning can take up a lot of your time and energy.
Solar salt contains a bit more water-insoluble matter than evaporated salt. When one makes a choice about which salt to use, consideration must be given to how much salt can be used, how often the softener needs clean out, and the softener design. If salt usage is low, the products could be used alternately. If salt usage is high, insoluble salts will build up faster when using solar salt. Additionally, the reservoir will need cleaning more often. If this is the case then evaporated salt is your best choice.
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How often should I add salt to the reservoir?
Salt is usually added to the reservoir during regeneration of the softener. The more frequently a softener is regenerated, the more often salt must be added.
Usually water softening systems are checked once per month or every 30 days. To guarantee an ample supply of soft water, the salt level should be kept at least half-full all of the time.
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How come the softener does not soften water after replacing salt?
Before salt starts working in a water softener it needs a tiny bit of residence time in the reservoir, since the salt is dissolving slowly. When one quickly starts regeneration after salt has been added to the reservoir, the water softener may not work according with standards as the salt needs to dissolve some more.
When the water softening does not take put it could also indicate system malfunction, or a problem aided by the salt that will be applied.
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How much cash will a water softener cost me?
Well that really depends, on multiple factors, including the water being supplied to you. Some water softeners are more efficient than others and as a result the operating costs as well as purchasing price may vary. When comparing water softener costs it is important to consider the initial price to purchase and install the water softener but also the price to operate the water softener.
There are time operated softeners and water meter-controlled softeners available. A general price range for purchasing a new water softener could be $500 - $1,200. The water meter-controlled units produce the softest water per pound of salt. Some softeners focus on electricity, but some more recent water softeners use water power.
Costs of operating a water softener greatly depend upon the character of water softener and the type of energy that will be used, but also upon the hardness of the water that needs softening and the water usage. When the water is very hard and it can be used heavily, the costs of softening will rise.
Generally the costs of operating a water softener will vary between $0, $35 and even up to $65 a day. The costs of water softeners are in most cases far outweighed of the advantages and cost savings obtained, in the course of using softened water.
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Can I move my water softener with me to my new home?
Yes, with most modern water softeners it is really not a problem to move them to you. Generally speaking, the modern units have simple installation processes including such techniques as quick fitting connections, similar to people used in laundry machines.
All that has got to be done is closing off the inlet and outlet valves of the water softening system & open up the bypass valve, which allows for hard water to flow to the storage tank and taps throughout your home. Only then can the softener be disconnected, transferred to its new position and installed there.
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When does my water softener's resin need to be replaced?
When the water doesn't get soft enough, one should first think about problems because of the salt that will be used, or mechanical malfunctions of their water softener's individual parts & components. When these elements are not the reason of the unsatisfactory water softening, it can also be for you personally to replace the softener resin, or perhaps even the entire softener.
Through experience we know that most softener resins and ion exchanged resins last about 25 years.
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Can I Safely Drink Softened Water?
Softened water still possesses all the natural minerals that we require. It is just lacking its calcium and magnesium contents, and some sodium is added throughout the softening process. That is why more often than not, softened water is absolutely safe to drink. It is preferable that softened water contains only up to 300mg/L of sodium.
EXCEPTION: In areas with very high hardness the softened water mustn't be used for the preparing of baby-milk, because of the high sodium content after the softening process has been completed.
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How do I remove the filters to clean my Electronic Air Cleaner?
Keeping up with the routine maintenance of your electronic air cleaner is vital to ensure the unit’s proper performance and efficiency. First, you’ll want to turn off your air conditioning and heating system. Then go ahead and turn off the power to the Electronic Air Cleaner and make sure the power is off.
Then wait for about 30 seconds and remove the access door. Gently remove the cells and the pre-filters, then replace the access door to remain closed while cleaning. Next visually inspect the cells and pre-filters. If they are dirty, then they are now ready to be cleaned.
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Why should I schedule annual servicing?
As with most things, by properly taking care of and maintaining them, your air conditioning unit will benefit greatly. Can you imagine buying a new car and then never changing the oil? I hope not! Well, consistently maintaining your air conditioning unit will avoid lots of problems for you.
Signing up for annual air conditioning and heating system servicing would include such tasks as cleaning the system, checking for any problems or lingering potential problems, and making adjustments to keep you running at maximum efficiency. This includes inspecting your ducts, indoor and outdoor units and all wiring.
The Benefits would include:
- Increased air conditioning system dependability (less repairs!)
- Source all potential problems and repair them quickly (Cheaper usually)
- Ensure maximum efficiency to lower your energy costs
- Prolong the life span of all system equipment
- Ensure consistently safe and healthy operation
- Significantly diminish the chance of a break-down
How often should I have my HVAC equipment serviced?
It is suggested that Heating and Air Conditioning equipment be serviced at least once a year. (Which is why we offer annual maintenance plans to provide this service.)
The best situation is to have your heating system checked sometime in the Fall, before Winter strikes, and your air conditioning system checked in the early Spring.
If you have oil-fired equipment should absolutely be serviced and cleaned annually; preferably at the beginning of each heating season.
Furnaces and heat pumps should be inspected at this frequency too.
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How do I clean my Electrostatic (Permanent) Air Filter?
We recommend that you use a garden hose with good water pressure. On the filter you should notice an arrow indicating the unit’s airflow direction. First, you need to spray off the filter from the opposite side of the arrow. Then again from the other side.
You can repeat this process several times if it is needed.
If the filter is extremely dirty, spray it with a detergent first and let soak for a several minutes. Then thoroughly spray the unit off with water.
Just be careful not to use too much water pressure or damage may be done to the filter media. When the water runs clear and the filter looks to be clean, simply shake off all excess water and return it to the system. Click here to learn about our air filter services.
When am I supposed to use my Emergency Heat?
As the name implies, it should only used in emergency situations. This is used when you notice that there is something wrong with first-stage heating (meaning the actual Heat Pump itself).
In other words, if you notice your house is way too cold and it isn't heating properly and when you went outside you discovered that a tree fell and crushed your heat pump, that would be a proper situation for you to switch over to your emergency heat.
If you have switched to your emergency heat, then you may be in need of our professional heating services to get your back to your first-stage heating.
How Long do Heating Systems Last?
Heating systems are all different and so the life-time varies a little depending on the specific type of unit you own. Industry averages have suggested that, in general, it’s safe to say a new heating system you purchase today will last you 10 to 15 years.
Some types of heating systems, like electric furnaces, can be expected to last a bit longer, but that will largely depend on the type and model of your system. Being sure to keep up with regular maintenance is one way to greatly extend the life of your home heating system.
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Can You Service My Old Heating System or Do I Have to Buy a New One?
We have experienced and professional technicians that will perform heater maintenance and repair services on just about any type of heating system you could have. It doesn’t matter who put in your current system or how old it is.
A professional may find during his inspection that your system would be more costly to repair than to replace. If this is the case you should consider installing a new heating system vs continuing to pay costly repairs for your old unit.
If you do find that you are in need a new heating unit, we can help you install a new heater so that you will have the new system running in no time.
How should I Choose the Best Heating System for My House?
First, you will have to give consideration to many different factors when making the decision on the right heating system for your home.
The following should be considered in choosing a heating system:
- Size (square footage to be heated), Dimensions and Orientation of your house will all weigh into the equation
- Also the specific sources of fuel available to you
- The type and design of your previous system
- What your family’s heating needs are (What temperature is comfortable and how much time do you need your home heated for)
Gathering all of this information can get to be a pretty overwhelming task, particularly if you have never had to purchase a new heating system before. In this situation, it would be helpful to gather professional advice and guidance so that you can get a better idea of what your options really are.
Our heating specialists can assist you by walking you through the selection process step-by-step.
When do I know that I need to replace my furnace?
All furnaces, just like any other piece of equipment, will eventually wear out. Our reliable and professional HVAC service technicians will analyze your furnace looking for certain indicators that tell them your furnace is wearing out. Some of these symptoms include:
- A delayed ignition
- Recurrent pilot light outages
- Wavering or yellow flame
- Excessive corrosion and soot
- Inconsistent heating
- Sulfur smell(burnt eggs)
Equipment owners often start considering replacing their units when the cost and frequency of maintenance and repairs present a bigger headache than the cost of a new unit.
How do you fix plumbing leaks?
There are different types of plumbing leaks that require different methods of repair. A leak at the handle of an older faucet fixture for instance may require a solution as simple as packing.
Older fixtures that you may experience trouble shutting off could just use something as simple as a new washer or something more complex such as replacing the entire fixture. If you are experiencing leaking of any kind it is always best to call a licensed professional to diagnose and repair the problem before it causes more damage to your home or fixture.
How often should my water heater be serviced?
It is recommended your water heater be cleaned and flushed on an annual basis to ensure your system is running properly. By flushing your system annually you can avoid costly repairs.
Consistent preventative maintenance is recommended to prolong the life of your water heater and to keep it running trouble free without need for repair.
Call (210) 734-8400 today to get in touch with a certified plumber to schedule a water heater cleaning and service for your system.
Do you have a tankless water heater?
What do I do if my water pressure is low?
Low water pressure can be caused by different reasons and are usually fairly simple to diagnose. Some problems that cause low water pressure in your home are as simple as making sure the water valve going form the street to your home is in the full open position.
Other problems such as restrictions in your lines may be more complex to fix and diagnose. Flushing out your plumbing system or changing out shower heads and other fixtures may also help increase the water pressure in your home.
Is your water pressure low? For more information or advice on how to increase the water pressure in your home, call one of our certified plumbing experts today.
How do you choose the correct size air conditioning for my house?
The correct size of your new San Antonio air conditioning system is calculated by one of our qualified AC technicians with the help of manufacturer’s manual and their own vast personal experience.
The tech will analyze the needs of your house with relation to the direction of the doors and windows along with the overall orientation of the residence. The sun states (we all know Texas is a sun state) are calculated using 105F degrees as the baseline ambient temperature. Using blueprints can make the calculations very accurate.
Any technician or salesman that comes to your home and guesses at the proper size air conditioning unit should immediately be run off the job.
How concerned should I be about Indoor Air Quality?
Well, according to recent studies done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), general exposure to air pollutants was found to be as much as 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. So, maybe you should be concerned about the air quality inside your house and with good reason!
Our indoor air quality products at Texas All Pro handle pollutants, humidity, and many other issues that all aim to improve you and your family's health.
How often should I replace my filter?
When you use the standard throwaway filters, you should remember to change them monthly or even consider changing them twice per month. If you have pets and or strong allergies, these could be reasons to change your filter more frequently.
On the other hand, high efficiency pleated filters and media filters can last as long as 6 months before they need to be replaced.
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What all is involved in replacing my old air conditioning system?
Steps to replacing an air conditioning system:
- First the placement of the new equipment will be analyzed and selected.
- Then we will inspect several items and determine if they are functioning properly or whether they need to be supplied and replaced.
Items that should be inspected when replacing an air conditioning unit include:
- duct-work, insulation
- coolant piping
- electrical circuits (components & wiring)
- the thermostat
- condensate piping
- slabs
- filters
- driers
- grills
- drain pans
- evaporator coil
- and more depending on the system
Visit this page for more info on air conditioner replacement.
Do you guarantee your work?
Absolutely! We offer a 2-Year Buy-Back Guarantee! If you unit breaks down after our repair within the first year, we will refund your service call fee and fix it for free.
What are your business hours?
Our company operates from 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We also provide holiday and overnight emergency services from 7 PM to 7 AM, regardless of weather conditions, every day of the year. And, a Will’s All Pro team member is available to answer your call 24/7/365—so you never have to deal with a frustrating maze of voice recordings.
What is a SEER rating?
Usually there will be a number called a SEER rating that’s attached to your AC unit, and is used for different things, especially for CPS rebates. It stands for a Season Energy Efficiency Ratio which represents the standardized measurement for how efficient your AC system is as a whole. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is at cooling.
How can I benefit from a programmable thermostat?
When the seasons change, so does your thermostat when you’re trying to adjust a right setting for your home. With a programmable thermostat, you can set certain temperatures for when you’re not home to help save on energy and your utility bills. Not only this, but the lifespan of your unit is kept in its integrity easier.
What are UV lights and how do they work?
UV, just like UV rays, stands for ultraviolet light and just like UV rays from the sun, you already know how powerful they can be from the burns you can get on a hot summer day. However, these UV lights help more than harm as they work to cleanse your air of all microbial growth and bacteria. Instead of zapping skin, these lights purify mold, fungi, and other pollutants that try and get to your house and is located right before your evaporator coil. With this, these pollutants are neutralized, your coil remains clean, and your indoor air quality will be greatly improved.
How often should my water heater be flushed?
While this question is sometimes up for debate, we think its best that you get your water heater flushed twice a year for maximum cost and unit efficiency.
How will I know my technician is licensed?
Feel free to ask any of our plumbers their license number and they’ll be happy to show you all their information. You can also check their license by calling the Texas Dept Of Licensing and Regulation (1-800-803-9202) and/or the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (512-458-2145). You’ll also see the license on the side of our trucks and you’re free to inquire about any info you wish.
