If you want to improve the quality of the water in your home, you have a number of different types of water treatment systems to choose from. In general, however, there are two basic categories of water treatment systems: water softeners and water filters. These two types of systems address very different issues, so you want to be sure that you choose the system that is right for your home. Today we’re going to look at the differences of a water softener vs. a water filter and talk about how you can determine which one to choose!
Water softener vs. water filter: addressing hardness
When water is described as “hard,” it means that it contains an abundance of dissolved minerals (calcium and magnesium in particular). More than 85 percent of homes in the United States have hard water, and it can lead to all kinds of problems in your home. A water softener uses a technology known as “ion exchange” that is able to remove hardness minerals from your water. If your home has hard water, installing a water softener is the best way to address it.
When it comes to softening your water, a water filter will not do the trick. That’s because, as you’ll see below, a water filter serves a very different purpose.
Water softener vs. water filter: addressing contaminants
Even after tap water is treated by your local utility in North or South Carolina, it still contains contaminants that can affect the health, taste and smell of your water when it reaches your home. These pollutants can include THM’s, chlorine, bacteria, lead, iron, arsenic and all kinds of other chemicals and contaminants. A whole house water filter uses an advanced technology that does an excellent job at removing these contaminants, as well as larger sediment particles, from your home’s water.
Although it does a great job at softening your water, a water softener will not address issues related to the contaminants and pollutants that affect the health of your water.
Have your water tested to figure out which one is right for you
If you’re deciding between a water softener and a water filter, the best thing you can do is to have your water tested by North Carolina Water Consultants. We offer free water quality testing that will show you exactly what’s in your water, including levels of hardness and various contaminants.
One of our most popular solutions to water quality problems is the Hague WaterMax. That’s because this system softens and treats your water from the same unit. It’s the best of both worlds all in one compact design!
If you have any questions about the differences of a water softener vs. a water filter, or if you’d like a water treatment system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants. We install water treatment systems in the Carolinas, servicing towns like Indian Trail, Troutman and Monroe, NC.