Using the Latest Technology to Improve Your Water Quality and Reduce Household Bills

As energy prices continue to rise, homeowners throughout the world are looking at ways to reduce their household energy bills.

For families living in hard water areas, energy prices are typically higher due to the accumulation of limescale on the components, in the central heating systems and hot water tanks for example. Over time, the build-up of limescale can lower water pressure in the plumbing system, ultimately leading to expensive damage to pipes and plumbing fittings. In hot water tanks the formation of limescale increases the amount of time required to heat the water and as a direct result of this, increases the overall electricity cost. Recent research has shown that 6mm of limescale can reduce energy efficiency by 40% and in hard water area, 6mm of limescale can form in pipework or in water boilers in just 2 years.

Another problem associated with hard water can be the shortened lifespan of domestic appliances, with the reduction in water flow causing the appliance to fail. The mineral build-up is more obvious in problem areas such as the bathroom or kitchen, around shower heads, sinks and baths including the plugs. Leaking valves and slowly dripping taps can cause limescale build up on sink and bath surfaces and may cause damage to the rubber washers and fittings that are required to keep the device water tight. Valves and seals that are found in various household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers can also end up with scale build-up. If small amounts of limescale build up around the valves, they may not be able to completely close, which can allow water to leak.

Using some of the latest water softener technology will significantly improve the water quality in the home and also reduce the amount of limescale, ultimately saving money in the long term.

Home water softener systems have been around for years and as time has passed, have become even more sophisticated and better at cleaning the water we use in the home. For a relatively small, one-off investment, you can save money on the energy bills each year and deliver cleaner, limescale-free water in your own home. The best route of prevention when living in a hard water area is to use a domestic water softener.

How do water softeners work? The water softener functions by allowing the hard water to pass through a tank containing small resin beads holding ‘soft’ sodium ions.  The ‘hard’ calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions, therefore softening the water.  When the beads have trapped all the hardness they are able to hold, the unit is recharged with salt brine to replace the hardness ions with sodium ions. The water softener is then ready to soften water again.

For more information on improving the quality of water in your home, speak to the experts at EcoWater Systems.