Here in Central Texas, we're no strangers to the challenges posed by hard water. With its high levels of calcium and magnesium, our tap water can affect your home and wallet. At 1st Home & Commercial Services, we understand the impact hard water can have on your home and wallet, and we're here to help you navigate the benefits of installing a water softener.
What is Hard Water and Why Should You Care?
Hard water contains a significant amount of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Austin's tap water is considered moderately hard, with an average hardness of 98 milligrams per liter or about 5.7 grains per gallon. While hard water is often praised for its taste and health benefits, such as providing essential minerals, it also has several downsides that can affect your household in multiple ways.
The Financial Impact of Hard Water
Cleaning and Personal Care: Hard water requires more soap, detergent, and cleaning products to achieve the same results as soft water. With a water softener, you can reduce these purchases by 50%, saving approximately $450 annually.
Gas and Electric Use: Scale buildup from hard water acts as an insulator, causing your water heater to work harder and less efficiently and could lead to higher energy bills. By using soft water, you can save around $60 a year on energy costs.
Washable Items: Hard water makes clothes, towels, and linens feel stiff and lose their original softness. Soft water not only improves the feel and appearance of your laundry but also extends the lifespan of these items, saving you about $200 annually.
Plumbing and Appliances: Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, leading to clogs and reduced efficiency. This can shorten the lifespan of appliances by 30-50%. With a water softener, you can save around $90 per year on repair and replacement costs.
Total potential savings per year: $800
Beyond Cost Savings: The Everyday Benefits of Soft Water
Cleaner Dishes and Laundry: Soft water prevents the mineral buildup that can leave spots on dishes and make clothes look dull. Your laundry will be brighter and softer, and your dishes will sparkle.
Softer Skin and More Manageable Hair: Hard water can leave your skin feeling dry and your hair feeling unmanageable. Soft water helps maintain your skin's natural oils and makes hair shinier and silkier.
Extended Appliance Lifespan: Appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines will operate more efficiently and last longer without the strain of mineral buildup.
Why Choose 1st Home & Commercial Services?
At 1st Home & Commercial Services, we've been offering trusted plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical services throughout Austin and the surrounding areas for over 10 years. Our technicians pride themselves on professionalism, performance, and a commitment to customer service.
If you have hard water, it's essential to consider the benefits of a water softener. Not only will it save you money in the long run, switching can improve your quality of life by making cleaning easier, extending the lifespan of your appliances, and providing softer skin and hair.
Call us today at 1st Home & Commercial Services to discuss the best water softener options for your home. Let's make sure your plumbing system is in top shape and your family enjoys the benefits of soft water.