Water softener systems with filters that cover your entire home can cost around $50 a month, not including installation. With so many choices out there to improve your water quality, it’s essential to figure out what you need before picking the right system.
In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that influence the cost of a water softener system, including:
- Type of water softener
- Brand and quality
- Purchase and installation costs
- Maintenance and operating costs
The installation cost can change a lot based on what problems you have with your water. A simple softener might be enough if you only have issues with minerals like magnesium or calcium. But if you’re worried about more serious things like bacteria or chemicals, you’ll need a more complex system with extra filters, which will cost more.
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Type of Water Softener
In the current market, there are three basic types of water softeners with a proven track record:
- Ion-Exchange: This system uses a salt solution to swap sodium and potassium ions for magnesium and calcium, softening the water as it passes through.
- Salt-Free Systems: These work similarly to ion-exchange systems. However, instead of removing the magnesium and calcium that cause hard water, the minerals are changed to reduce the effects of hard water without altering the composition.
- Reverse Osmosis: This system not only softens water but also filters out a wide variety of impurities.
When using a reverse osmosis filtration system, it may be beneficial to limit it to the kitchen. These systems produce the highest quality of water with the lowest number of contaminants, but they also take longer and use more water during the filtration process. Be sure to discuss your options with a certified installer.
Brand and Quality
As with any purchase, you get what you pay for when it comes to water filtration and softening. While a reverse osmosis filter is the most effective option, it’s also the most expensive to install. However, the resulting water quality is often worth the investment.
The system you choose plays a big role in the total cost of a water softener system. For the best results, it’s often better to opt for whole-home system installation by a licensed plumber or certified installer.
Purchase and Installation Costs
Water softening systems can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000+, depending on the brand and the number of gallons it can handle before needing maintenance or replacement. Some systems can soften more than 1M gallons of water, more than the average family of four uses in about 7 years.
When you opt for a whole-home water softening system, expect to pay between $700 and $1,500+ for installation. If you want a point-of-use option just for the kitchen, installation costs are typically much lower. Reverse osmosis filtration can run upwards of $2,000 for installation, in addition to the cost of a system. However, as mentioned previously, the resulting water is some of the best you can get at home.
Maintenance and Operating Costs
After installing a water softener, expect to spend around $500 to $700 annually on replacing the salt or potassium solutions used for ion exchange. While reverse osmosis systems are more expensive to install, the operating and maintenance costs are much lower.
A reverse osmosis system uses filters and a semi-permeable membrane to trap particles and substances you don’t want in your water. So, the only regular maintenance is replacing the filter annually. Filters can cost $5 to upwards of $150 for an estimated three years’ worth.
Talk to your installer about the difference between the cost to replace a water softener versus installing a reverse osmosis filter. You can also ask when it makes sense to use both.
Have questions about water filtration and softening? Contact Celestial Solar & Water Systems for a free consultation!
Schedule a free, in-home water test to see if water softening is right for your home. At Celestial Solar & Water Systems, our factory-trained technicians offer outstanding customer service and can walk you through the available water filtration options. Call us today at 888-630-3330 or click the button below to schedule an appointment.
