Recommendations for Water Conditioner and Humidifier

[TechBoyJK]

GF and I bought a house and I'd like to add a humidifier and water conditioner.

We both have problems with dry sinuses and are constantly using humidifiers in the house, especially during winter. I'd like to add a basic humidifier to the central HVAC so that I'm not constantly having to fill up tubs of water.

And on a similar note, we both have problems with dry skin and our current house has really bad hard water. I've been using a hard water filter on our shower head, but I have to replace the filters constantly, and I'd prefer to have the water condition/softener integrated into the water system.


Considering this unit for Water Conditioner
http://www.lowes.com/pd_416876-43353-WHES44___?productId=3824565&pl=1&Ntt=water+softener


not quite sure what to get or where to look for a humidifier. Almost everything I find is a stand alone unit.

 

[DrPizza]

Nothing negative to say about the water softener you selected. They're pretty straightforward in how they work. Fairly simple to install, as well.

 

[boomerang]

not quite sure what to get or where to look for a humidifier. Almost everything I find is a stand alone unit.

Wat?

http://www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/whole-house-products/humidifier

Go crazy.

 

[boomerang]

I hate to see people buy water softeners like that when there are better options.

Q: Why, what's the matter with it?

A: A twin tank water softener has many advantages versus a single tank. Who makes the valve? Does that softener have the correct capacity for the hardness and minerals present in my water?

Q: Why should I buy a twin tank water softener?

A: Because a twin tank softener that regenerates based on water usage does not require a clock that will need to be reset. Additionally, there will always be softened water available. When the system is regenerating on one tank, the other tank is providing softened water. The softener can regenerate at any time based on water usage not a timer. It's a real PITA to find that there was an extended power failure while you were gone and that because you forgot to reset the clock on your softener that it is regenerating while showers are being taken in the morning. Especially when you realize that the hot water heater is being replenished with unsoftened water and that it will take the better part of a week or more to get soft water coming out of the taps again.

Q: But a single tank model is cheaper - I think.

A: A twin tank softener can pay for itself in water and salt savings especially if you plan to stay in the home for a period of time. Plus, it may cost the same or less when it is properly sized for your water conditions.

Q:What is the most important thing to consider when buying a softener?

A: The valve. The tanks, the resin, the brine tank and float are secondary and in some cases not even something that should factor into the decision. The valve controls everything and parts availability and it being able to be rebuilt using new seals and the like will ensure that you will have a softener that will last for many, many years.

Q: Who makes the best valves?

A: Fleck is considered one of the best if not the best.

Q: What do you mean about the capacity as it relates to hardness and my current water quality?

A: A system that is sized for your water based on the hardness, the amount of iron present, the PH and other factors will give you the best water for the least cost of consumables. A softener that is tailored to your water conditions will run only as required using the least amount of water for regeneration and the least amount of salt. It is disappointing to find that you must run your softener frequently or once a week based on a timer when it either does not have the correct capacity or it has too much capacity.

Q: I'd like to do some more research. Where can I look?

A: ohiopurewater.com

Maybe this will be better than my typing out a wall of text again. Softener questions come up here quite a bit.

 

[ng12345]

Just did a search and this information is great. Is Fleck still considered one of the better brands ( I see it is available for purchase on Amazon). Otherwise, it seems like there are a lot of brands out there and everyone says its the best (of course)!

What is a reasonable spend including install when we are looking at a tank that can handle 33-48000 grain? (Hardness of 8 for 3 people)

 

[mizzou]

I had a whole house water filter installed and a water softener. Its been a huge improvement.

Jusy my 2 cents...keep one outside spigot and your refrigerator water line OFF the softener. Some people hate the taste and its terrible water for plants. But having one spigot on a softener is good for washing your car

 

[postmortemIA]

My Fleck unit has been trouble free for 7 years. Just keep adding salt, and that's it.
If you water your lawn, you'll have to keep off softener from the outside faucet.