When the summer season almost comes to an end, many homeowners notice an increase in their utility bills and the reason for this is not necessarily the air conditioner. It can also be due to hard water. Hard water is rich in minerals and although it isn’t harmful to drink, it can cause a lot of damage to your home. This damage can occur by the end of summer, when your appliances have already been working hard for a long time.
What Is Hard Water and Why Should You Care?
Hard water has a large amount of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up in your home’s plumbing system, appliances, and fixtures. You may not notice them initially, but over time, you may start to see white spots on your dishes, watermarks in your shower area, etc.
However, you still won’t be able to see the buildup inside your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC system. This mineral build-up can reduce the efficiency of your appliances, causing them to work harder and consume more energy, eventually leading to higher utility bills.
The Role of Hard Water
After the summer season, your appliances already undergo a lot of strain. Hard water only makes things more difficult by:
1. Reducing Water Heater Efficiency
Mineral deposits from hard water settle at the bottom of the water heater tank, creating an insulated layer that prevents water from heating up. This causes the heater to use more energy to do its job. Over time, this energy usage adds up and costs a lot.
2. Damaging HVAC Systems
Some HVAC systems use water for cooling and heating processes. When your home has a hard water supply, it can cause the HVAC system’s pipes to clog, wear out valves and make heat transfer inefficient. This can reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system and result in more frequent breakdowns and higher energy usage.
3. Overworking Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Hard water puts more pressure on dishwashers and washing machines, making it difficult for them to operate. This water makes it difficult for detergent to lather properly, causing clothes to become dull and dishes spotty. Appliances also need to run longer to get the work done, which results in higher electricity consumption.
4. Increasing Maintenance Costs
Other than higher energy bills, hard water can also reduce the lifespan of your water-using appliances. It can cause frequent breakdowns, resulting in more repairs, replacements, and maintenance visits. Thus increasing maintenance costs.
How a Water Softener Can Help
Installing a water softener can considerably improve your water quality and help you save money in the long run. These systems remove the excess minerals present in your water before they reach your pipes and appliances. With a soft water supply, your appliances can operate more efficiently and your detergent can lather better.
Get in touch with Kinetico San Antonio today to explore our range of water softening systems. Our team is always ready to help you choose the right water softener in San Antonio TX so that you can enjoy high-quality water. Call us today to learn more about our cutting-edge water filtration solutions.
